Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men

Jeffrey N. Chernin, Ph.D., is the Clinic Director for Campion Counseling Center, a project of Ocean Park Community Services, in Santa Monica, California. He began a psychotherapy internship in Dallas in 1992, became a Licensed Professional Coun-selor in 1994, and earned a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Services from the University of North Texas in 1996. After moving to California in 1998, he obtained a Marriage and Family Therapist license in 2001. Jeff has taught several college courses, including Psychology of the Lesbian and Gay Experience, led workshops on counseling lesbians and gay men, communication, conflict resolution, stress management, and crystal methamphetamine use among gay and bisexual men. In addition to individual and couples therapy, Jeff has facilitated psychotherapy groups and several kinds of support groups on subjects related to coming out, chemical dependency, having HIV/AIDS, and being HIV-negative. His published work includes professional journal articles on psychotherapy and columns and articles on health-related topics for LGBT periodicals. He is also in private practice. Melissa R. Johnson received her Ph.D. in School and Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University. She has conducted workshops and presentations for local, state, and national conferences focusing on the parenting, relationship, and identity issues of lesbians and gay men. Previously the Director of Counseling for a non-profit counseling center serving lesbians and gay men in Dallas, Texas, she currently works as the Director of General Studies and Academic Services for the Art Institute of Dallas. She has also been working in private practice since 1994.

Preface Part I: Lesbian and Gay Life: Definitions, Coming Out, and Identity Development 1. Terminology and Identity Development 2. Youth, Elderly, Ethnic Minority, and Lesbian and Gay Subcultures Part II: Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling in Individual, Couple, and Group Modalities 3. Creating the Foundation for Affirmative Psychotherapy 4. Affirmative Individual Psychotherapy 5. Treatment Issues for Couples and Families 6. Group Psychotherapy and Support Groups for Lesbians and Gay Men 7. Ethical and Legal Considerations for Affirmative Psychotherapy Appendix: Resources for Lesbian and Gay Male Clients References Index