2. Student Population Counselors in the school system must be aware of the many types of students and issues that will be dealt with Gay Straight Lesbian Bisexual Transgender
3. Counseling Approach Know where the client is in terms of acceptance with their sexual orientation With this knowledge, counselors can better identify with the problems the client might be facing Treatment for homosexual clients should be the same as any other client Become aware of the social and developmental norms students are facing
4. Counseling Approach Depending on the stage the client is in, they will be going through different struggles Counselors should focus on the strength these individuals possess and reiterate their worthiness of acceptance, rather than focusing on the negative
5. Common Disruptions Become aware of the social and developmental norms students are facing, as well as the common disruptions they may be dealing with: Identity confusion Anxiety and depression suicidal ideation and behavior Academic failure Substance abuse Physical, sexual, and verbal abuse Homelessness Prostitution STD/HIV infection
6. Stages of Acceptance Six stages through which homosexuals go progress when dealing with their orientation: Identity awareness Identity comparison Identity tolerance Identity acceptance Identity pride Identity synthesis
7. Institutional Changes Responsibility of the counselor to ensure appropriate institutional changes are being made to accommodate LGBT students’ needs and provide a safer environment Familiarize themselves with the needs and counseling issues of LGBT clients and use non-stigmatizing and affirming mental health, educational, and community resources
8. Positive Interventions and Support Furthering education for teachers Bulletin board with resources for students Implement a comprehensive no bullying policy Organizing awareness groups or programs Gay-Straight Alliance Support Groups
9. Resources Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC) Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Gay-Straight Alliance Network
10. References Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling. (2009). Competencies for counseling with transgender clients. Alexandria, VA: Author. Diaz, E. and Kosciw, J. (2009). Shared Differences: The Experiences of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, and Transgender Students of Color in Our Nation’s Schools. New York: GLSEN. GLSEN. (2011). School Climate in Texas (Research Brief). New York: GLSEN. GLSEN. (2010). 2009 National School Climate Survey: Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT Students Experience Harassment in School. Heffner, L. Christopher (2003). Counseling the gay and lesbian client: treatment issues and conversation therapy. AllPsyc Journal, 1-5.
