This timely volume explores the unique challenges faced by sexual minority (SM) and transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) clients today. Experts in the field examine how the concepts of gender and sexual orientation are both socioculturally-constructed and can be informed by biologically focused research, thus setting the stage for flexible, affirmative mental health services.

Chapters cover a range of practice-focused as well as theory-based topics, including complexity in identity, minority stress, and stigma management. With concise summaries of research findings and detailed case studies, contributors provide an intersectional understanding of how practitioners can work within rapidly changing political and legal contexts to uncover and affirm clients’ multiple social identities, and build resilience.

Review

This work provides readers with a greater understanding of ways to improve counseling for LGBTQ individuals.

― Choice

Review

The editors have brought together a compilation of well-researched, carefully crafted chapters addressing the newest developments in understanding and working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. By moving to a broader conceptualization of sexual minority and gender nonconforming identities, theory and practice are changing to make sure that no individual "falls through the cracks," regardless of the complexity of their identity. This volume follows in the highly esteemed footsteps of the other works on the topic by these editors and provides the next logical extension of evolving theory and clinical practice in working with sexual minority and gender diverse individuals.

-- Beth Firestein, PhD, independent practice, Inner Source Psychotherapy, Loveland, CO

About the Author

Kurt A. DeBord, PhD , is a professor of psychology at Lincoln University, a historically Black university in Jefferson City, Missouri. He conducts and presents research with students on topics that are of primary interest to his students. He has earned the Governor's Award for Outstanding Teaching at Lincoln. In addition, he conducts a private counseling practice in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. DeBord works with a diverse set of clients, including many from the sexual minority, transgender, and gender nonconforming communities. He is a member of the Transgender Health Network in Mid-Missouri.

Ann R. Fischer, PhD , spent two decades as a faculty member in APA-accredited graduate programs in counseling psychology, most recently in the Department of Psychology at Southern Illinois University. Over the years, she and her students have published a number of studies involving core questions about how gender, sexuality, and culture are infused with issues of power and identity. A fellow of APA Division 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women), she has taught a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in both psychology and women, gender, and sexuality studies. As she transitions out of academia, Dr. Fischer enjoys freelance writing and editing, as well as creative work in photography and music.

Kathleen J. Bieschke, PhD , is a professor of education (counseling psychology) at Pennsylvania State University, head of the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, and a licensed psychologist. She earned her PhD in counseling psychology from Michigan State University. Dr. Bieschke's research focuses on the provision of services to members of underrepresented populations, particularly those who identify as members of sexual or gender minorities. Dr. Bieschke is also actively involved with the Center for Collegiate Mental Health. She recently served as the associate editor of the journal Training and Education in Professional Psychology, and she is currently a commissioner and chair of APA's Commission on Accreditation. Dr. Bieschke was named a fellow for two divisions of APA (Division 17 — Society of Counseling Psychology; and Division 44 — Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues).

Ruperto M. Perez, PhD , is director of the Counseling Center and adjunct assistant professor in the School of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a licensed psychologist in Georgia and Florida and is credentialed with the National Register Health Service Providers in Psychology. He has authored various publications and programs and provided consultation in the areas of diversity and inclusion and counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients. Dr. Perez is a fellow of APA (Division 17 — Society of Counseling Psychology; and Division 44 — Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues), a Diamond Honoree Award Recipient of the American College Personnel Association, and a member of the Asian American Psychological Association and the Georgia Psychological Association.