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We will endeavor to outline LGBT cultural competency training, both the reasons for it and a broad outline of its curriculum. We hope to demonstrate not only the enormity of LGBT issues, but also the importance for all therapists to be familiarized with them, and how to utilize LGBT-affirmative therapy in order to clinically treat LGBT people in an ethical and effective manner.

As the backbone of our presentation, we will be using the “Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients,” published by Division 44 of the American Psychological Association, in 2000. APA’s Division 44 is the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues.

Division 44 published these sixteen guidelines nine years ago. Virtually nothing has been done with them. Specifically, they advise LGB issues and how to perform LGBaffirmative psychotherapy be included in graduate school curricula, as well as part of psychologists’ continuing education.

We all know that graduate school curricula are woefully inadequate when it comes to LGBT issues. And, evidently, the continuing education business does not see LGBT issues as profitable. When was the last time you received a flyer offering such a workshop or class? Clearly, LGBT issues need to be mandated as required for such classes to be offered.

A mandated LGBT issues class would benefit both straight and gay therapists. Many straight therapists see gay clients. How can they do that without the fundamental knowledge of gay issues and culture? What does the only therapist in a small town in California do when a gay person presents themself for help?

If the BOP were to mandate a required LGBTaffirmative class, such classes would soon proliferate throughout the state, and every therapist, in both large cities and small towns, could be easily informed.

By mandating LGBTaffirmative psychotherapy education, the BOP would be bringing both straight and gay therapists together in these classes. Together, they will openly learn and discuss how to treat heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia as well as a number of other LGBT issues such as coming out, identity development, low self esteem, addition and recovery, treating clients with HIV/AIDS and cultural competency to name a few. Think of the healing effect that this will have on both parties. Homophobia and heterosexism could be ameliorated on both sides. Think of the healing effect that this will have on both parties. Homophobia will be mollified on both sides.

This will embolden gay therapists. For some of them, who are closeted, they will be encouraged to step out, for the first time, and participate fully in their profession. What could be more harmful to an LGBT client than a closeted therapist? What can be more harmful than a therapist, even an LGBT one, who doesn't know how to sensitively and compassionately affirm their client's sexual orientation and/or identity?

LGBT culturally competent therapists benefit their clients and their communities by providing effective affirmative psychotherapy with LGBT people and their extended families. This improves relationships and lives and reduces mental health problems, relationship crises, and domestic violence.

On Sunday, April 19, 2009, Liliane Quon McCain, MFT, hosted a wine-and-cheese LAGPA social/educational event in her home. Dr. Watkins and his committee used this event as a dress rehearsal for their presentation to BOP in May.

LAGPA members attending this event posed as the BOP and listened to the presentation, taking advantage of the opportunity to give feedback, make suggestions, and offering themselves to participate in this historical and pioneering event.

Here is a sample of what they heard, and what the Board of Psychology will eventually hear. This is the introduction to our presentation:

“On behalf of the Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapy Association of Southern California, I want to thank you for having us here, today, to make our proposal. We are honored and privileged to address you.

“I am reminded of 1971, when homosexuality was still considered a mental illness and was oftentimes treated with aversive conditioning - better known as electric shock behavior therapy. Dr. Frank Kameny, and his activist cohorts from the Washington D.C. Mattachine society, invaded the American Psychiatric Association’s annual convention.

“As protesters stormed the Convocation of Fellows, Frank Kameny grabbed a microphone, and declared:

‘Psychiatry is the enemy incarnate. Psychiatry has waged a relentless war of extermination against us. You may take this as a declaration of war against you.’

“My, my, my…how things have changed! My own life is a testament to that change. In 1971, I was a psychology intern at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA, deeply closeted in a straight marriage. And now, today, I stand before you as a clinical psychologist in private practice and a member of the board of the Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapy Association. I do not see you as the enemy. Instead, I see you as colleagues that can lead the way to improving the lives of LGBT people and their therapists in California.

“And yet, I come in the vigorous spirit of Frank Kameny. I know that our proposal can seem as outrageous as Kameny’s was thirty-eight years ago. But, we are not here to make war. We are here to inform and to plead.

“We believe it is time for the Board of Psychology to mandate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues as a required continuing education class, on a ONE-TIME basis.

“Today, we will endeavor to outline LGBT cultural competency training, both the reasons for it and a broad outline of its curriculum.

“We will start very simply, with: “Guideline 1: Psychologists understand that homosexuality and bisexuality are not indicative of mental illness.” And our presentation goes on from there. Those of you who attended our “dress rehearsal,” we thank you for your feedback as we work to integrate your ideas into the presentation and continue to make it even better.

Bruce Watkins, Ph.D.

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