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Chapter 19: EMDR Therapy With Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Clients

DOI:

10.1891/9780826163424.0019

Authors

  • O’Brien, John M.

Abstract

This chapter reviews the unique elements of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with gays/lesbians/bisexuals. Lesbians and gay men are more likely than heterosexuals to present for mental health treatment and are more likely to experience trauma. Stigma/discrimination and deficits in social support likely increase the incidence of psychological disorders. The chapter outlines the experiences of oppression of sexual minorities and reviews how EMDR therapy might be used to help clients heal. Microaggressions are subtle insults that are delivered through dismissive looks, gestures, and tones that are often directed toward people of color. In the mid-1970s, homosexuality was removed as an official mental health diagnosis. Some gays/lesbians grow up in religions that are welcoming and affirming faith communities for sexual minorities. AIDS was initially known as gay-related immune deficiency (GRID) as it was first diagnosed in the United States among homosexual men.