Just Say Gay: An Exploration of Authenticity and Connection; Queer Identified Therapists’ Lived Experiences of Identity-Based Self-Disclosure

Author

Courtney Dunne, University of DenverFollow

Date of Award

Summer 8-24-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Organizational Unit

Morgridge College of Education, Counseling Psychology

First Advisor

Ruth Chu-Lien Chao

Second Advisor

Lisa Brownstone

Third Advisor

P. Bruce Urmacher

Fourth Advisor

D-L Stewart

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Therapist self-disclosure, Queer identity, Anti-DEI legislation, LGBTQ+ metal health, Phenomenological qualitative inquiry

Abstract

The current sociopolitical climate in the United States continues to reinforce the complexities and nuances that mental health providers face when facilitating therapy. Over the past few years, anti-DEI legislation has aimed to control the narrative in educational and therapeutic settings regarding what therapists and educators are permitted to teach and share about themselves (Flannery, 2024). At the same time, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric continues to dominate the media and further marginalizes individuals whom are in the queer community. In turn, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face an increased risk for homelessness, substance use disorders, and suicide, which particularly has impacted LGBTQ+ youth (Meyer, 2003). Thus, it is crucial for mental health practitioners to understand the specific needs of the queer community to inform the therapeutic interventions that are utilized during therapy sessions with queer individuals. This study used a phenomenological qualitative inquiry to explore therapist self-disclosure of a queer identity to a queer identified client. Eight queer identified therapists participated in a semi-structured interview about their experiences with disclosing a queer identity to a queer client during therapy.

Copyright Date

8-2024

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Courtney Dunne

Provenance

Received from Author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

104 pgs

File Size

600 KB

Recommended Citation

Dunne, Courtney, "Just Say Gay: An Exploration of Authenticity and Connection; Queer Identified Therapists’ Lived Experiences of Identity-Based Self-Disclosure" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2489.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2489