IngentaConnect Building Healthy Self Identity in Gays and Lesbians: A Satir Appr...

Abstract:

This article examines the impact of heterosexism and homophobia on the development of self-identity in gays and lesbians and explores the treatment of the subsequent internalized homophobia that is experienced to some degree by most gays and lesbians. In that process of healing, Dr Carlock also emphasizes that focusing on the formation and assimilation of healthy core beliefs drawn from positive experiences is essential to the recovery of a strong core sense of self.

The author demonstrates how concepts and processes of the Satir Model may be used to bring about this transformation of self-identity. Dr. Carlock describes a treatment process which includes three prongs:

• Building awareness of positive and negative core beliefs and values individuals hold about gays and lesbians and awareness of how the individual has coped with being gay or lesbian;

• Assimilating support of both internal and interpersonal resources and processing positive and negative experiences related to being gay or lesbian;

• Transforming negative experiences related to being gay or lesbian and the faulty conclusions drawn from these experiences.

Included in the text are numerous short vignettes which illustrate concepts related to the treatment, as well as discussion of how specific tools in the model (e.g., iceberg, family maps, life chronology, sculpting, circle of support, and the self-esteem tool-kit) can be used to facilitate transformation.

This article is reprinted with permission by Dr. John Banmen, editor, Applications of the Satir Model (2006) Avanta: The Virginia Satir Model.

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Building Healthy Self Identity in Gays and Lesbians: A Satir Approach