Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician: The Essential Guide [Hardcover]

Joe Kort (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393704971 | ISBN-13: 978-0393704976 | Publication Date: March 17, 2008

All the answers straight clinicians need to work effectively with gay and lesbian clients.

It has been over three decades since the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality as a category of deviant behavior from the DSM. Same-sex marriage is recognized in certain states, gay-straight alliances are springing up in high schools across the country, and major religious denominations are embracing gay clergy. Yet despite the sea change of attitudes toward homosexuality, many well-meaning straight therapists are still at a loss as to how to effectively counsel their gay and lesbian clients. This book will offer straight therapists the tools they need to counsel gay and lesbian clients effectively.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An important read for therapists-in-training as well as clinicians working with gay and lesbian clients." (Laura Berman, LCSW, PhD, author of The Passion Presciption: 10 Weeks to Your Best Sex Ever) REVIEW: Avoiding politically correct sermonizing[,]....Refreshingly direct and clinically practical, this is one of the most readable and nuanced books about therapy. (Jette Simon, Clinical Psychologist and Director, The Washington D.C. Training Institute for Couples Therapy) REVIEW: The book's value...is its humanization of therapy, challenging us to face our demons and accept the fact of difference. (Harville Hendrix, PhD, co-founder of Imago Relationship Therapy, and author of Receiving Love: Transform Your Relationship By Letting Yourself Be Loved)

Avoiding politically correct sermonizing[,]....Refreshingly direct and clinically practical, this is one of the most readable and nuanced books about therapy.

Review

Avoiding politically correct sermonizing[,]....Refreshingly direct and clinically practical, this is one of the most readable and nuanced books about therapy.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (March 17, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393704971
• ISBN-13: 978-0393704976
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW is an openly gay psychotherapist. Dr. Kort specializes in clinical sexology providing sex therapy, IMAGO Relationship Therapy for gay, lesbian and heterosexual couples, gay affirmative therapy, sexual addiction and childhood sexual abuse.

Dr. Kort is the author of:

"10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Lives" published by Alyson Books
"10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Find Real Love" published by Alyson Books
"Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician: The Essential Guide" published by Norton Books.

A chapter written by Dr. Kort on straight men who have sex with men can be found in the book, "Mending A Shattered Life" by Stephanie Carnes, PhD.

He facilitates IMAGO Relationship Therapy weekend workshops for couples based on the book, "Getting The Love You Want: A Guide for Couples" and Singles "Keeping The Love You Find: A Guide for Singles", by Dr. Harville Hendrix.

Dr. Kort also facilitate workshops for gay men on sexuality, sexual behavior, sexual fantasies and sexual intimacy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential guidebook for the straight clinician, June 1, 2008

By 

Eleanor D. Payson (MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician: The Essential Guide (Hardcover)

Joe Kort's powerful book sheds light on the great suffering that has been imposed on those of a different sexual orientation and he offers the understanding and guidance (whether we are therapists or not) to help in the healing of this suffering. Kort walks the reader through the many confused, conflicted and prejudicial constructs that have played a role in what he aptly calls "covert cultural sexual abuse," sensitizing the reader to the impact of this abuse on the lives of so many. With clarity and constructive wisdom he educates the straight therapist towards a more informed, compassionate and supportive role when working with the gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered client. This book is a must read for all straight therapists.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joe Kort's book is well written, April 17, 2009

By 

Tammy Nelson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician: The Essential Guide (Hardcover)

Joe Kort's book is a well written, well rounded and thoroughly researched text on how to treat gay couples. All therapists can benefit from this book. The case examples are perfect illustrations and the research is timely and up to date. I would like to note that for the reader there is a warning from the author to the straight clinician that regardless of how good our intentions are, we may have been doing this work all wrong. I think the author may be right.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative, October 6, 2008

By 

Sally K. Palaian (Bingham Farms,, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gay Affirmative Therapy for the Straight Clinician: The Essential Guide (Hardcover)

This book is invaluable for straight peoole who counsel the gay and lesbian population. It provided very useful information and gave me a new openness and compassion for psychological issues faced by gays/lesbians. There's clinical information, case studies, and it's written in a very easy to understand language. Thank you for this important book.