What are the experiences of gender and sexuality diverse (GSD) therapists who work in university counselling services? How does this link to psychosocial assumptions made around matching therapist to client?
The research explores what are the experiences of gender and sexuality diverse (GSD) therapists in university counselling services? How does this link to psychosocial assumptions made around matching therapist to client? It seeks to demonstrate how this links to and impacts psychosocial assumptions around matching therapist and client in this setting. The current landscape of working in the sector and coming from a marginalised and minoritised group will be outlined. Links will be made to psychosocial assumptions made around matching therapist to client. In this research I will explore and highlight some experiences of GSD therapists who come from marginalised groups who may experience minority stress, within their own institutions. Understanding their experiences will help inform the research. I will consider why this is important. I aim to demonstrate matching clients and therapists around GSD is complex and may be clinically beneficial. Conversely, this research may demonstrate where this has been contraindicative to the work. That to assume similarity when there is so much difference, might negatively impact both therapist and client. Making psychosocial assumptions about similarity and difference in the matching process of therapist to client may be detrimental. The setting and structure (of the university service) will be carefully considered.
Are you a therapist who identifies as gender and sexuality diverse (GSD)? Do you or have you worked in a university counselling service? Are you interested in contributing to a study that addresses a significant gap in the literature around this area of practice? My study will add to the understanding of how therapist experiences of being GSD may impact on our clinical work in relation to the psychosocial assumptions of matching therapist and client.
If you are interested in finding out more about how you can participate in this doctoral
research, and have any questions please email me, Jo Levy, at: j.levy@essex.ac.uk
Please see flyer here.