The Hybrid Case Study of "Adam": Perspectives from Behavioral Activation and the Influence of Heteronormativity on LGB-Affirmative Therapy

Authors

  • Christopher R. Martell

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14713/pcsp.v10i2.1853

Keywords:

LGB-affirmative therapy, behavioral activation, sexual minorities, sexual stigma, heteronormativity, case study, clinical case study

Abstract

In the hybrid case of "Adam," Mandel (2014) has provided an example of a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatment for a depressed, gay, man who is in the process of coming out and disclosing his sexual identity.  Affirmative therapies, however, are practiced within a broader context of a culture that presumes that heterosexuality is the norm by which sexual minorities are compared.  This commentary suggests an alternative approach to the comprehensive CBT approach, with a briefer behavioral activation treatment possibility.  Also, areas wherein a well-meaning, knowledgeable and skilled therapist still made possible missteps because of the influence of the overall heteronormative culture are discussed.

 

 

Author Biography

Christopher R. Martell

Can Fishman, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief, Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy Professor of Clinical and Organizational Psychology Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Rutgers University Mailing address: 57 Jaffray Court Irvington, NY 10533 914-693-8549 fax: 603-917-2567 email: dfish96198@aol.com

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Published

2014-08-10

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Case Study

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