Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Affirmative Counseling Self-Efficacy Inventory (LGB-CSI)

Directly apply sexual orientation/identity development theory in my clinical interventions with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients.

Directly apply my knowledge of the coming out process with LGB clients.

Identify specific mental health issues associated with the coming out process.

Understand the socially constructed nature of categories and identities such as lesbian, bisexual, gay, and heterosexual.

Explain the impact of gender role socialization on a client’s sexual orientation/identity development.

Apply existing American Psychological Association guidelines regarding LGB-affirmative counseling practices.

Use current research findings about LGB clients’ critical issues in the counseling process.

Assist LGB clients to develop effective strategies to deal with heterosexism and homophobia.

Evaluate counseling theories for appropriateness in working with an LGB client’s presenting concerns.

Help a client identify sources of internalized homophobia and/or biphobia.

Select affirmative counseling techniques and interventions when working with LGB clients.

Assist in the development of coping strategies to help same-sex couples who experience different stages in their individual coming out processes.

Facilitate an LGB-affirmative counseling/support group.

Recognize when my own potential heterosexist biases may suggest the need to refer an LGB client to an LGB-affirmative counselor.

Examine my own sexual orientation/identity development process.

Identify the specific areas in which I may need continuing education and supervision regarding LGB issues.

Identify my own feelings about my own sexual orientation and how it may influence a client.

Recognize my real feelings versus idealized feelings in an effort to be more genuine and empathic with LGB clients.

Provide a list of LGB-affirmative community resources, support groups, and social networks to a client.

Refer an LGB client to affirmative social services in cases of estrangement from their families of origin.

Refer LGB clients to LGB-affirmative legal and social supports.

Provide a client with city, state, federal, and institutional ordinances and laws concerning civil rights of LGB individuals.

Help a same-sex couple access local LGB-affirmative resources and support.

Refer an LGB elderly client to LGB-affirmative living accommodations and other social services.

Refer an LGB client with religious concerns to an LGB-affirmative clergy member.

Integrate clinical data (e.g., mental status exam, intake assessments, presenting concern) of an LGB client.

Complete an assessment for a potentially abusive same-sex relationship in an LGB-affirmative manner.

Assess for post-traumatic stress felt by LGB victims of hate crimes based on their sexual orientations/identities.

Assess the role of alcohol and drugs on LGB clients’ social, interpersonal, and intrapersonal functioning.

Establish an atmosphere of mutual trust and affirmation when working with LGB clients.

Normalize an LGB client’s feelings during different points of the coming out process.

Establish a safe space for LGB couples to explore parenting.