Part A
As I intend to build a secure and comfortable environment for all women, regardless of identification, LGBTQ+ included, I admit that the unwelcoming atmosphere and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is a challenge I have experienced. This has happened in a small environment, my interactions, or broader social contexts.
One tangible event I recall vividly is when a client who has a non-binary gender identity told () me about the way (s)he was not treated right by someone who is their family member when they met during Christmas. The closer family member consistently made unintentional gendered mistakes and was not willing to respect the client’s identity. The client and the counselor spoke to me as I stood between them. I felt terrible and frustrated regarding the situation. It was a scene where I was not the one to act with such microaggression, but I realized how I should be sensitive and supportive of my clients when they are dealing with such behavior.
Due to those kinds of situations, during my everyday work with clients, I have learned to focus on listening to their experiences, acknowledge how they feel, and help them believe that they can express their real feelings. Moreover, I have obtained a bowlful of knowledge on the affairs of LGBTQ people through the readings as they gave insight into the Microaggression Process Model, which shows how microaggressions have the power to harm those who are affected by them.
Incorporating past experiences and present situations, I must acknowledge my own personal views, ideas, and reactions to improve my work consistently. An intersectional relational approach suggested by Addison and Coolhart (2015) may help me get better at helping LGBTQ+ clients. This approach examines how a simple human being’s family life, social engagement, and cultural background affect their overall experiences at the domestic, social, and cultural levels.
Moreover, this requires personal reflection, self-learning, as well as thriving to advocate against these systemic injustices and build a more accessible and supportive world for LGBTQ+ people not only in the therapy sessions but also outside the companies. Through ongoing professional development, I will strive to enhance the aid delivered and write off the fear and one’s negative feelings by supporting a varied population of clients with various sexual orientations and gender identities.
Part B
Peer Response
The outcome of your dissection of microaggressive issues toward LGBTQ+ people in therapy is quite insightful. It manifests your dedication to creating a safe and warm therapeutic environment for everyone. One question to deepen your reflection might be: How do you handle conditions when these micro-aggressions should be addressed but are limited to the client’s involved family or social circle, and they voluntarily or defensively use resistance against you?
Research proves that counselors should not underestimate microaggressions but instead consider their impacts on the people expressing their orientation, as Sue and Spanierman (2020) demonstrated in their book on microaggressions in everyday life. Moreover, Knudson-Martin and Mahoney have discussed the triangle power structure among intimate partners in their work (2009). Therapists need to be aware of the dynamics of power and challenge oppressive beliefs and behaviors.
From my experience, the most crucial lesson learned is developing a therapeutic partnership in which clients actively participate and leverage the opportunities to work through life challenges. An essential element in addressing microaggressions is working on open communication and building “relationships” based on trust. Clients may feel more confident in themselves and generate communication to help them voice their discomfort and advocate for themselves in their social networks.
In sync with your approach, I propose that role-playing or experiential games be included in therapy sessions as ways of helping clients acquire assertiveness practicum and set boundaries during challenging scenarios. Also, supplying information to clients and their families about microaggressions’ influence and how to encourage inclusivity within their social circles can bring more agreement and support from the people within the circles.
Conclusively, through an endeavor where psychology services engage in these themes and a procedure that involves techniques to combat microaggressions, the therapist will be crucial in the entire process of improving Health, strength, and a safe space for LGBTQ+ persons in all communities.
References
Sue, D. W., & Spanierman, L. B. (2020). Microaggressions in everyday life (2nd ed.). Wiley.ISBN9781119513797.https://wwwpsychotherapynet.acu.idm.oclc.org/stream/acu/video?vid=278
Addison, S. M., & Coolhart, D. (2015). Expanding the therapy paradigm with queer couples: A relational intersectional lens Links to an external site. Family Process, 54(3), 435–453. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12171
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