Focusing on the pragmatic aspects of social work with gay and lesbian persons, this book offers a knowledge base of practice that will better prepare students and practitioners for working more competently and effectively with lesbians and gay men. Written by scholars and practitioners in the social work profession, Foundations of Social Work Practice with Lesbian and Gay Persons teaches you how to develop practice approaches that are sensitive to issues of sexual orientation as well as how to work with this population in the contexts of practice with individuals, couples, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The book's sensible strategies and case studies provide you with critical information that will help you deal with homophobia and heterocentrism and enact a professional commitment to pursuing economic and social equality for diverse and at-risk client populations.A foundation-level text on social work practice with gays and lesbians, this book is designed to provide social work students, academics, and practitioners with an understanding of the values and ethics fundamental to practice with this group of clients. Foundations of Social Work Practice with Lesbian and Gay Persons summarizes the variety of issues, dynamics, and techniques required to work effectively with gay and lesbian clients who are at different points in their development and life cycles. To further help you in your practice, it also discusses:


providing skilled professional assistance to gay victims of hate crimes

how homophobia can prevent lesbians and gay men from receiving adequate services

the obstacles social workers sometimes face when trying to integrate the core set of professional values and ethical principles into their practice

practitioner self-disclosure regarding sexual identity

developmental milestones for lesbian and gay persons

alcohol and substance abuse among lesbians

family therapy concepts of fusion and enmeshment

same gender socialization

assessing issues of sexual expressionCounselors