Homosexuality: how therapists can help?

The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1974. Before that, for more than a century, homosexuality and bisexuality were assumed to be mental illnesses. Studies have shown that there is no difference between homosexual and heterosexual individuals with regard to psychological functioning. However, an effect of stress related to stigmatisation was observed in the cases of homosexuality. Such kind of stress may increase the risk of suicide attempts, substance abuse, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and emotional distress. Findings of researches have suggested that there is a need for better education and training of mental health practitioners in this area. Therefore, in the present paper, few cases of homosexuality are discussed in the context of effect of stigmatisation and aspects of intimate relationships in these individuals. Further, the role of psychologists/professionals as therapists in providing their help to homosexual clients has also been presented.