Comments on: Misconceptions about the Sexual Identity Therapy framework

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:25:17 +0000

Warren: I have noticed that on your blog, you frequently complain about "misconceptions" regarding your SIT guidelines. I wonder... Why do you suppose there are so many misconceptions? Is it just thst people don't want to understand, that they are deliberately misrepresenting you, that they assume you are still connected to reparative therapists, quacks and crackpots -- or could it be that you are just not doing a very good job of explaining them?

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:47:37 +0000

Perhaps you should shift your focus to toughening the Human Sexuality education requirements in your state.

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:35:37 +0000

Warren, Wow! Your school must have really sucked if you had “no class in sexual identity or orientation issues in school.” Who did they think you would be treating? Crash test dummies? Human sexuality courses were required towards my Master’s degree and ongoing, continuing education on human sexuality is also required to renew my license.
What I am saying is that I don’t think your SIT guidelines are needed since all therapists are bound by personal and professional ethics to treat each patient with dignity and respect. You still haven’t convince me that YOUR guidelines are needed.

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:22:51 +0000

It is still a specialized topic. And I’m sorry – unless you have practice in it (such as dealing with suicidal patients who are particular in their issues and treatment approaches) then these guidelines are a good idea – because those who are needing to resolve conflict need specialized treatment that doesn’t always move the client towards accepting homosexuality.
Jayhuck,
You missed the point. the point was – when you are directly asked about yourself you speak with certainty. How does a person measure that certainty? You can only go with what the client says. In other words, I take you on your word. Over time, that may change as the client explores more thoughts and options. And that is for the client to find without pushing or pulling from the therapist. And for those who think homosexuality is religiously acceptable and their client does not – then I warn you – beware of your biases. It is easy to convince yourself that you are totally right and what is right for you is right for your client. If you fail to explore other opinions and options for treatment then you fail your clients. That is not ethical. I interviewed a few counselors (drs, mfts, etc…) most were – before anything came out of my mouth about my own opinion on the matter – saying things like – I work with gay people – it is perfectly acceptable to live as a lesbian. Sorry. The majority of counselors need more training on the issue and I think the SIT guidelines are a good start.

By: Warren

Warren — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:59:33 +0000

Then perhaps we need no guidelines, Michael.
I had no class in sexual identity or orientation issues in school. I was blessed to have an advisor in my MA program who specialized in these areas and I learned a lot via supervision with him but these issues are not regularly discussed in grad school.
From what I hear from our undergrads who go on to grad school, the situation is not much different now.