The Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Promote Authenticity

Abstract

Glassgold’s (2009) case study offers an excellent example of combining LGB-specific empirical findings with established treatments that have been shown to work for the general treatment-seeking population. In doing so, she helps her client, Felix, take a stand about who he is as a gay man and thus move towards a more authentic self.  I focus this commentary on 1) the potential hazards of masculine ideology on gay male development, 2) the use of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) to promote our gay clients’ authenticity in the face of challenges to healthy sexual orientation development, and 3) the need for empirical tests of the integration of LGB-specific research findings into established treatment approaches. Although the field still awaits controlled trials of affirmative approaches to LGB-specific clinical issues, this should not stop clinicians from drawing on the relevant empirical work to facilitate successful treatments of our LGB clients’ presenting issues. Glassgold’s approach serves as an excellent example of the integration of this research into a cognitive-behavioral conceptualization of anxiety and panic.