66th Annual Conference

Thursday, February 19

Morning Workshops

10:00 A.M.-12:30 P.M.

Workshop 16

Building A Stronger Rainbow: Facing Our Anxiety

Presented under the auspices of the AGPA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues SIG

Chairs:                

Rita G. Drapkin, Ph.D., Department Chairperson, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Joel C. Frost, Ed.D., Private Practice, Boston, Massachusetts

Erin Pederson, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, Iowa State University Counseling Center, Ames, Iowa

More fluid understandings of sexual and gender identities cause us to stretch and deepen our clinical and personal knowledge. As we struggle to be more inclusive as a SIG, and as an organization (AGPA), we need to face our anxiety. We will work to help expand each other's vision.

demonstration-didactic-experiential-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Better appreciate the contrast between excluding and not including.

2. Understand the developmental challenges of a minority group as it attempts to protect its minority origin and also be open to expanded inclusion.

3. Address our own resistance toward greater inclusion, and provide an opportunity to explore the attendant anxiety.

Course References:

1. Bowers, A.M.V. & Bieschke, K.J. (2005). Psychologists' Clinical Evaluations and Attitudes: An Examination of the Influence of Gender and Sexual Orientation.  Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol. 36, No. 1, 97–103.

2. Cass, V.C. (1979). Homosexual identity formation: A theoretical model. Journal of Homosexuality, 4, 219–235.

3. Luft, Joseph (1969). "Of Human Interaction," Palo Alto, CA: National Press, 177 pages.

4. Kelly, Anita E. and McKillop, Kevin J. (1996). "Consequences of Revealing Personal Secrets." Psychological Bulletin, v120(3), pg. 450.