Sexual and Gender Diversity in Clinical Practice in Psychology

Abstract

Clinical psychologists should foster the health promotion for people affected by prejudice and discrimination. This study aimed to investigate how issues of sexual and gender diversity appear and are experienced by professionals of clinical practice in Psychology. Participants in this qualitative and exploratory study were 14 female psychologists (aged between 24 and 60 years old) living in five cities of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in Brazil. Three focus groups were performed and the dialogues were submitted to thematic analysis. It was noted that clinical practices of depathologization were motivated by: belief in a psychosocial nature about diversity, concern with stereotypes and inadequate language, clinical training via knowledge based on depathologization and interpersonal contact with LGBT people. On the other hand, pathological practices are motivated by: belief in a biological, psychological, religious or ethical-moral nature about diversity, non-observance of stereotypes and inappropriate language reproduction, clinical training via pathological knowledge (explicit and implicit), silencing, and none or little interpersonal contact with LGBT people.