Kathleen J. Bieschke demonstrates her affirmative approach to psychotherapy, working with a young man to uncover his interpersonal concerns within the context of his gay identity. This affirmative approach involves a strong focus on the therapeutic alliance, with the therapist serving as an advocate for the client and being mindful that gay clients have a sociopolitical reality that heterosexuals do not have to contend with. Using this developmental and culturally sensitive understanding, the therapist must also engage in meaningful self-reflection and exploration, determining how heterosexist biases might inform their work and interpersonal views. In this session, the client presents himself in a happy-go-lucky manner but reveals feelings of inferiority and a tendency to let few people see who he really is. Dr. Bieschke fosters the client's development of assertiveness, transparency with people, and ability to advocate for himself so that he can enjoy more satisfying relationships.
