A Gay Affirmative and Multicultural Approach to Therapy

Juan Camarena works with Mark ? a 3rd generation working class Latino male. Mark sought therapy because of his sexual attraction to men, which he feels is taboo in his culture. His sexual activities caused him enough distress to think he may be a sex addict and thus seek out a therapist who could help. In this session, Mark begins to realize that the frequency of sexual interactions is not the issue so much as his sexual interactions with men. His feelings of guilt and shame are based on his standards of what is sanctioned sexual behavior for men in his community. Juan Camarena practices from a Gay Affirmative, Multicultural Approach. In his work with Mark, Juan recognizes, honors and validates Mark's Latino heritage as well as his perceived masculinity. Juan asks about Mark's family history, immigration stories, and connection to his grandfather's home country to help communicate to Mark that his ethnic identity is important and a valuable asset. Juan uses bibliotherapy and homework outside the session to continue Mark's identity formation process which is in-line with both multicultural and Gay Affirmative therapy. Utilizing motivational interviewing techniques such as exploring ambivalence and rolling-with-resistance is especially helpful in Juan's work with Mark. The goal of treatment is to lower Mark's distress that brought him to therapy by helping Mark create an identity that is meaningful to him.