Book Being Reviewed:
Barrett, B., Logan, C. (2002). Counseling gay men and lesbians: A practice primer. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Reviewer:
Laura Andrews

Genre:
Non-FictionAdult

Subject Headings:
GLBT issues, Multicultural/cross-cultural issues, Sexuality

Review:
Counseling Gay Men and Lesbians: A Practice Primer combines insight and sensitivity while teaching counselors and other helping professionals to be aware of the individual challenges that gay men and lesbians face in our society. The authors of the book have over thirty years of experience in clinical practice, of which greatly influenced the creation of this primer. The book includes realistic case vignettes that challenge the reader to understand the issues that clients face and to create treatment plans that are sensitive to the needs of each client. This primer also includes a wealth of background information on this population, including gay and lesbian identity development models and information on inclusive and welcoming language. I appreciate this short book because of the helpful case scenarios. These vignettes are referenced throughout the primer when new material is introduced, thus solidifying new information within a real world example. The primer includes an entire chapter on the coming out/living out process, which helped me understand the specific pressures that these clients may feel while managing multiple identities with different peer and family groups. Additionally, this book has a chapter on myths and stereotypes that are commonly held about gay men, lesbians, and people who identify as bisexual.

The authors have worked to provide facts surrounding this population, in order for the reader to combat their own preexisting prejudices. Overall, I appreciated that this book was written with the core belief that being able to be one's true self is an inalienable right in our global community.