Psychotherapy of persons with Homosexual Orientation within the framework of the Cognitive-behavior Approach

Abstract

Homosexual orientation and identity are stigmatized in many countries around the world. The psychological problems with which homosexuals turn to specialists cover a wide range of stress factors related to self-alienation, social isolation, discrimination and poor social support. The consequences of stress are obvious: anxiety and affective disorders, risky sexual behavior, alcohol abuse
and autoaggression. The article analyzes the main possibilities of using the cognitive-behavioral approach to the therapy of stress disorders in persons with homosexual orientation. The results
of adaptation of the program of psychotherapeutic intervention (J.E. Pachankis et al.) are presented taking into account the specifics of the problems of homosexual patients. Preliminary data
indicate the high effectiveness of this program, which allows it to be recommended as one of the methods of psychological work with homosexuals experiencing problems due to stigmatization.