Breaking Out: The Complete Guide to a Positive Gay Identity - Softcover

Alderson, Kevin G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1894663314 ISBN 13: 9781894663311

Publisher: Insomniac Press, 2002

Synopsis

Although society is becoming more tolerant of gay people, and even accepting of them in some places, gay people continue to suffer psychological damage caused by growing up in largely homophobic societies. How can gay people learn to love themselves when most of the signals society sends out denigrate their very being? Dr. Kevin Alderson has developed a method of building a positive gay identity based on extensive research and years of successful use of self-help psychology in his own practice. Each chapter of Breaking Out begins with a compelling reality-based anecdote followed by an examination of the problem that it highlights. This is followed by an overview of what needs to change, a self-assessment, comprehensive practical exercises to help gay men and lesbian women deal with the particular problem, and a post-test. Chapters cover such topics as homophobia, low self-esteem, denial of self, dealing with stereotypes, spirituality and religion, the reaction of family, friendship and relationships. Written in a conversational, upbeat tone, Breaking Out is the first complete and systematic self-help book to assist gay men and lesbian women build and enhance positive gay identities.

About this title

Synopsis

Although society is becoming more tolerant of gay people, psychological damage caused by growing up in largely homophobic societies is still common. Written in a controversial, upbeat tone, this book is the complete and systematic self-help book to assist gay men and lesbian women to build and enhance positive gay identities. Whether you are a young gay person looking for help, or a mental health professional looking for recommended reading, this book belongs on your shelf.

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Alderson is an associate professor of counselling psychology at the University of Calgary. He has practiced psychology for twenty-five years. He is editor of the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy and has recently co-authored the first Canadian edition of Counselling: A Comprehensive Profession. Dr. Alderson belongs to the Canadian Federation of Clinical Hypnosis, the Canadian Psychological Association, and the American Psychological Association.

Edition details

• Publisher: Insomniac Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1894663314
• ISBN 13: 9781894663311
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160