Deconstructing Heterosexism in the Counseling Professions uses the personal narratives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual counseling psychologists and counselor educators to deconstruct the heterosexist discourse in the counseling professions, envision a discourse of sexual orientation equity, and make practical suggestions for addressing sexual orientation in professional life. The narrative approach encompasses a diversity of stories and experiences including an emphasis on racial and cultural contexts. These narratives and their analyses serve as a means for the individual and collective self examination that is needed to move LGB affirmative practice, training, and scholarship from the margins to the center of what it means to be a counseling professional.
James M. Croteau is a Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and his practice, scholarship and professional training specialties include lesbian, gay and bisexual issues and issues of race and racism in White Americans. He co-teaches a graduate course on LGB issues in counseling and development. He has organized or edited two special journal issues and published more than 30 journal articles and book chapters. He has served on editorial boards for the Journal of Counseling and Development, the Journal of Vocational Behavior, and The Counseling Psychologist.
Julianne S. Lark holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University and has ten years of experience as a clinician. She is currently in independent practice and engages in clinical and advocacy work as an out lesbian. She co-teaches a graduate course on LGB issues in counseling and development. She has co-authored 9 journal articles and serves as an Ad Hoc reviewer for The Counseling Psychologist.
Melissa A. Lidderdale has a Masters' Degree in Community Counseling from the University of Akron and is currently a doctoral student at Western Michigan University. Her areas of special interest/experience include counseling LGB clients; intersections of multiple oppressed identities; client perception of counseling outcome; and counselor supervision and education. She has worked in college and/or university counseling centers and has co-taught courses on LGB concerns for counseling and psychology graduate students. Melissa is a Trustee on the Executive Board of the Association for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues in Counseling (a Division of ACA) and has given 15 presentations at national, regional, and state professional conferences. She has authored one publication on training practitioners to work with LGB clients.
Y. Barry Chung is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University. His specialties include: career development and counseling, multicultural issues, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual studies. He has edited one book and published more than 30 journal articles and book chapters. He has served on the editorial boards of The Counseling Psychologist, The Career Development Quarterly, and Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development.
