Each person reaches a point in their life where they begin to experience their sexual development. For many this occurs at puberty, generally from the age of around 11. The vast majority of people this will naturally experience predominant attraction towards the opposite gender. For a small minority, roughly 5% of men and 3% of women, the natural attraction will be predominantly towards the same sex. Some may experience bisexual attraction towards both genders. This attraction is determined by many factors which are not fully understood but are part of nature and not within our control. We know that factors such as genetics, hormonal balances, birth order, etc. all play some part yet are not an explanation in themselves. We also know that environmental and cultural factors can play a role in helping a person to identify and express their sexuality.
For many gay and lesbian youth the teenage years are a very difficult period in their lives. Feelings of shame are not unusual as homosexuality is still often negatively portrayed in our society. Many issues can arise such as loneliness, isolation, depression, low self-esteem, suicide, addictive behaviours, as the teenager and young adult struggles to 'come out'. The negative stereotying and lack of positive reinforcing images of homosexuality has led to widespread homophobia in our society, much of which has been internalised by the young gay or lesbian.
Counselling and psychotherapy can help gay and lesbian clients to explore these issues, many of which can present at any stage in life. They may prevent happier and more fulfilling relationships from developing as well as helping towards living a happier, more fulfilling life.
There has been much misunderstanding of homosexuality in the medical, psychiatric and psychological professions in the past and it is important that therapists themselves are properly trained in this field and affirm gay and lesbian sexuality and lifestyle. It can be extremely damaging in therapy if a therapist works from a model of sexuality that is outdated or that subscribes to viewpoints that suggest sexuality can be reorientated through therapy.
