Diversity

Consideration and appreciation of diversity in psychotherapy means accepting, respecting and supporting people of various identities, as well as being aware of and accomodating the inherent challenges people of certain identities face in society. Societal minorities are still experiencing inequality and discrimination because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, skin color, social class, disability, etc. (Lerch, 2019). This can lead to a so-called "Minority Stress" and has been shown to induce heightened stress levels and negative consequences for psychological well-being (Meyer, 2003; Steffens & Geisler, 2009).

At our psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic we focus on treating every patient with appreciation and acceptance regardless of their background while not disregarding the significance of their identities and the challenges that come with it.

Literature

Lerch, L. (2019). Psychotherapie im Kontext von Differenz, (Macht‑)Ungleichheit und globaler Verantwortung. Psychotherapie Forum, 23(1), 51–58. doi.org/10.1007/s00729-019-0117-y

Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674 697. psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674

Steffens, M. C., & Geisler, P. (2009). Folgen internalisierter Homonegativität. VLSP. Verfügbar unter www.vlsp.de/sites/default/files/pdf/100823_wshomonegativitaet.pdf