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Sex and sexual orientation as variables in therapists' biases and therapy outcomes

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Abstract

The extent to which the variables of sex and sexual orientation are factors in therapy efficacy and therapist bias are examined through an extensive review of the literature. Data analysis based on a large sample of lesbian women indicate that female therapists, either heterosexual or lesbian, were assessed to be more beneficial than male therapists. However, the author suggests that therapists' sex role ideology may be a more salient factor than sex or sexual orientation in positive therapy outcomes with lesbian women.

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  1. 301 Wilcrest #3207, 77042, Houston, TX

    Virginia R. Brooks

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Brooks, V.R. Sex and sexual orientation as variables in therapists' biases and therapy outcomes. Clin Soc Work J 9, 198–210 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757178

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