ABSTRACT
This chapter explores issues in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students in counseling when the presenting problems are directly or indirectly related to students’ sexual orientation or gender identity. Mental health professionals working with LGBTQ students need to have some basic knowledge about identity development and issues affecting LGBTQ individuals. Sexual minority identity development, self-labeling, and disclosure of sexual identity are ongoing processes for LGBTQ adolescents. Research suggests that these processes can create a great deal of anxiety for students, and are often associated with loneliness, isolation, and feelings of insecurity and vulnerability. S. Hunter suggests that mental health professionals’ primary goal for students in early stages of sexual identity development should be to help them explore and discover the identity that they feel fits them best. Professionals should validate students without putting pressure on them to choose a sexual identity.
