ABSTRACT
In one segment of the larger sociocultural environment, the gender irregularities embedded in the employment and educational environments have been articulated and pursued-namely, in the legal arena. Appreciation of the current legal environment regarding gender discrimination helps the clinician and the patient or client to (1) understand the significant reactions of employers and coworkers, (2) consider the legal options for redress, (3) evaluate the psychological costs and benefits of litigation, (4) avoid retraumatization of the client or patient during the litigation process, and (5) protect the therapeutic alliance by clarifying the role of expert witness versus the role of the therapist during litigation. This chapter will provide an overview of the clinically relevant aspects of the current legal environment. Pragmatic information, historical background, and current trends will be discussed. Case examples will be provided to illustrate significant points. More detailed use of this material in the specific treatment process will be discussed in Chapters 6, 7, and 8.
