Open AccessAn unintended consequence of online directories for people seeking sex-positive psychotherapists
Author(s) -
Karin E. Wandrei
Publication year - 2019
Language(s) - English
DOI - 10.51681/1.524
Subject(s) - feeling , psychology , sex therapy , element (criminal law) , unintended consequences , psychotherapist , social psychology , internet privacy , clinical psychology , sexual dysfunction , psychiatry , computer science , political science , law
Feeling safe is an important element of successful therapy. Sexual and gender minorities often experience bias in their therapy encounters. While the existence of online directories can be valuable for people seeking sex-positive therapists, there can also be unintended negative consequences. Since most directories allow therapists to check off their areas of expertise, a therapist can indicate an expertise that they do not really have. This can result in clients not getting the help they need and even worsening their situation. This article provides recommendations as to how this can be addressed and recommendations for future research.