Abstract
This commentary integrates the literature on the social and psychological dynamics of shame and discusses its relevance to the clinical process, especially with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and queer clients. It is argued that engagements with shame, especially where sexual desire, sexual orientation, or gender identity is a foremost consideration or conflict, may be the most important factor in producing and maintaining the therapeutic alliance. Shame, a social emotion, is considered in the light of work done in sociology, psychology, neuroscience, and psychoanalysis. Future directions for clinical research are suggested.
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Longhofer, J.L. Shame in the Clinical Process with LGBTQ Clients. Clin Soc Work J 41, 297–301 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-013-0455-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-013-0455-0