Therapeutic exploration of the coming out experience for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and queer identified clients

The purpose of this research was to examine the meaning as perceived by lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and queer (LGBQ) clients of sharing a coming out experience with a therapist. Using a descriptive phenomenological research design, 5 in-depth interviews were conducted with self-identified lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and queer clients asking “What is the meaning for LGBQ individuals of exploring the ‘coming out’ experience in therapy?” Qualitative data were analyzed to produce a general structure representative of the participant’s experiences. Structures revealed include: (a) Experiencing a safe space; (b) Experiencing a contrasting reaction and (c) The experience of connection in a counselling relationship. This study contributes to our understanding of how this particular sharing experience is perceived by LGBQ individuals. Implications to the field of counselling are discussed and recommendations for best practice made. Areas for future research are also suggested.Education, Faculty ofEducational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department ofGraduat