Keys to Caring: Assisting Your Gay and Lesbian Clients.
Alyson Pubns. Jun. 1990. c.366p. ed. by Robert J. Kus. index.
ISBN 0-932870-86-4. pap. $12.95
[PSYCHOLOGY]
This book is "based on the assumption that the vast
majority of instances of poor quality care given to gay and
lesbian clients is the result of a lack of knowledge on the part
of helping professionals rather than any deep-seating
homophobia." The text begins by examining techniques for
collecting a client's health history and continues with
psychosocial concerns (coming out, body image, substance abuse,
suicide and AIDS) and gay and lesbian life situations (parenting,
codependency, gay and lesbian teens, gay and lesbian elderly,
prisoners, etc.). Next are discussions of mainstream and
alternative spiritual beliefs; a chapter on legal issues; and a
look at alternative gay and lesbian helping resources. In
addition to health care professionals, reader as varied as
clergy, corrections professionals, lawyers, and nursing home
administrators can greatly benefit from this book.
Kevin M. Roddy, Oakland Public Library, California