Group Proposal - Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual

Rationale for Group

Today there are many gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) students that graduate high school and go off to college bringing with them secrets and feelings that are exclusively apparent to the individual. Out of fear of being ridiculed, rejected, not accepted and unloved; many students would rather isolate themselves to avoid facing the emotions of shame and guilt.

Whether homosexual or heterosexual everyone has been exposed to untruths that produce negative sterotypes about homosexuality; which contributes to self critical attitudes and self identity issues. Negative self image and the internalized homophobic attitude are bound to have serious negative consequences for a person's identity (Goldenberg, 2002). On college campuses today there are many GLB students that are experiencing a self identity crisis that is often intensified by interactions with students, parents, instructors, and faculty members. GLB students are attempting to define their identity of self through the way others perceive them.

Many GLB college students tend to take on a heterosexual persona in order to avoid being cut off or estranged from their families. Goldenberg, (2002) exerts that estrangement from ones family of origin-emotionally, financially, and interpersonally is especially painful to college students that depend on family members for support.

Other issues that are apparent in GLB individuals include, but not limited to, are: histories of sexual abuse, coming out process (accepting a gay-identity), low self esteem, church acceptance or condemnation, and homophobia.

Considering the importance of this topic; it is essential that a support group addressing issues that GLB students face in a predominantly heterosexual environment is essential.

Objectives for the Group

* To orchestrate a closed support group to address the needs of gay, lesbian, and bisexual needs of college students on a college campus.

* To provide a safe haven and supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual students to explore feelings or issues they may be experiencing. To explore issues such as: homophobia, sexual abuse, coming-out process, self-identity, family concerns, self acceptance, and sexual orientation.

* To explore any other relevant topics that may arise in the session that will promote growth for members in the group.

* To develop cohesion with the members in the group to foster a nonjudgmental environment; which will lessen the apprehension of sharing their concerns with each other in the group.

Group Composition

The group will consist of 8-12 gay, lesbian, and bisexual college students on a college campus. Initially the group will be primarily heterogeneous (males & females); A consideration of the information processed in the group will determine if moving to a homogeneous group is necessary. The group will be facilitated by a female homosexual counselor to enhance a climate of trust in the group. Please note that a heterosexual counselor is also capable and equipped to lead a group of this sort.

Screening and Selection

Members will be selected by referrals from the university counseling center and from various gay and lesbian social groups on campus. There will be flyers and announcements posted throughout the campus; to invite students to an open forum to address the needs of GLB students on campus. Gay and lesbian alumni will share their experience in a panel discussion at the forum. Students that are interested in addressing their concern in more depth will be invited to the university counseling center to start the screening process.

During the screening process students will be asked a few questions to determine compatibility for this type of group or if individual counseling is needed.

These questions are open-ended questions to provoke feedback and determine readiness for the group. To determine commitment and expectations; the leader will ask: "what made you decide to choose this group to participate?" What do you hope to gain from this group?" The leader will convey information about the group initially to the participant. The leader will explain the nature and limits of confidentiality, discuss the length of the group, the roles, and the expectations of the group.

Frequency

The group will meet 2 hours each week on Wednesdays at noon for 8 weeks. The hours may change depending on the group members class schedules. The location will be in a meeting room in the university counseling center.

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