Teaching Cultural Competency for Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Clients

Whilst currently not mandated as a part of psychological studies in Australia, awareness of the mental health issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people is necessary to provide culturally appropriate services to this population. The findings reported in this paper represent one attempt at developing a workshop for psychology students on psychological practice with LGBT people, with a specific focus on the effects of heteronormativity. Measures assessed before and after the workshop showed significant changes on attitudes, knowledge, behavioural intent, and cultural competency. It is suggested that workshops such as this may usefully contribute to ensuring that psychology graduates in Australia are aware of evidence-based practice as it pertains to working with LGBT people, and that they are able to apply this to best meet the needs of LGBT clients.