Treatment of homophobia in a gay male adolescent

Gay teenagers experience normal adolescent developmental processes, but need assistance negotiating the effect of homophobia on their development. Homophobia in the early phase may increase reliance upon the family. This can make it difficult to extricate oneself from family sufficiently to develop peer relationships. Supportive individual and interpretative family work can help modify these problems. Problems in the middle phase are associated with societal homophobia in the institutions where adolescents develop. High school social dynamics support homophobia and make opportunities to develop a peer network difficult. Therapeutic interventions that support a gay teen's efforts through fantasy and symbolic action are key to success in to this period. Referral to gay teen support groups are more likely to be successful during this phase. During the late phase of adolescence, homophobia complicates the quest for an acceptable social role and the need for more intimate relationships as plans for work and pairing become the focus. The therapist helps the gay teen overcome stereotypes and see themselves as individuals and as a members of a group called "gay." This makes it possible to integrate personal aspects of the self with gay-group identity.