TPC-Journal-V5-Issue4

The Professional Counselor /Volume 5, Issue 4 511 instances of disclosure. We do not wish to exclude the potential utilization of this model for gender minorities; however, we also do not wish to disrespect unique identities by suggesting a one-size- fits-all approach. It is possible that this model may be applied to gender and other minorities as well; nevertheless, we do not wish to minimize the unique experience of other minority identities. Furthermore, research is needed on the coming-out process as a cyclical occurrence for various minorities. Table 1. Phases of Coming Out and Areas to Explore Phase Areas to Explore Awareness Phase Does the client identify as a sexual minority? Is the client questioning sexual minority identity? Does the client identify as “out”? Has the client disclosed sexual minority identity previously? Is there a present trigger prompting the client to consider disclosure? Is the client experiencing mental health concerns as an effect of this phase? Assessment Phase Is the client actively considering disclosure? Is disclosure important to the client? What are the client’s motivations for disclosure? What are the client’s perceived benefits for disclosing? What are the client’s perceived consequences for disclosure? Is the client experiencing mental health concerns as an effect of this phase? Is the client’s safety at risk? Decision Phase Has the client assessed the benefits and consequences of disclosure? Is the client adhering to the safety plan? Who does the client have as a support system? Is the client experiencing mental health concerns as an effect of this phase? Conclusion The American Counseling Association (2014) encourages counselors to support the “worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural contexts” (p. 3). It is essential for counselors to be aware of and acknowledge experiences of sexual minorities’ coming- out processes throughout their lives. In addition to supporting the safe, nurturing environment required for counseling during these times, a counselor has the responsibly to identify heterosexism, homophobia and prejudice that underlie the need for the multiple processes endured. A client may be clouded by his or her experience and may be unable to accurately assess the situation at hand; hence, it is the counselor’s duty to assist in understanding and shedding light on the surrounding scenario. Further, counselors need to understand the varying contextual layers applied to each unique process within the cycle in order to best assist sexual minority clients. Practitioners should be cognizant of the potential for variables to serve as catalysts or obstacles in the unique, complex cycle of coming out and to address these matters in counseling (ALGBTIC, 2013). Although the continual nature of