LGBT Clinic: the use of psychodrama in overcoming stigma and discrimination

Abstract

The LGBT community historically has suffered stigmatization and discrimination due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Social movements have raised this group's visibility in the media and led to systematic government responses. This article presents the psychological intervention that was carried out at the Janaina Dutra LGBT Reference Center, a service run by the City Council of Fortaleza, Brazil. Through the use of brief focused psychodrama psychotherapy, the aim of this intervention was to help service users better deal at times of crisis, in a spontaneous and creative way. The psychodrama method enabled reflection and verbal interactions, by concretizing and changing rigid structures, including clients' internalized aspects of their own homophobia. We hope that this article will help the practice of professionals who work with the LGBT community.