Porter, JamesHulbert-Williams, LeeChadwick, Darren2016-04-062016-04-062014-10-17Porter, J., Hulbert-Williams, L., & Chadwick, D. (2015). Sexuality in the Therapeutic Relationship: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Gay Therapists. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 19(2), 165–183. DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2014.95788210.1080/19359705.2014.957882http://hdl.handle.net/10034/604602This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health on 17/10/2014 date, available online: DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2014.957882Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) clients have reported experiencing heterosexist/homophobic attitudes from heterosexual therapists, but this has seldom been discussed for gay therapists. Such experiences could impact the therapeutic process and a gay therapist’s willingness to self-disclose their sexuality. Self- disclosure of sexuality can be therapeutically beneficial for LGBTQ or heterosexual clients. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven gay male therapists and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Five themes emerged: affinity for work- ing with LGBTQ clients, heterosexual males’ resistance to the therapeutic process, the impact of homophobia within the therapeu- tic relationship, empathy through shared humanity, and utilizing therapist sexuality as a tool within the therapeutic relationship.enGayLGBTQTherapySelf-disclosureSexualityPsychotherapyPreprint1935-9713Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health