MrRochesterNY
JUB Addict
I have been exchanging emails with a Pennsylvania boy about 17 or 18, who is troubled about his life. He feels that nobody likes him. Because he is unlikable, he pretty much sits at home alone without any friends or social contacts, although he has apparently started taking a college course or two. He feels also that he is unemployable, and his view of the future is bleak.
Fortunately he is receiving counseling from a psychologist, but unfortunately his mother attends all the sessions, and she shares what goes on there with the family, leading to the boy's discomfort and sometimes his ridicule. This, plus the fact that his family is religious and homophobic, keeps him from being open in these sessions. He has not revealed that he is gay, and he feels that the psychologist himself may be homophobic.
I have told him that it is unethical for a psychologist to share what goes on in a session with anyone outside, but his mother is not "outside," and the boy is afraid (or cannot find the opportunity with the counselor alone) to say that he doesn't want his mother present and explain why.
The boy says that he used to be a self-confident emo boy, but that bullying that occurred in school changed him for the worse, and his family situation has not helped either.
My question is whether a psychologist is likely to be homophobic to the extent that it would be detectible and interfere with his counseling? Secondly what can a boy in my friend's situation do to untangle himself from the net that is pulling him underwater?
P.S. I am going to suggest to him that he join JUB as a place where he can talk openly to others about whatever he wishes and perhaps make some online friendships that seem sorely lacking in his life right now.
Fortunately he is receiving counseling from a psychologist, but unfortunately his mother attends all the sessions, and she shares what goes on there with the family, leading to the boy's discomfort and sometimes his ridicule. This, plus the fact that his family is religious and homophobic, keeps him from being open in these sessions. He has not revealed that he is gay, and he feels that the psychologist himself may be homophobic.
I have told him that it is unethical for a psychologist to share what goes on in a session with anyone outside, but his mother is not "outside," and the boy is afraid (or cannot find the opportunity with the counselor alone) to say that he doesn't want his mother present and explain why.
The boy says that he used to be a self-confident emo boy, but that bullying that occurred in school changed him for the worse, and his family situation has not helped either.
My question is whether a psychologist is likely to be homophobic to the extent that it would be detectible and interfere with his counseling? Secondly what can a boy in my friend's situation do to untangle himself from the net that is pulling him underwater?
P.S. I am going to suggest to him that he join JUB as a place where he can talk openly to others about whatever he wishes and perhaps make some online friendships that seem sorely lacking in his life right now.
