The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,

Background: This study looks at the impact of therapist sexual orientation on outcomes in occupational therapy (OT), specifically for LGBTQ+ therapists. The research examines how therapists’ sexual orientation affects the therapeutic relationship, treatment success and patient satisfaction. Methods:...

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Main Authors: Myrto Patagia Bakaraki, Theofanis Dourbois
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: InterOPTICS 2025-05-01
Series:Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience & Mental Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.obrela-journal.gr/index.php/obrela/article/view/305
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author Myrto Patagia Bakaraki
Theofanis Dourbois
author_facet Myrto Patagia Bakaraki
Theofanis Dourbois
author_sort Myrto Patagia Bakaraki
collection DOAJ
description Background: This study looks at the impact of therapist sexual orientation on outcomes in occupational therapy (OT), specifically for LGBTQ+ therapists. The research examines how therapists’ sexual orientation affects the therapeutic relationship, treatment success and patient satisfaction. Methods: Mixed methods design, 753 patient surveys and 20 therapist and 20 patient interviews. Quantitative analysis looked at satisfaction, quality of care and therapeutic relationship, qualitative looked at therapist experiences and patient perceptions. Results: Treatment outcomes not affected by therapist’s sexual orientation. LGBTQ+ visibility and supportive environments increase inclusivity, reduce stigma and build therapeutic alliance. LGBTQ+ patients felt more understood and connected when treated by LGBTQ+ therapists. Conclusions: Sexual orientation doesn’t affect outcomes but visibility and inclusion for LGBTQ+ therapists makes for a more accepting space. Diversity, cultural competence and anti-discrimination policies matter.
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spelling doaj-art-b1b592d28ace44e48c41487b76f287ba2025-08-20T02:30:05ZengInterOPTICSDialogues in Clinical Neuroscience & Mental Health2585-27952025-05-018210.26386/obrela.v8i2.305The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,Myrto Patagia BakarakiTheofanis DourboisBackground: This study looks at the impact of therapist sexual orientation on outcomes in occupational therapy (OT), specifically for LGBTQ+ therapists. The research examines how therapists’ sexual orientation affects the therapeutic relationship, treatment success and patient satisfaction. Methods: Mixed methods design, 753 patient surveys and 20 therapist and 20 patient interviews. Quantitative analysis looked at satisfaction, quality of care and therapeutic relationship, qualitative looked at therapist experiences and patient perceptions. Results: Treatment outcomes not affected by therapist’s sexual orientation. LGBTQ+ visibility and supportive environments increase inclusivity, reduce stigma and build therapeutic alliance. LGBTQ+ patients felt more understood and connected when treated by LGBTQ+ therapists. Conclusions: Sexual orientation doesn’t affect outcomes but visibility and inclusion for LGBTQ+ therapists makes for a more accepting space. Diversity, cultural competence and anti-discrimination policies matter.https://www.obrela-journal.gr/index.php/obrela/article/view/305LGBTQ therapistsoccupational therapytherapeutic relationshipspatient satisfactiondiversity, inclusion
spellingShingle Myrto Patagia Bakaraki
Theofanis Dourbois
The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience & Mental Health
LGBTQ therapists
occupational therapy
therapeutic relationships
patient satisfaction
diversity, inclusion
title The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,
title_full The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,
title_fullStr The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,
title_full_unstemmed The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,
title_short The Impact of Therapist Sexual Orientation on Occupational Therapy Outcomes: A Focus on LGBTQ+ Therapists,
title_sort impact of therapist sexual orientation on occupational therapy outcomes a focus on lgbtq therapists
topic LGBTQ therapists
occupational therapy
therapeutic relationships
patient satisfaction
diversity, inclusion
url https://www.obrela-journal.gr/index.php/obrela/article/view/305
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