Psychotherapy in the shadow of shame: The Polish experience of institutionalized homo-, bi-, and transphobia

The author reviews current examples of institutionalized homo-, bi-, and transphobia expressed by right-wing politicians and the Catholic Church in Poland. He uses the Gestalt theory of shame to understand the psychological consequences of this systemic oppression and analyzes internalized homo-, bi-, and transphobia; “the love focus” in activist narratives on homosexuality; and the lack of psychotherapeutic depth when working through gender and/or sexuality issues with clients. A psychotherapist’s role as a psychosocial activist (the Gestalt realm) or shadow practitioner (the Jungian realm) is suggested as a crucial support for an LGBT+ client.