The Socio-Multidimensional Sexual and Gender Minority Oppression Framework: A Model for LGBTQ Individuals Experiencing Oppression and Substance Use

Abstract

Counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) individuals with substance use disorders while considering oppression is dynamic and complex. The Socio-Multidimensional Sexual and Gender Minority Oppression (SSGMO) framework guides counselors to attend to both oppression and substance use in LGBTQ individuals. It consists of four dimensions that help examine clients’ intrapersonal processes, interpersonal and cultural contexts, environments, and political forces associated with their LGBTQ identities and substance use. Counselors can utilize these dimensions in case conceptualization, assessment, or treatment planning. This article presents a hypothetical case illustrating the application of the framework, along with counselor implications and future directions.

Keywords:

• Assessment
• LGBTQ
• oppression
• substance use
• treatment