Creating a therapeutic space

A reflective case study on providing online group therapy for the queer community at a time of rising political oppression, and increasing hostility and violence towards LGBTIQS+ people in Ghana

Abstract

A reflective case study is presented on the creation and implementation of online group therapy sessions for the LGBTIQS+/LGBTS, or queer community in Ghana. As the two mental health practitioners who initiated this project, we clarify how its objectives relate to our professional code of ethics. The introduction of an anti-LGBT+ bill to Ghana’s parliament has contributed to a political and cultural context of escalating hostility towards queer people in a society where queerness is already stigmatised. We consider how we established our virtual groups, referencing the needs expressed, and how we responded with a resource-focused and affirming brief therapy model. We highlight the considerable constraints and challenges faced by participants and the adaptations that became necessary. Feedback from participants demonstrated that, for those who were able to access sessions regularly, both the resource offering and the space with community were appreciated, and the group therapy process was valued.