This is a copy of the actual test you will take if you choose to take this Home Study course. 
Please return to our website to order the exam if you are interested in taking this course.

Commonwealth Educational Seminars Certification Exam

Select one response for each question below.

Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Clients 

1. When did the American Psychiatric Association decide to remove homosexuality 
from its list of mental disorders.

a. 1934
b. 1956
c. 1973
d. 1982

2. The literature that classifies homosexuality and bisexuality as mental illness has
 been found to be methodologically unsound.

a. True
b. False

3. When therapists are uninformed about the unique issues of lesbian, gay, and 
bisexual people, they may not understand the effects of stigmatization on individuals
and their intimate relationships.

a. True
b. False

4. Research has shown that gay men are not at risk for mental health problems and 
emotional distress as a direct result of discrimination and negative experiences in society.

a. True
b. False 

5. Given the real and perceived social and physical dangers faced by many lesbian, 
gay, and bisexual clients, developing a sense of safety is of primary importance.

a. True
b. False

6. Lesbian, gay, or bisexual people in relationships do not seek therapy for reasons 
common to many couples but rather for reasons that are unique to those in same-sex relationships.

a. True
b. False

7. The primary difficulties facing children of lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents 
are associated with misconceptions about their parents that are held by society at large.

a. True
b. False

8. People in same-sex relationships tend to derive less support in adulthood 
and old age from their families of origin than do their heterosexual counterparts.

a. True
b. False

9. The awareness of a family member’s homosexuality or bisexuality may precipitate
a family crisis that can result in the expulsion of the homosexual or bisexual member, 
rejection of the parents and siblings by the homosexual or bisexual member, parental 
guilt and self-incrimination, or conflicts within the parents’ relationship. 

a. True
b. False

10. In offering psychological services to racially and ethnically diverse lesbian, gay, 
and bisexual populations, it is sufficient that therapists simply recognize the racial 
and ethnic backgrounds of their clients.

a. True
b. False

11. When lesbian, gay, or bisexual youth have been rejected by their parents, they: 

a. Are at increased risk of becoming homeless.
b. May resort to prostitution.
c. Increase their risk for HIV infection.
d. Increase their risk for stress.
e. All of the above

12. Older lesbian, gay, and bisexual couples present potential issues, particularly
 because they often lack legal rights and protection afforded to older heterosexual couples.

a. True
b. False

13. Studies have reported that many lesbians and gay men with disabilities have 
experienced coercive sexual encounters. Therefore, it may be important for 
therapists to assess the extent to which the person may have experienced sexual 
or physical victimization.

a. True
b. False

14. Due to the addition of diversity training during graduate education and internship, 
studies have shown that graduate students in psychology often report that they have 
received adequate education and training in lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues and 
that graduate students and novice therapists feel prepared to work effectively with 
lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients.

a. True
b. False