First do no harm: Principles of care for clients with sexual identity confusion and/or conflict.

Individuals who experience sexual identity confusion and/or conflict face unique stressors and life circumstances for which they may seek psychotherapy; however, little specific guidance exists for therapists working with clients who experience sexual identity confusion and/or conflict. To meet this need, we present a framework for therapists whose clients experience distress related to sexual identity confusion and/or conflict. We first define and describe sexual identity confusion and conflict, situating both in developmental theories of sexual identity. We then review clinical approaches that have been used historically to inform treatment with clients experiencing sexual identity confusion and/or conflict. Next, we discuss guiding ethical and clinical principles to inform such a clinical approach. Then, we provide assessment and treatment recommendations. We conclude by discussing considerations for working with clients who are diverse in gender identity, race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).