Contemporary Perspectives on Sexual/Affectional Orientation Identity Development

As our understanding of sexual and affectional orientation identity (SAOI) development continues to evolve, we provide a synthesis of relevant research and offer an integrated conceptualization of SAOI development milestones with respect to intersectionality. Though there is a lack of evidence-based practices specific to facilitating SAOI development, counselors still need to be prepared to affirm clients’ sexual and affectional expansive (SAE) identities and experiences. Drawing upon current research on best practices in SAE-affirming counseling, we offer nine adaptive strategies with practical applications for counselors to modify their existing counseling approaches to respect, support, and honor clients’ SAOI development.