Investigating the views of gay men on counseling in Iran and their experience of counseling

The presence of homosexual clients in counseling centers is undeniable. But, what is the rate and reason for the referral, and how do mental health professionals treat these clients in Iran are the questions that define the purpose of this research. This research was done with the phenomenological method with the participation of 15 gay men in Tehran and through a semi-structured interview. The results showed that 93% of participants had attempted to change their sexual orientation. Still, only 53% went to counseling that In their opinion, the counselors did not use the correct practical framework in this regard. Counselors were also divided into two groups; 25% who considered homosexuality is natural, and 75% believed it as a disorder. Results are that Most participants wanted to change their orientation. Still, not only most of the participants took the wrong way to improve their direction, but even their counselors took the wrong approach, too, that the results of both are fruitlessness and confusion for client and counselor. So it seems that until Iranian experts do not reach a common point of homosexuality. Until they do not pay attention to it through a cultural approach, the client's satisfaction does not increase, and they do not receive any useful psychological services.