Counseling same-sex couples: Dispelling myths and understanding the unique challenges

Abstract

There are a surprising number of similarities between same-sex couples and their heterosexual counterparts. However, therapists who don't take into account key differences may make fundamental errors during the course of treatment. Same-sex couples exist in a heterosexist culture which is often very negative towards them. They are also strongly influenced by negative core beliefs or internalized homophobia. Gay men and lesbian women are also strongly shaped by cultural conditioning regarding what it means to be male and female. It is important to understand how conditioned gender roles influence the dynamics in same-sex-couple relationships. This chapter addresses how using RE&CBT with same-sex couples can be an effective way to help them identify and challenge the core beliefs that characterize troubled relationships and provide an effective way for couples to deal with unhelpful aspects of their sex role conditioning. A case study illustrates key points discussed in the chapter.