Abstract

While scholarship on the clinical treatment of bisexual individuals is growing, there is little focused on bisexual couples in therapy, and much of it is theoretical. To address that gap, this article presents findings from a qualitative study on the therapeutic preferences of bisexual females in same-gender relationships. Eight female, same-gender couples, in which at least one partner identified as bisexual, were interviewed for the purposes of answering the research question: What should therapists know about working with female bisexual couples? Thematic analysis revealed three salient themes: 1) bisexual couples are like any other couple, 2) bisexual couples face internal stigma, 3) and therapists have bisexual stigma. Findings indicate a need for therapists to be educated regarding bisexuality and to address biases that could impact treatment. Specific clinical suggestions are provided to assist therapists in gaining cultural competence with this population.

摘要

虽然关于双性恋个体临床治疗的学术研究正在增长，但很少关注治疗中的双性恋伴侣，而且大部分都是理论性的。为了解决这一差距，本文介绍了一项关于双性恋女性在同性关系中的治疗偏好的定性研究的结果。为了回答研究问题，我们采访了八对同性别的女性伴侣，其中至少有一个伴侣被认定为双性恋：治疗师在与女性双性恋伴侣合作时应该知道什么？主题分析揭示了三个显着主题：1）双性恋夫妇与任何其他夫妇一样，2）双性恋夫妇面临内部耻辱，3）治疗师有双性恋耻辱。调查结果表明，治疗师需要接受有关双性恋的教育，并解决可能影响治疗的偏见。提供了具体的临床建议，以帮助治疗师获得该人群的文化能力。