Lesbians and Gays in Couples and Families : A Handbook for Therapists

Like all professional disciplines, the psychotherapy field has its own legacy of homophobia, heterosexism, silence, and a destructive mythology it must overcome. Until very recently, in fact, lesbians and gay couples have been relatively invisible in the therapeutic community. To fill the gap in the professional literature, Joan Laird and Robert Jay Green have gathered a distinguished group of practitioners to create an edited collection that focuses on theory, research, and clinical work with lesbians and gays in the context of family relationships. These noted professionals address the experiences of lesbians and gay men as couples, as parents, and in relationship to their own families of origin. The book contains a wealth of research, as well as recommendations, and suggestions for working with gay couples and families in a clinical setting. The book includes vital information on topics such as: The special problems of people of color who are often vulnerable to many levels of discrimination Social problems—such as addiction, sexual trauma, and AIDS—and the effect on couples and family life Parenting in lesbian and gay families The challenges of the straight clinician who works with gay families Creating boundaries in male couples Self labeling and disclosure And much moreLesbians and Gays in Couples and Families is an essential resource for any clinician—straight or gay—who wishes to become more knowledgeable and skilled in the treatment of this population.