12/15/22 - Is a Couple Just A Couple? Working with Same Sex Couples

Is a Couple Just A Couple? Working with Same Sex Couples
Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Online via Zoom
6.0 CE Hours for Social Work (MICEC) and MCBAP (RELATED)
Course fee: $99
Presenter: Joe Kort, Ph.D., LMSW
Many couple’s therapists will say that they work the same with all couples and that “a couple is a couple”. However, this is not true with working with two people of the same gender. It dismisses the importance of “doubling” which is that both partners have been socialized in the same way regarding their gender. This presents unique issues for same sex couples in terms of how they relate to one another. This presentation will explore the impact of sexual orientation, gender identity and social attitudes on the dynamics of individual couple. Included will be different stages of outness, As a clinician it is important to be LGBT informed rather than just LGBT friendly. We will compare the distinct differences in relationship dynamics and problem areas that arise for gay men and for lesbians: responsible sexual practices and the need for more connectedness among gay male couples and and the need for separateness among lesbians are just a few. You'll leave with specific interventions and assessment tools that promote LGBT affirmative couples therapy.