To highlight difficulties that are unique to lesbian couples by reviewing the data that contrast lesbian and heterosexual couples and exploring the theories that explain the observed differences in couple dynamics.
Method:
A review of the literature contrasting demographics and relationship characteristics in lesbians and heterosexual couples was conducted, and a review of lesbian psychotherapy literature was performed.
Results:
The differences in couple dynamics may be attributed to female relational styles and the stresses of being in a relationship that is not socially sanctioned (homophobia).
Conclusions:
Therapists should not use heterosexual standards when evaluating lesbian relationships because this may lead to misconstruance of a couple's emotional intensity as pathological. They should, however, recognize the problems that stem from pathological levels of fusion. When evaluating a couple, clinicians must assess the level of internalized homophobia so as to understand when the couple's difficulties originate from unresolved conflicts over sexual orientation.
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