Couples therapy for lesbians

Abstract Lesbian couples are similar to their heterosexual counterparts in many ways, but there are some ways in which lesbian relationships are unique. The focus here is on how couples therapists can be well informed about some key aspects of lesbian couples and their experiences, most notably their experience of homophobia, and the phenomenon of merger in the lesbian relationship. Because of the pervasive nature of homophobia, it is essential that therapists recognize that homophobia impacts lesbians and their relationships in a myriad of ways. Merger has often been viewed as a problem in lesbian relationships, but the emotional intensity of such relationships should not be misunderstood or interpreted as problematic; to do so assumes that heterosexual relationships are the norm and that relationship styles which differ from this norm are somehow aberrant (Burch, 1986). Therapists who understand these aspects of the lesbian relationship are better prepared to provide an affirmative therapy experience to the lesbian couple.