Exploring relational and emotional experiences of the LGBTQ+ community through a cognitive analytic therapy lens

Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) offers a relational framework for understanding psychological difficulties, emphasising how early relational and socio-cultural experiences are internalised and shape the self through a repertoire of reciprocal roles (RRs).

This qualitative study seeks to explore the relational experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals using CAT theory, focusing on identity development (self-self relationships), self-other relationships, and self-society relationships.

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) guided interviews with 11 participants. CAT theory was applied as an additional framework to provide a clinically applicable understanding of these themes.

Six group experiential themes (GETs) were identified: Coming Out: Discovering and Sharing Who I Am; Is it Wrong to be LGBTQ +? Questions and Beliefs about Being 'Normal'; Different Parts of Me; Feeling Safe in Relation to Others; Feeling Unworthy and Unlovable; and Being Authentically Me. Illustrations of themes were created. A CAT map was developed from the themes, outlining RRs, reciprocal role procedures (RRPs), and self-states. The findings highlight the influence of early caregiving relationships, the coming out process, and societal experiences on participants' self-development.

The CAT map captures the distinct RRs and procedures that the LGBTQ+ community may experience, emphasising the critical role of the self-society relationship in identity formation. It underscores the importance of the 'healthy island' concept and illustrates how healing RRPs can promote a more integrated and connected sense of self. This framework may help clinicians support LGBTQ+ individuals facing mental health challenges related to their relational experiences and sense of self.