Thankfully, we are living in a society where it’s becoming more accepting and normal for alternative families, and gay couples to live their lives in the same way heterosexuals and traditional families have for years. And while we continue to grow and evolve as a people with new acceptances everyday, we still unfortunately are not 100% where we should be in terms of understanding alternative families and homosexuality like we should. This can become a bigger issue when it comes to counseling and therapy.

Counseling for gay couples should reflect everything counseling for heterosexual couples does. However, because of the world we live in, it can be important for homosexual couples to feel as though they have some kind of support, which is where counseling can really help, once the right therapist is found. A quick search in your local area may be your best bet in finding a therapist near you who is more sensitive to homosexual concerns, or alternative family concerns that you may be dealing with everyday.

Common Issues For Gay Couples Counseling

It can be hard, and feel overwhelming when you believe you don’t have a support system other than your partner, which is where counseling can really become a life preserver. Many gay couples struggle with things like negative social conditions of the world, or even the community they live in, but the real issues begin in even closer relationships. A lack of support from family, friends, religious institutions, etc. can make anyone feel alone, especially those who had a harder time ‘coming out’ to those friends, family, etc. in the first place.

There are counselors who specialize in these issues, and may be able to help when it comes to dealing with the stress of being a minority.

Alternative Families

Alternative families are on the rise as well, and if there are issues within the core couple of sensitivity, social stigmas, etc., that could carry over into children. It’s important that everyone in the family understands their own value and self-worth, no matter what state the world is in as far as acceptance at any given time. The world keeps changing, and families will continue to change with it.

An appropriate therapist will treat homosexual couples, and alternative families with the appropriate attitude and techniques. Any specific methods of treatment, however, should be no different for gay couples than it is for heterosexual couples. If you are in a homosexual relationship, or alternative family that happens to be struggling with any of the issues discussed here, don’t be afraid to look for a therapist who will be understanding enough to treat your family as they would any other, with an even deeper understanding of how society can impact the overall feeling of the family.

Written By:
Dr. Drew Tillotson, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in full-time private practice with over 25 years of experience. My office is located in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. I work with adults in both individual therapy and couples work. I Specialize in sex addiction therapy in San Francisco.