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The therapeutic encounter in same‐sex couple counselling – the client's perspective
Author(s) -
Grove Jan,
Blasby Simon
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
counselling and psychotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.38
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1746-1405
pISSN - 1473-3145
DOI - 10.1080/14733140903012903
Subject(s) - psychology , perspective (graphical) , agency (philosophy) , perception , thematic analysis , social psychology , therapeutic relationship , psychotherapist , qualitative research , sociology , social science , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , computer science
Aim: To gain insight into the client's experiences of the counsellor and the therapeutic encounter in same‐sex couple counselling. Method: Opportunity sampling using e‐mail and agency contacts and advertising in a journal and magazines resulted in nine respondents being interviewed. The transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Respondents were sensitive to the way in which the counsellor related to them and their couple relationship. Four themes were identified: the counsellor's comfort and discomfort; overcompensating for sexual orientation; needing to protect the counsellor; and the uncertainty and not knowing about the counsellor. Discussion: The client's perception of the counsellor's underlying sense of discomfort will impact on the counselling relationship and therefore the efficacy of the process. This applies when the counsellor is perceived as tentative through being over cautious, or through lack of knowledge of same‐sex relationships. In addition, being overly gay affirmative was seen as a block to exploring negative aspects of the relationship. Implications for practice: Counsellors need an understanding of same‐sex relationships, and to be able to discuss the intimate details of these with a level of knowledge and comfort. In addition, being overly affirmative can prevent negative aspects of the relationships being addressed.