Therapy is meant to be a safe space where people can explore their emotions without fear of judgment.
Research suggests that there may be certain preconceived notions about bisexuality that could lead to a less effective therapeutic experience. This can happen when a therapist holds unconscious biases against bisexuality which affect how they work with clients who identify as such. In this article, I will discuss what these unconscious biases are, why they are problematic, and how they impact the healing process for bisexual individuals seeking help from a mental health professional.
It's important to understand what bisexuality is. According to the American Psychological Association, "Bisexual" refers to someone who is romantically and/or sexually attracted to both males and females." It is often used interchangeably with pansexual or omnisexual, which describes an attraction to all genders, regardless of gender identity or expression. Bisexuality has been around for centuries and was even recognized in ancient times by Aristophanes, who believed that humans originally had two heads, four arms, and four legs before Zeus split them in half. Some of the earliest documented references to bisexuality come from literature like Shakespeare's Sonnet 20, in which the speaker says "I am two fools, I know; For loving, and for venturing to declare my love." Despite its long history, many people still view bisexuality as a phase or even shameful.
Unfortunately, this lack of acceptance extends to the world of therapy. A recent study found that while most therapists claim to be accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals, there is still room for improvement. The study also revealed that some therapists hold negative beliefs about bisexuality without being aware of it themselves. These unconscious biases can influence their work and create barriers for those who identify as such.
If a therapist believes that bisexuals are promiscuous or that they are somehow broken because they cannot choose between one gender over another, then this could lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment plans.
These biases can have serious consequences on the healing process. Bisexual clients may feel misunderstood or invalidated when working with a therapist who does not fully understand their experiences. They might be less likely to open up about their struggles or seek help altogether due to fear of discrimination or judgment.
These biases can contribute to internalized homophobia or heteronormativity, whereby bisexuals begin to believe that there is something wrong with them for feeling attracted to multiple genders. This can further exacerbate mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia.
There are steps that both therapists and clients can take to mitigate the impact of these biases. Therapists should receive regular training on topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity to ensure they remain informed on current research and best practices. Clients can educate themselves on the basics of bisexuality and find a therapist who has experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals. It's also important to acknowledge the role of unconscious bias in any therapeutic relationship so that it doesn't become a barrier to progress.
Unconscious biases against bisexuality can hinder the therapeutic process. By becoming aware of our own biases and taking action to address them, we can create safer spaces for all clients - including those who identify as bisexual.
How do therapist biases unconsciously influence the healing process for bisexual individuals?
Unconscious biases can negatively impact the therapeutic relationship between a therapist and their bisexual client. These biases may stem from cultural, social, or personal prejudices that are not necessarily intentional but can have significant implications on the effectiveness of treatment.