How do therapeutic relationships mirror or challenge societal biases toward bisexuality?
Therapeutic relationships can be helpful for people who identify as bisexual because they provide a safe space where they can explore their identities without judgment or pressure to conform to society's expectations.
Many therapists have unconscious prejudices about bisexuals that may limit the effectiveness of treatment. This article will examine some ways that therapeutic relationships might reflect or counteract these societal biases.
Bisexuality is often misunderstood
One way that therapeutic relationships can mirror societal biases towards bisexuality is through misconceptions about what it means to be bisexual. Many people assume that being bisexual means having equal attraction to both men and women, when in reality there are many different ways to experience sexuality. Some bisexual people feel more attracted to one gender than another, while others may fluctuate between attraction to multiple genders. Therapists who don't understand this complexity may struggle to help their clients navigate their feelings and find healthy romantic and sexual relationships.
Fear of promiscuity
Another societal bias against bisexuality is the belief that bisexual people are promiscuous or unable to commit to monogamy. This stereotype can cause difficulty for bisexual individuals seeking therapy because it creates an expectation that they will act out sexually with anyone regardless of relationship status. In fact, research suggests that bisexuals tend to have fewer partners than heterosexuals or homosexuals, but this doesn't mean they aren't capable of forming lasting relationships. Therapeutic relationships can provide a space where bisexual clients can explore how their identity intersects with their desire for intimacy without fear of judgment from the therapist.
Binary thinking
Therapy is often rooted in binary thinking - for example, asking questions like "Are you attracted more to men or women?" or assuming that all people fit into either male or female categories. This can be problematic for bisexual clients because it implies that their experiences are less valid than those of gay, lesbian, or straight individuals. A good therapist should strive to create a non-binary environment where all clients feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically.
How do therapeutic relationships mirror or challenge societal biases toward bisexuality?
The therapeutic relationship is characterized by open communication between the client and therapist wherein both parties are comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other. The therapist acts as an impartial listener while trying to understand the client's perspective on different issues related to their identity. In case of bisexual clients, however, there are often certain societal biases that can influence how the client perceives themselves and their sexual orientation.