Military life has always been considered a stressful career choice due to its demanding nature, which involves frequent relocations, deployments, and challenges. These circumstances can create additional stress for those who are members of marginalized groups like the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
There is limited research on how these individuals cope with such stressors while serving in the military.
Little attention has been given to understanding the role that interventions play in enhancing their coping, intimacy, and resilience when they are away from each other during service. This article will discuss the various interventions that effectively improve LGBT couples' coping mechanisms while apart and enhance their intimacy once reunited.
Intervention 1 - Group therapy
Group therapy is an effective intervention for improving intimacy among LGBT military couples because it allows them to share their experiences with others who understand their situation. In group therapy sessions, participants can receive emotional support, learn new coping skills, and build social networks. The benefits of group therapy include improved communication, increased self-awareness, and reduced isolation.
One study found that a group therapy program for LGBT service members and veterans positively impacted their relationships by increasing intimacy and reducing anxiety and depression levels. The researchers attribute this improvement to the openness and honesty that participants displayed in the sessions.
Group therapy helps couples develop empathy and acceptance towards each other, which enhances their connection.
Intervention 2 - Teletherapy
Teletherapy is another intervention that has proven effective in promoting resilience and coping strategies among LGBT military couples. It involves using video conferencing or telephone calls to connect individuals with mental health professionals without physically meeting face-to-face. During these sessions, couples can talk about their challenges, concerns, and feelings, allowing them to work through issues together and come up with solutions. This intervention reduces the stigma associated with seeking help and provides access to counselors regardless of geographical location. Teletherapy also offers privacy, flexibility, and convenience since couples can schedule appointments at any time from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection. A recent study revealed that LGBT military couples who participated in teletherapy reported less distress than those who did not receive such services.
Intervention 3 - Communication training
Communication training teaches LGBT military couples how to communicate effectively during stressful situations. This intervention includes teaching skills like active listening, conflict resolution, assertiveness, and negotiation. Couples learn to express themselves clearly, understand each other's perspective, and resolve conflicts productively. This intervention improves intimacy by reducing misunderstandings, increasing trust, and promoting open communication. One study found that LGBT service members who received communication training had better relationship quality than those who did not. The researchers attributed this improvement to increased empathy, understanding, and emotional support between partners.
Interventions such as group therapy, teletherapy, and communication training are effective in enhancing coping mechanisms, intimacy, and resilience among LGBT military couples. These strategies provide a safe space for individuals to share experiences, develop new coping skills, and build social networks. They reduce isolation, promote empathy and acceptance, and increase trust and support between partners. By implementing these interventions, the military can create a more inclusive environment where all members feel supported and valued regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Which interventions most effectively enhance coping, intimacy, and resilience among LGBT military couples?
There are several interventions that can help LGBT military couples cope with challenges related to their sexual orientation and gender identity. These include communication skills training, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, social support groups, and relationship counseling. Communication skills training helps couples develop better ways of expressing themselves and listening to each other, which reduces misunderstandings and conflicts.