The lived experiences of queer identified couple/marriage and family therapists

Abstract

In the history of this country queer-identified individuals have faced discrimination and harassment in their places of school and work for many years. Research has found that exposure to these experiences can have a negative impact on mental health. Prior to this study, no data were available as to whether or not queeridentified Couple and Family Therapists (C/MFTs) also have faced discrimination and harassment within the field of C/MFT. This study explored the lived experiences of queer-identified C/MFTs in an attempt to identify what unique struggles this population faces, and if these struggles include coping with discrimination and harassment. Participants identified concerns over inadequate training and resources, issues related to self-disclosure, the role of being a spokesperson for the queer community, the role that context plays with regard to their experiences, the strengths of being a queer-identified C/MFT, and the relationship that the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has had with queer-identified C/MFTs and the queer community in general. Finally, participants were asked to give words of advice to other therapists based on their own experiences. The results of the study suggest that queer-identified C/MFTs find their sexual orientation as a strength; it not only benefits their clinical work, but can enable a sense of empowerment in advocating for the rights of their community.