As couples embark on a new relationship, what knowledge do they use on how to be in a relationship? Do they look at their parents, a favorite aunt and uncle, or even a television couple? All of these answers could be helpful. For same-sex couples, this becomes a special challenge. Who do they learn from about healthy same-sex relationships? Perhaps they have not had access to examples in order to learn strategies for solving problems. Many of the couples around them are most likely going to be of different sexes. Additionally, a vast majority of couples in the media will be heterosexual. Our media is attempting to show us more same-sex relationships, but it’s pretty small compared to heterosexual relationships.
I find that many of my GLBTQ couples are challenged with defining what they need to know to make their relationship a healthy one. These issues can cause considerable distress or even an ending to the relationship if not addressed. Many talk about what they do not want, but they are not sure what to replace it with. At Texas Relationship Therapy, you can work with a therapist who understands these challenges. A caring therapist will take the time to listen to your story and assist you in making relationship goals. We will help you recognize behaviors or patterns in your relationship that cause problems and assist you in creating healthy relationship habits.
For same-sex couples contemplating marriage, we offer our Get it Right Premarital Program©, especially designed with same-sex couples in mind. We will offer a private learning environment that gives you and your partner a structured format to follow as you navigate expectations for marriage. This program was designed as a reaction to common problems we see as relationship therapists. We want you to have the tools and knowledge to help you avoid the problems many new couples face.
Written by: Kearin Miller, MS, LMFT-Associate, CST-Candidate
