Handbook of LGBT-Affirmative Couple and Family Therapy

by Jerry J. Bigner (Editor), Joseph L. Wetchler (Editor)

The editors and contributors of this comprehensive text provide a unique and important contribution to LGBT clinical literature. Spanning 30 chapters, they discuss the diverse and complex issues involved in LGBT couple and family therapy. In almost 15 years, this book provides the first in-depth overview of the best practices for therapists and those in training who wish to work effectively with LGBT clients, couples, and families need to know, and is only the second of its kind in the history of the field. The clinical issues discussed include
• raising LGBT children
• coming out
• elderly LGBT issues
• sex therapy
• ethical and training issues
Because of the breadth of the book, its specificity, and the expertise of the contributing authors and editors, it is the definitive handbook on LGBT couple and family therapy.

508 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dawn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an EXCELLENT book which covers many more types of “family” than any other book on Family Therapy that I’ve seen (which is admittedly not a comprehensive list.) in addition to LGBTQ issues, it also honors the “plus” of LGBTQ+ by including chapters on polyamory/consensual non-monogamy, the intersection of queerness and aging, and several other communities and family styles not mentioned in most mainstream books on psychotherapy. These additional chapters are NOT in the first edition, so make sure to get the revised edition (2022, I believe, or possibly 2021.)

I did find the writing uneven, because this is a collection of chapters by different authors, all bound together in one volume. This is most noticeable with how people use language, for instance whether they use LBGT, LGBTQ, or even (rarely), GLBT. Some chapters were clearly older and not revised for this 2nd edition. That said, the variety of perspectives is marvelous. My own personal experience is in the polyamory/CNM communities, and I will say that this chapter was accurate as a member of the community and as a counselor in the community for over 2 decades. Presuming that the same is true for other chapters (and why wouldn’t it be?) then I expect that they treat other populations accurately and fairly as well. High marks, and definitely worth reading for people looking to expand their practice beyond the gender binary, heteronormative, “nuclear family” notion that’s becoming less and less ubiquitous and relevant over time.

[Shoshana Kerewsky]

LGBT Couple Enrichment [chapter] (Shoshana D. Kerewsky)

A delayed, forthcoming 2nd edition [Harvey, R. G., Murphy, M. J., Bigner, J. J., & Wetchler, J. L. (Eds.). (Under contract). Handbook of LGBTQ-affirmative couple and family therapy (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge] will include:

Rewrite the Script: A Call for More Queer and Inclusive Relationship Enrichment Programs [chapter] (Shoshana D. Kerewsky, Darien Combs, & Nathan Mather).

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic compilation from many experts in the field of LGBT affirmative therapy. It tackles very specific issues within the LGBT community as they stand in the current social climate. Each chapter's reference list is a goldmine for continuing to gather information.