Relationship Advice For Gay and Lesbian Couples

Humans are built to bond fiercely to each other. Secure attachment is a constant in every healthy relationship, and this is true for same sex couples, gay and lesbian couples, opposite sex couples, non binary couples, and “gender fluid” pairings, polyamorous relationships, “throuplings” and more. If you’re looking for relationship advice for lesbian and gay relationships, hear this first: Love is love, always.

As an experienced online couples therapistwho’s had the honor of serving all types of couples over the years, I know that virtually all relationships have their ups and downs, particularly as attachment grows and people become more important to each other. As we spiral into deeper levels of emotional intimacy and knowing, new growth areas emerge around communication, trust, love, respect, boundaries, identity and partnership. That’s a given.

However, it is also true that in addition to the usual peaks and valleys every relationship weathers eventually, gay and lesbian couples have additional layers of complexity that they often have to face together. These can put unique stressors on the relationship, but they can also offer profoundly meaningful opportunities for growth and empathy on each side. Societal pressures, family of origin relationships, internal messages around identity, and unique cultural factors must be understood and honored as well.

In this episode of the podcast, my colleague here at Growing Self, Colorado and Utah-based couples therapist Kensington Osmond gives us an overview of the nuances of LGBTQ relationships, as well as special considerations when it comes to effective gay and lesbian couples therapy. You’ll learn about the unique struggles LGBTQ couples may have to go through and the reasons why. She’s also taking a deep dive into the family of origin and cultural issues that can impact so many gay and lesbian couples, and how these can be stepping stones towards greater strength, resilience and empathy.

If you’re in a same-sex relationship or have a loved one that is part of the LGBTQ+ community, this episode will give you perspective into how happy, healthy gay and lesbian couples learn, grow and thrive together.

My guest Kensington has compassionate insights from her experiences as a couples therapist for gay and lesbian couples, as well as a therapist for gay and lesbian individuals on the path of personal growth and healthy identity development. She has lots of gay and lesbian relationship advice to share, as well as thoughtful insights into healthy growth for individuals too. Here’s what we’re discussing:

Gay and Lesbian Relationship Advice:

Learn about Kensington’s research on the impact of religion on gay and lesbian relationships.
Understand why members of the LGBTQ+ community can struggle with shame and low self esteem, and how to support them through it.
Discover the similarities and differences in couples therapy for same sex couples, and opposite sex couples.
Realize the importance of being or having a compassionate, safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to grow.
Understand gender dysphoria, and what to do if you or someone you love is suffering with it.
Learn essential tools for becoming empowered, and fostering self-compassion.
Apply time-tested, evidence-based strategies of couples counseling for gay and lesbian relationships.
And more!

You can listen to this episode, “Gay and Lesbian Relationship Advice” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you like to listen to relationship podcasts. You can also scroll down to the bottom of this page to listen right now. Join us! (And join the conversation in the comments below!)

xoxo,

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby & Kensington Osmond, M.S., MFT-C