Gay men in our culture are mythologized, pathologized, envied, ignored, and oversimplified. Clinicians may be experts in treating heterosexual couples, but too often they miss out on the most effective interventions for this specific population. Men presenting for couples treatment are frequently seeking closer ties—while simultaneously embracing independence and avoidant behaviors. These norms are accepted within the gay community and are also considered norms of masculinity for cisgender men. The couples therapist faces the challenge of transcending these norms and suggesting an intimacy regime that is satisfactory for men. To be effective, it’s essential for clinicians to appreciate community nuances and to feel comfortable talking about gay sexuality. Cultural and racial backgrounds also need to be understood as part of the couples matrix.
Rick Miller, LICSW has been treating male couples for 40 years and will share success and impasses in his couples work, as well as sharing his experiences as part of a long-term gay partnership.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will be adept at identifying specific norms for treating male couples compared to other populations.
2. Attendees will be able to address how intersectionality complicates challenges for male couples.
3. Attendees will recite avoidant behaviors that impact the wellbeing of male couples.