CC24 Workshop 09 - Naughty and Nice: How Male Couples Build and Sustain Connection - Rick Miller, MSW

Male couples face multiple challenges. Living with a status that is unrecognized or marginalized, and where societal homophobia is consciously and unconsciously internalized, serves to erode these couples’ strengths and ability to thrive.
This workshop will explore how male couples maintain successful long-term relationships while choosing the model (heteronormative, open, monogamous, polyamory, and betrayal) that is right for them. Additionally it will address how gay development impacts the wellbeing of male couples.
Couples have the right to choose how they want to live and to expect the support of their therapist, but too often clinicians who have less experience working with gay men will try to make the couple adapt to an arrangement within the clinician’s comfort zone. Workshop attendees will learn to stretch their own comfort levels in dealing with these cases and develop their own style of challenging couples who avoid intimacy or closeness.
Additionally, tools for nurturing and sustaining intimacy will be provided. Clinicians wishing to improve their effectiveness in working with male couples will gain insights into different modes of connection and strengthen their expertise in treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will expand skills and comfort in identifying models of relationships beyond heteronormative.
2. Attendees will list developmental challenges unique to gay men.
3. Attendees will incorporate interventions for forgiveness and acceptance following betrayals.