Making space for sexuality in the therapy room: A qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in psychological therapy in the UK.

OBJECTIVES

LGBTQ+ people in the UK are exposed to social stigma, abuse and discrimination, which often translates to increased prevalence of mental health difficulties due to minority stress. Despite its relevance as a facet of identity, sexuality is generally ignored or pathologised in mental health services. Therefore, this research aimed to explore and understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in psychological therapy; specifically, how sexuality features within the therapeutic process.

DESIGN

Social constructivist qualitative study.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were completed online with 14 LGBTQ+ adults who had previously engaged in psychological therapy in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

RESULTS

Five themes and 16 subthemes were constructed to interpret patterns of shared meaning across the data. Themes illustrated the importance of the socio-historical context outside of therapy, individuals' fears and needs before engaging in therapy, the need for safety in the therapy room, how to navigate the process of including sexuality in the therapeutic process and participants' negative experiences of feeling pathologised and misunderstood.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the need for sensitive and person-centred inclusion of sexuality in therapy. Affirmative practice that is sensitive to socio-historical context should create a safe space and trusting therapeutic relationship, which was identified as most helpful.