Relationally Queer: A Pink Therapy Guide for Practitioners

Relationally Queer is a book that explores diverse intimate relationship styles and the connections with self for clinicians interested in gender, sex, and relationship diversity, offering a more inclusive and queer-friendly way of thinking about relationships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 10 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Relationally Queer is a groundbreaking exploration of diverse intimate relationship styles and their connections with self for clinicians interested in gender, sex, and relationship diversity. Written in a more inclusive and queer-friendly approach, the book delves into a wide range of topics that encompass intersectionality, consensual non-monogamy, working with shame, intimate partner violence, religious identities, and living with HIV. By venturing beyond a Eurocentric perspective, the book features a captivating chapter on African-centred therapy, shedding light on the relationships of often erased populations such as bisexual individuals, sex workers, people with chronic health issues, and trans people. This comprehensive resource is designed to assist psychosexual and relationship therapists, counselors, and psychologists who work with clients from diverse genders, sexualities, and relationships.

The book offers valuable insights and practical strategies for practitioners working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+ or who engage in non-monogamous relationships. It provides a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by these individuals and emphasizes the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for them to explore their identities and relationships.

One of the key strengths of Relationally Queer is its ability to address intersectionality in relationships. The book recognizes that individuals do not exist in isolation and that their identities, experiences, and relationships are shaped by a multitude of factors, including race, ethnicity, class, religion, and ability. It explores how these intersections can impact individuals' relationships and provides practical strategies for clinicians to navigate these complexities effectively.

Another important aspect of the book is its focus on consensual non-monogamy. It challenges traditional notions of monogamy and explores the many forms that non-monogamous relationships can take, including open relationships, polyamory, and kink. The book provides a comprehensive overview of these practices and highlights the benefits and challenges associated with them. It also offers practical advice for clinicians working with clients who are interested in exploring non-monogamous relationships or who are already in such relationships.

Working with shame is another critical topic addressed in Relationally Queer. The book recognizes that shame is a common experience for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or who engage in non-monogamous relationships. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding shame and offers practical strategies for working with it in therapy. The book also explores how shame can manifest in relationships and how it can impact individuals' self-esteem and sense of worth.

Intimate partner violence is another important issue that the book addresses. It recognizes that intimate partner violence can occur in any relationship and that it can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families. The book provides a comprehensive overview of intimate partner violence and offers practical strategies for clinicians to work with clients who have experienced it. It also highlights the importance of addressing the intersectionality of intimate partner violence and other forms of oppression, such as race, gender, and class.

Religious identities are also explored in Relationally Queer, recognizing that religion can play a significant role in individuals' relationships and sense of self. The book provides a respectful and inclusive approach to working with clients who identify as religious or who have religious beliefs that impact their relationships. It offers practical strategies for clinicians to navigate these complexities effectively and highlights the importance of respecting clients' religious beliefs and practices.

Living with HIV is another critical topic addressed in Relationally Queer. The book recognizes that living with HIV can impact individuals' relationships and sense of self-worth. It provides a comprehensive overview of HIV and offers practical strategies for clinicians to work with clients who have experienced it. The book also highlights the importance of addressing the intersectionality of HIV and other forms of oppression, such as race, gender, and class.

In conclusion, Relationally Queer is a groundbreaking resource for clinicians interested in gender, sex, and relationship diversity. Written in a more inclusive and queer-friendly approach, the book offers valuable insights and practical strategies for practitioners working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+ or who engage in non-monogamous relationships. By addressing intersectionality, consensual non-monogamy, working with shame, intimate partner violence, religious identities, and living with HIV, the book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and supporting these diverse populations. This resource will be an invaluable tool for psychosexual and relationship therapists, counselors, and psychologists who work with clients of diverse genders, sexualities, and relationships.

Weight: 625g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032197258