ABSTRACT
It is clear that attaining equality in intimate relationships goes beyond dividing up chores, but relates to the very fabric of the relationship, determined by the ability of the individual partners to be friends. Given the persistence of sex-role stereotyping and gender discrimination, this is no small feat. As such, therapy aimed at equality in couple relationships demands more from the therapist than learning a new set of skills. It might be said that work towards equality in relationships goes to the core of the therapist’s beliefs about relationships in general, the role of men and women in society, as well as the therapist’s own freedom from cultural stereotypes. The teaching of couples and family therapy usually touches on the trainees’ life situation and history, but focusing on gender, power and intimate relationships seems to stir up more intense personal reactions. This can blur the boundaries between the professional and the personal, making it hard to remain neutral and focused on the couple in treatment. Supervisory groups that make gender and power central variables tend to become emotionally charged, quickly delving into and stirring up the trainees’ own lives.
