ABSTRACT
Approximately 600,000 American households are inhabited by same-sex couples (also referred to, in this chapter, as gay couples or gay male and lesbian couples) (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). While many experts in this area (Carl, 1990; Chernin & Johnson, 2003; Nichols, 2000; Tessina, 2003) have agreed that these couples have relational problems similar to those of heterosexual couples, they also acknowledge that differences exist between the two populations (just as they do between gay male and lesbian couples) and that these differences need to be taken into account in order for same-sex couples treatment to be effective. The primary purpose of this chapter is to touch on a few of the differences that I have found to be most germane to the p–d dynamic and to offer some treatment suggestions. The differences presented by these couples may in some cases be behind the p–d dynamic or at the very least exacerbate or complicate the interaction. The first difference that distinguishes same-sex couples from others in our society is the stigma they experience.
