ABSTRACT

Working with mixed-HIV-status couples can be both a challenging and rewarding process. It is essential for the therapist to feel comfortable working with the couple as a unit rather than only treating and/or referring each to his or her separate therapy. The challenges that these couples face are many and include issues related to sex behavior, future planning, illness and caretaking, social supports, and disclosure. It is common for couples to avoid topics related to HIV as a way of "protecting" each other from the powerful emotions associated with HIV and all of its uncertainty. This avoidance serves to impede the continued growth of intimacy necessary for positive couple functioning and mutual satisfaction.