ABSTRACT
The committed couple relationship, because of its intensity, intimacy and longevity, makes possible an interaction between two people at greater depth than any other, except for that of early infancy. Psychic development, stimulated by physiological developments and the response of the environment, has for many a natural trajectory towards being an adult intimate and creative couple. Within the psychic boundedness of their relationship, the couple allows for separateness as well as intimacy between them. The adult intimate relationship differs from others in that it is usually sexual and is potentially procreative. There is an increasing questioning, especially among young people, about being confined to a binary sexual identity with regard to biological sex, gender or gender identity. The couple therapist is also affected by his or her own gender and sexual orientation and, however much has been learnt about other genders and sexualities, will be a limiting factor, as will cultural differences.
