Couples Dynamics for Gay And Lesbian Older Adults
by Eloise Rathbone-McCuan


What life circumstances and situations draw middle-aged and older same-sex couples into counseling? They may seek clinical intervention because of depression or anxiety or because of crisis events or relationship issues between the couple or in their larger family system. These same issues are applicable to heterosexual couples and their families. In addition, however, same-sex couples present unique concerns in counseling that are directly linked to the social, economic and legal barriers they confront from the impact of homophobic and heterosexist personal and community environments -- societal conditions that evoke social isolation, invisibility and alienation.