Counseling Individuals of Lesbian Population: Week Six Application

Counseling Individuals of Lesbian Population: Week Six Application

No matter the sexual orientation every population or culture of people has unique issues related to that specific population. There are times when more than one population will have the same issues, however, the way in which our society responds to those issues makes them unique. The issues related to the lesbian population are unique because they are unlike those faced by persons of the heterosexual population (Sue & Sue, 2008). Due to the prejudice and bias demonstrated by our society women of this group is less likely to seek help for the issues they face.

Issues Affecting Group

Domestic violence is an issue that is prevalent in every facet of our society. However, according to Sue and Sue, (2008), there is a higher rate of domestic violence in lesbian partnerships. There may be discrepancies with the reported amount of abuse versus the prevalence, which could be much higher, between lesbian partners due to the perceived stigma associated with lesbian relationships (Patzel, 2005). Patzel (2005) indicated that while there are similar factors that could contribute to domestic violence between lesbian relationships and heterosexual relationships, there are also key differences as well. These differences are: homophobia, merging, reciprocal abuse and lack of support. Homophobia and merging will be discussed in this paper.

Homophobia, defined by West (2002) is the irrational fear and hatred of lesbians. Lesbian partners could use this form of psychological abuse to gain and keep control of the other partner. By revealing the partner's sexual orientation to relatives, employers and others without the other's permission could result in a number of negative consequences for the victim (West, 2002). With the threat of this, the abuser would have control of the victim.

Situations that could cause the women to depend more on each other would result in merging. This occurs when there is a lack of social validation, and as a result the lack of outside support would increase the attachment with each other. During this time of merging the partners lose their sense of independence (West, 2002). As a result of merging it becomes difficult for the difference of opinions or becoming involved in social activities without the partner as it may be perceived as rejection and then the chances of conflict and possible physical violence could occur.

Implications in Counseling

As counselors begin to work with lesbian couples it will be important to consider and understand the critical underlying