Discussion Post: Counseling Same-Sex Couples
In this discussion starts with the following basic information: You are a counselor providing counseling to a same-sex couple. The partners within that couple are parents to two children, ages 6 and 3. Beyond this basic information, you are asked to speculate how additional details might influence this couple's experience of parenting. In your response, consider different possible aspects of their lives as parents, including how parenting may influence their couple relationship, what connections the family may have to other members of the local community, and how the parents might interact with and experience institutions related to their parenting experiences (e.g., schools, child care, health care providers, and mental health professionals).
To prepare for this Discussion, select two pairs of demographic differences from the following list: urban/rural, interracial/same race, one stay-at-home parent/dual career, higher/lower socioeconomic status, secular/religious. Consider how same-sex couples' parenting experiences might differ between each side of the categories you selected.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post the two categories of demographic differences that you selected. Explain how the couple's relationship and their parenting experiences might differ between each side of the categories you selected. For example, if you chose urban/rural as one of your categories, explain how the experiences would differ if the couple lived in an urban area or if they lived in a rural area. Finally, explain how your counseling approach might differ based on the different experiences of the couple.
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.
Readings
o Article: Barefoot, K. N., Rickard, A., Smalley, K. B., & Warren, J. C. (2015). Rural lesbians: Unique challenges and implications for mental health providers. Journal of Rural Mental Health, 39(1), 22-33. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
o Article: Giammattei, S. V. (2015). Beyond the Binary: Trans-Negotiations in Couple and Family Therapy. Family Process, 54(3), 418-434. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
o Article: Jacqui, G., & Reenee, S. (2015). Reflections on the challenges of understanding racial, cultural and sexual differences in couple relationship research. Journal of Family Therapy, (2), 210. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
o Article: Oakley, M., Farr, R. H., & Scherer, D. G. (2017). Same-Sex Parent Socialization: Understanding Gay and Lesbian Parenting Practices as Cultural Socialization. Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 13(1), 56-75. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.