Helping Spouses Cope with Partners Coming Out: A Solution-Focused Approach

Abstract

This article reviews previous research on coping strategies of spouses with partners who have come out. The current research on coping strategies has come from the work of Amity Pierce Buxton. Next the article examines previous treatment methods used with spouses of gay, lesbian, and bisexual partners. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is discussed and suggested as an approach with this population. A case example is presented to show how SFBT was used with a client struggling with the news of her partner coming out. Finally, the implications of using SFBT and how the approach helps partners progress through Buxton's stages is discussed.

Notes

* All names of family members were changed to protect privacy.

^† The marriage and family therapy intern was the first author.

^‡ The team consisted of marriage and family therapy interns Chai Benson, John Butler, Melanie Frey, and Belinda Stepnowski.