Working clinically with gay men with sexual performance problems

Abstract

Existing research has tended to make many assumptions about gay mens' sexuality and the contexts in which men express their sexuality. Such assumptions are often negative and limit the therapists' full appreciation of the complexity and richness of clients' lives. This paper reviews what literature there is and argues that contemporary conceptualisations of gay mens' sexual performance issues is restricted by the predominance of models that are derived from the experiences of heterosexual men. Clinical examples of working with gay men are presented and emphasize the need to critically consider the therapeutic models that are being applied and the therapists' own values.

Keywords:

• homosexual men
• sexual performance
• therapeutic options
• gay men

Notes

1. The term “threesome” is used in this text to describe sex between three men. There appears to be no recognised professional term; triolism refers specifically to sex between three people with a mix of sexes. Threesome was the term used by the client and is used colloquially by gay men.