Citation

Garnets LD, Peplau LA. Women Ther. 2002; 24(1-2): 111-121.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J015v24n01_14

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper critiques old models of women's sexual orientation that viewed heterosexuality as the norm for mental health, characterized lesbians as masculinized sexual "inverts," and looked to biology to explain the development of homosexuality. A new paradigm for women's sexual orientation is presented. This paradigm emphasizes the importance of the social context and recognizes the multiple pathways that can lead a woman to identify as lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual. In addition, the main components of sexual orientation are considered as is the potential fluidity of women's sexuality. Throughout, implications of the new paradigm for psychotherapy with women are considered.

Keywords

psychotherapy; women; Homosexuality; sexual orientation; lesbian; bisexual