Citation

Ellis ML. Br. J. Psychother. 1997; 13(3): 369-383.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1752-0118.1997.tb00323.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Psychoanalytic theories of sexuality have regarded homosexuality as a symptom of arrested sexual development. Such theorizing fails to acknowledge the prejudicial values that underpin it. The work of the philosopher, Michel Foucault, can offer psychotherapists new possibilities of considering sexual orientation that do not presuppose a split between the psychic and the socio-political. The complexity and diversity of lesbian roles, identities, experiences and cultures are particularly highlighted by Audre Lorde (a Black lesbian feminist theorist). The two cases illustrate how a Foucauldian analysis, combined with a psychoanalytic approach, can enable us to respond more sensitively to questions of identity in our work with patients.