Affirming patterns of adolescent sexual identity: the challenge

Issues concerning sexual identity are not uncommon in therapy with adolescents, although they may manifest in a variety of ways. For young people who have experienced same-gender attractions or sexual experiences there is the question of how to absorb these experiences within the construction of a coherent sexual identity. In many cases the family context plays an important role in sexual identity formation and acceptance. Therapists too may play an important role in terms of two key aspects of sexual identity formation: self-definition and disclosure. Family therapists in particular occupy a unique position with respect to the adolescent and his or her family, opening up not only potential opportunities but also potential risks in practice. Practice issues are identified and explored in this paper.