The Positive Relational Couples Therapy Model: A group therapeutic approach for LGBTQIA+ military couples
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Morris, C., Wright, G., & Herbert, L. (2024). The positive relational couples therapy model: A group therapeutic approach for LGBTQIA+ military couples. The Family Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807241235323
Abstract Created by REACH:
Although policy changes in the last two decades (e.g., the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell) have enhanced the rights and well-being of some LGBTQIA+ Service members, there remains a military culture of stigma and bias against LGBTQIA+ Service members. This article introduced Positive Relational Couples Therapy, an 8-session group therapy model for militaryaffiliated LGBTQIA+ couples. Positive Relational Couples Therapy integrates principles from positive psychology and social justice frameworks, emphasizing affirmative care, egalitarian therapeutic relationships, holistic well-being, and healthy couple relationship processes. The theoretically grounded Positive Relational Couples Therapy model can be applied in group therapy settings to address the dearth of culturally specific, affirmative resources available to LGBTQIA+ military couples.
Focus:
Couples
Programming
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Morris, Crystal, Wright, Galaxina, Herbert, Léa
Abstract:
Given the history of discrimination and increased mental health risks surrounding LGBTQIA+ service members, group counseling is a practical approach for practitioners to mitigate effects in a therapeutic setting. This article synthesizes the Positive Relational Couples Therapy (PRCT) model, incorporating concepts of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC), Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), the PERMA model, and Gottman's Method Couples Therapy as a group process to provide a conceptual framework. An outline of the PRCT model and case illustration are provided for practitioners for group counseling with LGBTQIA+ military couples. Practical group considerations and implications for this work are discussed.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
LGBTQIA+, military couples, group counseling
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: