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Multiplicities of Desire: Working with the Intersection of Bisexuality and Polyamory

Presenter/Instructor: Stephanie M. Sullivan, M.S., LLMFT 

3 CEs available

Out of Stock

Abstract: Bisexuality can have multiple meanings, but will be defined here as the potential to be attracted to people of more than one sex or gender, either romantically, sexually, or both (Eisner, 2013). Therapists who are working with a client who is bisexual in the polyamorous community may have to consider how their client’s bisexuality impacts them therapeutically. Bisexual individuals may be discriminated against, stereotyped, and/or have their identity erased in ways that are unique to the bi community (Bradford, 2004; Keppel, 2006; Turell, Brown, & Herrmann, 2017). Their client may have different needs, risk factors, and meaning-making than straight, gay, or lesbian clients. In addition, therapists should be acquainted with how being bisexual in the polyamorous community can be both a gift and a curse (Klesse, 2006; Robinson, 2013; Weitzman, 2006). Couples, particularly heterosexual couples, may “hunt” for a bisexual partner to incorporate into their relationship. This course will detail how therapists can help both couples and a bisexual person navigate the ethics, benefits, and disadvantages of bisexuality in polyamory. It will address “unicorn hunting,” and help therapists learn to facilitate conversations about bisexuality and healthy, ethical relationships in polyamory.

Learning Objectives:

  • List two ways bisexual erasure can impact a bisexual client.
  • Outline five stereotypes about bisexual individuals. 
  • Identify three benefits and three disadvantages to being both polyamorous and bisexual.
  • List 3 potential problems that unicorns and unicorn-hunting couples may experience.

3-hour course (video + post test + evaluation)

After watching the video for each section, you will be able to mark it as "complete" and continue to the next section. There is a quiz at the end consisting of 24 questions. You must answer 18 correctly for a passing grade and to receive your certificate. You can retake the test multiple times. 

Stephanie M. Sullivan, M.S., LLMFT – Stephanie M. Sullivan is a Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at A Compass Within Personal Consulting in Rochester, MI.

 

 


What are people saying about this course:

  • Very knowledgeable presenter with expertise in a niche area
  • I learned more about the bisexual community, and information about the intersection of bisexuality and polyamory. 
  • I learned how to help couples or individuals within relationships navigate expectations and communication regarding possible open or polyamorous relationships and helping bisexual clients navigate things such as whether and how to come out.

APA Approved Sponsor Logo

The Affirmative Couch, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Affirmative Couch, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

 
 
Module 1 1
Unit 1 Introduction  
Unit 2 Bisexual Terminology  
Unit 3 Bisexual Erasure  
Unit 4 Coming Out & Discrimination  
Unit 5 Bisexuality & Abuse  
Unit 6 Polyamorous Bisexuals  
Unit 7 Unicorns  
Unit 8 Course Quiz  
Unit 9 Survey