La "B" en Terapia: Experiencias, Modelos y Asuntos de la Población Bisexual en Psicoterapia
Keywords:
bisexual, health, sexual health, psychoterapy, affirmative modelAbstract
Latin-American societies have a “machismo” culture, which is driven by sexual and gender traditional roles that are imposed for men and women. Puerto Rico, being a Latin and Caribbean island, is influenced by traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs. Consequently, these androcentric values continue to sustain generalized homo-biphobia or homo-binegativity prejudices that also affect the mental health community. The double discrimination experienced by bisexuals from the homosexual and heterosexual community influence health disparities among this population and could influence in the increase of symptoms such as depression and anxiety. These symptoms affect selfesteem and create a tendency to isolate. The mental health providers cannot replicate the social constructs of bisexuality that promote discrimination. Psychotherapy should be a peaceful space, which promotes a discrimination-free zone filled with acceptance and self-determination. More research should be performed that focuses in bisexual mental health and access of these services. Recognizing the harmful environment that society constructs for the bisexual community, this article pretends to offer a literature review where: a) mental health issues of the bisexual community are described, b) available interventions for this population are discussed and c) clinical and research
recommendations with this population are offered.
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