Work

Exploring relational and emotional experiences of the LGBTQ + community through a cognitive analytic therapy lens

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) offers a relational framework for understanding psychological difficulties, emphasising how early relational and socio-cultural experiences are internalised and shape the self through a repertoire of reciprocal roles (RRs). AIMS: This qualitative study seeks to explore the relational experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals using CAT theory, focusing on identity development (self-self relationships), self-other relationships, and self-society relationships. METHODS: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) guided interviews with 11 participants. CAT theory was applied as an additional framework to provide a clinically applicable understanding of these themes. RESULTS: Six group experiential themes (GETs) were identified: Coming Out: Discovering and Sharing Who I Am; Is it Wrong to be LGBTQ +? Questions and Beliefs about Being 'Normal'; Different Parts of Me; Feeling Safe in Relation to Others; Feeling Unworthy and Unlovable; and Being Authentically Me. Illustrations of themes were created. A CAT map was developed from the themes, outlining RRs, reciprocal role procedures (RRPs), and self-states. The findings highlight the influence of early caregiving relationships, the coming out process, and societal experiences on participants' self-development. CONCLUSION: The CAT map captures the distinct RRs and procedures that the LGBTQ+ community may experience, emphasising the critical role of the self-society relationship in identity formation. It underscores the importance of the 'healthy island' concept and illustrates how healing RRPs can promote a more integrated and connected sense of self. This framework may help clinicians support LGBTQ+ individuals facing mental health challenges related to their relational experiences and sense of self.

Source: Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice

DOI: 10.1111/papt.70016

Authors: Deborah Charis Bell, Rowan Tinlin‐Dixon

Institutions: Newcastle University, Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,070