S12 | E9 Bisexuality, Marriage & Crisis: A Couples Therapist Explains

In this conversation, I talk to therapist Dr Josh Gebhardt about three important questions that can arise when bisexuality intersects with relationships. What happens when a partner comes out as bisexual? How can you support the partner who is processing that news? And what are some of the myths, assumptions and stigma that bisexual men can face? Josh has particular expertise in working with couples where bisexuality, coming out, sexuality, trust and identity have become sources of significant distress or conflict. We talk about what can happen when one partner comes out, including the fears, uncertainty and grief that a straight partner may experience, and how couples can begin to navigate very different needs and expectations. We also discuss mixed-orientation relationships, sexual boundaries, infidelity and trust, pornography, shame and sexual identity, and some of the different ways bisexual men and bisexual women can be perceived. Josh also talks about his work supporting women whose husbands or partners have come out as bisexual or gay. Importantly, bisexuality is not inherently a relationship problem. Many bisexual people are in happy, loving and fulfilling relationships. Being bisexual does not mean that someone is less capable of loving their partner, is necessarily unhappy in their relationship, or wants to leave it. This conversation focuses particularly on situations where bisexuality has become part of a relationship crisis, while recognising the much wider range of experiences of bisexual people and couples. Josh is a therapist who works extensively with couples and relationships, including people navigating bisexuality and mixed-orientation relationships.  This conversation is part of my ongoing series exploring bisexuality, identity, relationships and what it means to navigate sexual identity within a long-term relationship. Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/show/VLPLEZFrC4g0W2o?sbp=QAE%3D Find out more about Josh and his support groups: Women Navigating Marriages with Gay or Bisexual Men (only for the State of Georgia) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-0jju\_kpELwu9HPnwP6LA720NcnkYR7UR3lGRcdedqrWqgg/viewform Community for Women Navigating Mixed-Orientation Relationships (virtual, national & international) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6pT5avhn6CW9h\_vuasH7H4mDHBGrRwa6sSFO1cVgDHfJVAg/viewform Website: https://www.thegebhardtgroup.co 🎧 Podcast version of this video: (http://www.buzzsprout.com/2067601) 🌐 Website: (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) If you find this video helpful, please do LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more content like this. It really helps the channel and means a lot, thank you! ✅ If anything in this video resonates with you or brings up something you'd like to explore further and you're thinking about therapy, I'd love to hear from you. You're very welcome to get in touch with me via my website (https://www.thistrustedplace.co.uk) to find out more or to arrange an initial conversation. 📖 My book \*Finding a Balanced Connection* is available on Amazon here: (https://mybook.to/Z8i2) \*\*My FREE personal development course 'Life Unlimited: 10 Steps to Real Change' is now available on this channel in a playlist on the homepage.\** Whether you're looking to move through anxiety, stress, depression, chronic anger, addictive behaviour, co-dependency, narcissism, low self-esteem/confidence, relationship problems, feeling stuck, lost or lacking in purpose – or simply want to experience more happiness, contentment and fulfilment in your life – this free course is carefully designed to help you do that. 'Life Unlimited' Course testimonials include: \*"John-Paul's course Life Unlimited more than lives up to its promise as a practical and accessible guide to making meaningful, positive changes in your life. He takes you on a clear path towards self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping you to set healthy boundaries in your relationships with others."* and \*"The course is packed with valuable content, yet John-Paul's warm, non-judgemental style makes it feel more as if a friend is sharing some wonderful wisdom. 100% recommend."* Support the show If there’s anything else you’d like to know about John-Paul and how he might be able to help you, please do contact him via his website www.thistrustedplace.co.uk