Contemporary Thoughts on Bisexuality
By Mary Andres, Ph.D.
Mental health practitioners who desire to be culturally competent need to stay current on the research and challenges that their often under-acknowledged bisexual clients may be facing. Longitudinal research has challenged previous ideas of bisexuality as a stage in the coming-out process. Bisexual identity is more visible and well-defined as evidenced by research assessing the influence of hormones, patterns of relationships, age of sexual maturity, and the impact of societal bias.
In 2010, Division 44, the Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues, awarded Fritz Klein and the American Institute of Bisexuality for their seminal work on the issues raised above. Currently, they have nine studies underway. This conversation strives to provide a rich discussion of the varied developmental pathways bisexuals may follow and to anticipate some of the unique narratives we may encounter.
Dr. Mary Andres is an Associate Professor in the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. She has been a Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 1998 and has a private practice in Santa Monica.
Before joining the faculty of the Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Dr. Andres spent ten years in USC’s Student Counseling Services where she coordinated an LGBT Mentoring Program and was the point person for Queer student concerns. She was president of the Advisory Board for the LGBT Center and Co‐President and board member of the USC Lambda Alumni Association.
Her clinical practice includes supervision for the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, and group therapy for Promises Outpatient Treatment Program. She has presented at AWP, CPA, LAGPA, and LACPA about bisexuality and LGBT treatment dynamics, as well as presented workshops about Couples’ Therapy and How To Talk to Your Clients About Sex.
2 CE Units, APA/BBS
Sunday, July 10, 2-4 PM
Hors d'oeuvres Reception to Follow
608 N. Hillcrest Road
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)
$15 for members; $20 for non-members
RSVP – Chuck Stewart, Ph.D.
Continuing Education Credit Disclosure
LAGPA is approved to provide Continuing Education Credits for Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, and Nurses. The exact number of credits awarded is equal to the number of contact hours for each event and is specified on the Syllabus and the Registration Form. BBS CE Credits — Course approved for continuing education credit for LCSWs and MFTs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) provider # PCE 3992. APA CE Credits — LAGPA is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. LAGPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
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