Fluid therapy room symbolizes shifting identities.

Unpacking the 'Queer' in Therapy: How Understanding Identity Can Transform Patient-Analyst Relationships

Beau Callahan in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Go beyond labels: Explore how queer theory and relational psychoanalysis are changing the way therapists and patients connect, fostering deeper understanding and breaking down rigid thinking."

Traditional approaches to therapy often categorize individuals based on fixed identities like gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity. However, this can limit understanding and create barriers between patient and analyst. What happens when these categories become fluid, and therapy embraces the complexities of identity?

A groundbreaking study in Contemporary Psychoanalysis explores this question through the lens of "queer theory" and interpersonal/relational psychoanalysis. The research examines the therapeutic relationship between a white gay male analyst and his straight female patient of color, revealing how overcoming rigid thinking can lead to profound breakthroughs.

This article unpacks the core concepts of this study, demonstrating how embracing the "queer" perspective – which emphasizes fluidity and challenges fixed notions of identity – can revolutionize the therapeutic process, foster empathy, and unlock new pathways for healing and growth.

Beyond Binaries: How Queer Theory Transforms Therapy

Fluid therapy room symbolizes shifting identities.

Queer theory challenges the idea that identities are fixed and neatly defined. Instead, it recognizes that gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and other aspects of identity are socially constructed and constantly evolving. In the therapeutic context, this means moving beyond labels and exploring the individual's unique experience of self.

The study highlights how embracing this fluidity can break down power dynamics in the therapy room. When both patient and analyst acknowledge their own complex and evolving identities, it creates space for vulnerability, honesty, and deeper connection. This shift allows for a more authentic and collaborative therapeutic process.

Challenging Assumptions: Queer theory encourages questioning pre-conceived notions about gender, sexuality, and other identities.
Embracing Fluidity: It recognizes that identities are not fixed but rather exist on a spectrum and can change over time.
Deconstructing Power Dynamics: By acknowledging the fluidity of identity, power imbalances in the therapeutic relationship can be addressed.
Promoting Authenticity: Encourages both patient and therapist to bring their full, complex selves to the therapeutic process.

In the case study, the initial encounter between the analyst and patient was fraught with assumptions based on identity categories. The patient questioned the analyst's "gayness," while the analyst reacted defensively. However, by exploring these tensions through a queer lens, they began to dismantle their rigid perceptions of each other and build a more authentic relationship.

Embracing Uncertainty: The Future of Therapeutic Relationships

The study emphasizes that effective therapy involves embracing uncertainty and acknowledging the limitations of self-knowledge. By being open to exploring their own biases and assumptions, therapists can create a safe space for patients to do the same.

The researchers suggest that this approach is particularly relevant in today's world, where individuals are increasingly challenging traditional norms and embracing diverse identities. Therapists who are trained in queer theory and relational psychoanalysis are better equipped to meet the needs of these clients.

Ultimately, the study calls for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to therapy, one that recognizes the fluidity of identity and the power of human connection. By embracing "queer" thinking, therapists can unlock new possibilities for healing and growth, transforming the therapeutic relationship into a space of authentic understanding and mutual respect.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/00107530.2018.1491163, Alternate LINK

Title: Who Is Queer Around Here? Overcoming Rigid Thinking And Relating In Patient And Analyst

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Contemporary Psychoanalysis

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Max Belkin

Published: 2018-07-03

Everything You Need To Know

What is the essence of queer theory in the context of therapy, and why is it important?

Queer theory, in the context of therapy, challenges the idea of fixed identities, such as gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. It suggests these aspects of identity are fluid and socially constructed. This is significant because it moves beyond rigid categories, fostering a more nuanced understanding of the individual's unique experiences, promoting a collaborative and authentic therapeutic process. This also includes the analyst's self exploration and biases.

How does relational psychoanalysis, combined with queer theory, influence the therapeutic relationship?

Relational psychoanalysis, when combined with a queer perspective, enhances the therapeutic relationship by fostering deeper connections. It allows both the patient and the analyst to explore their identities and understand how these shape their interactions. This approach encourages vulnerability, honesty, and a more authentic collaboration between the patient and the analyst, leading to more effective treatment outcomes. By acknowledging the fluidity of identity, power imbalances in the therapeutic relationship can be addressed.

What are the main principles or ideas of queer theory as discussed?

The core concepts of queer theory include challenging assumptions, embracing fluidity, deconstructing power dynamics, and promoting authenticity. Challenging Assumptions involves questioning pre-conceived notions. Embracing Fluidity means recognizing identities are not fixed but on a spectrum and can change. Deconstructing Power Dynamics helps address imbalances in the therapeutic relationship. Promoting Authenticity encourages both patient and therapist to bring their full selves to the process. This has implications for breaking down barriers and creating a more empathetic therapeutic environment where both patient and analyst can connect.

How did the study illustrate the impact of queer theory on the therapeutic relationship?

In the case study, the initial issues between the analyst and the patient stemmed from rigid perceptions based on identity categories. The patient questioned the analyst's 'gayness,' and the analyst reacted defensively. However, by exploring these tensions through a queer lens, they began to dismantle their rigid perceptions of each other. This process of challenging their assumptions allowed them to build a more authentic relationship, demonstrating the transformative potential of this approach to therapy.

Why is embracing uncertainty important in therapeutic relationships?

Embracing uncertainty is crucial for effective therapy. It involves acknowledging the limitations of self-knowledge and being open to exploring biases and assumptions. By doing so, therapists can create a safe space for patients to explore their own experiences. This approach allows for a more flexible and adaptive therapeutic process, where both patient and analyst can navigate the complexities of identity and build a stronger, more trusting relationship. This allows for new pathways for healing and growth.