Embracing the Whole Self: Using the Empty Chair Technique to Process Internalized Biphobia During Bisexual Identity Enactment

For members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, identity enactment is a multifaceted developmental process. Men and women who identify as bisexual in particular face complex challenges during identity development that often stem from living in a heterocentric society while also attempting to navigate exclusively gay or lesbian communities. In this article, specific issues of bisexual identity enactment will be introduced as it relates to sexual orientation identification, self-labeling as bisexual, and the coming-out process. Specific suggestions are then provided on how to utilize the Empty Chair Technique to process internalized biphobia, foster self-acceptance, and promote healthy identity development.