Becoming Visible raises awareness and enhances our understanding of the unique and incredibly diverse experiences and clinical needs of bisexual men and women. Specific emphasis is often placed on differentiating their experiences from those of lesbian and gay individuals (with whom bisexuals are too often thoughtlessly lumped) and providing clinicians with practical information and therapeutically-relevant techniques that can be used in treating bisexual clients. I was frankly bowled over by the diversity of perspectives and topics represented in the volume--no stone remains unturned and for this reason I am sure that the book will be of tremendous use not only to clinicians but to researchers and academics like myself. -- Lisa Diamond, assistant professor of psychology and gender studies, University of Utah

Becoming Visible offers cutting-edge psychological perspectives on bisexual and queer identities and the cultural and mental health issues facing bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, and questioning individuals and their partners. Essential for any professional seeking to provide "best practice" services to this population, Becoming Visible addresses the therapeutic needs of bisexuals at every stage of the life cycle. This volume explores why some people resist identity labels and what bisexual men and women consider exemplary and harmful in their therapeutic experiences. It also helps practitioners distinguish between the stresses brought on by being part of a sexual minority and the clinical symptoms that indicate serious mental health issues. It includes research on ethnic minority bisexuals, youth, elders, gender-variant individuals, and bisexuals engaging in alternative lifestyles and sexual practices such as polyamory and BDSM. Edited by a psychologist who specializes in sexual-orientation and gender-identity issues and with contributions from scholars and professionals from multiple disciplines, the book embraces perspectives from the empirical to the phenomenological, and outlines both scientific and practice-based approaches to the subject while carefully considering the psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the issues confronting bisexual men and women. Becoming Visible is a crucial step in the improved mental health and well-being of bisexuals, transgender individuals, and other sexual minorities. This book offers a path toward awareness and compassion for those who seek to understand, treat, and empower this underserved and frequently misunderstood group of mental health clients.