Ask a Therapist: What is Monkey Branching?

I was asked recently about my thoughts on Monkey Branching, the practie of going from one relationship to another immediately (and having that new relationship lined up before you leave the one you are in). My cursory response was that I think it is the mark of someone who is insecure or running from something. The more I thought about it, the more I recognized how prevalent this is for the queer community. When your identity is so highly sexualized by the world (as seen as when the cishet worlds says "I have no problem with gay people, I don't care what you do in your bedroom"...as though that is the only part to someone's queer identity) it can be hard to see yourself and your identity as valid, unless you are in a relationship that affirms/validates that. Monkey branching comes in here also! So check out this week's Ask a Therapist video to hear more about Monkey branching, signs it may be happening, and what to do if it is occurring (or if you are the one doing it) #monkeybranching #askatherapist #datingadvice __ Kelly is a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) in the USA making YouTube videos to inform, entertain, and empower viewers. Watching these videos does not constitute a therapeutic relationship or therapy. Should you wish to find a therapist, or more information, check out the links below! Helpful Links: ❤️If you need support, you can dial 2-1-1-. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential referral and information helpline and website that connects people of all ages and from all communities to the essential emotional support they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; https://www.211.org/ 🧡The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 💛Looking for a therapist in your area? Check out Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us 💚Great article on Internalized Homophobia: https://www.rainbow-project.org/inter... 💙 Instagram: @AnchoredCounselingFL 💜 Instagram: @KellyRMinter Business Inquiries: [email protected]