Undeterminable Sexuality

[Zen]

[color=sienna][size=1]

I'm not a really good source when it comes to bicuriousity, seeing as how I've never really had that urge. But from what I've heard, this seems like it might be any number of things. You might just be having a hormonal fit. I mean, if your fourteen, that means that your right in the middle of puberty, meaning that alot of things are going on in your mind and body at the moment that can strongly influence both your emotions and your physical desires.

Or it could just be that your slowly coming to terms with your own sexuality and found that you're attracted to both sexes. Either way, before you go into anything head first, you should make sure it's what you want mentally and emotionally, aswell as physically. Be sure you know what your doing by saying to yourself "I'm Gay" or "I'm Straight" or "I'm Bisexual". Know what that means, and make sure you know that is what you want, because things could wind up mighty uncomfortable for you if your not sure.

I'm heterosexual, very much so, and have had a steady girlfriend for around two years now, so I know what I'm sayin' when it comes to romancing, but if you don't know what you want yet, then I don't suggest you go after a guess or a hunch. This is something you need to figure out yourself with some deep soul searching and inner thinking. This is you, and you shouldn't let the opinions of others determine something that will be so important to you in life.

Oh, and as said before, you don't wanna be "Omnisexual". And "Ubersexual" means that you want sex, now, tomorrow, and an hour from two minutes ago. So, if you think you like both sexes, then you should stick with bisexual.[/color][/size]

[James]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']Well, the thing that has me is that when it comes to girls I am sexually attracted but not with guys i.e. I can't see myself having secks with a guy. But I have fallen in love with people of both seckses.[/COLOR][/quote]

[font=franklin gothic medium]I think you will find that a lot of bisexual people aren't 50/50 equally. They are usually interested in one more than the other.

I can think if several people I've known in my life who have been more interested in women, but have still had a relationship with a man at some stage. Honestly, that just makes them bisexual - regardless of which they ultimately prefer, they still like both. lol

I would say two things about this subject. First of all, it's possible that you're simply bisexual - if you have an attraction to both at all, then there's at least a bit of that there.

Secondly, I'd also tell you that if you're a teenager, you will probably go through these feelings before you settle on one set feeling. It's usually the process of puberty that helps to determine what someone's sexuality is - usually when you're past it you pretty much have a stronger/more settled idea of what your sexuality is.

Until then, I really wouldn't worry about it at all. At the end of the day it doesn't matter. If you meet someone and fall in love (whether they are male or female), that's all that matters. ^_^[/font]

[Sandy]

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][COLOR=teal]
But I really don't see how you can have both a male and female in your life equally without appearing promiscuous. I mean, having two people isn't exactly smiled upon in the Western world. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Ahem... I think you have [I]totally[/I] misunderstood the concept of bisexuality, Azure. It's not bi[I]gamy[/I]!

Bisexuals only date one person at a time, just like "normal" people, they just don't make a difference if it is a guy or a girl.

I have a bisexual female friend, who dated a guy for a while, then when they broke up she got acttrated to a girl, but then the guy came back to her life and they've been happily together again ever since.

I tell you all still, sexuality is [I]far[/I] more complex than the "straight-bi-gay" -line. There are asexuals, androgynes, transsexuals, transvestites, sadomasochists, fetishists, pedophiles, zoophiles, tops, bottoms, butches, femmes etc.

I wonder what the state of each of your country's sexual education is if you aren't aware of the variety... :/

[James]

[font=franklin gothic medium]I think the main reason people don't use so many terms to describe people is that they aren't necessary.

Remember, we're only talking about people's sexual orientation as far as gender is concerned. We are not talking about the specifics of their sex lives, lol.[/font]

[Aaryanna]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']For the greater majority of my life I have thought of myself as heterosexual. I was always strictly strait nothing else. But, when I became a little more mature, I began doubting this. One day I suddenly realised that I was bisexual but I was only attracted to video game guys. Then a bit later I had a crazy breakdown and stopped liking guys for a while. Then I slowly became more and more bisexual until for about a day or so I thought I was gay because all I could think about was guys. Then I leveled out and now I'm determined that I'm not strait, gay, or bi. I don't know what to call it (though I've been using the term 'Omnisexual') so could someone help me?[/COLOR][/quote]
[COLOR=DarkOrange]
James is right; you don?t need a name or term for what your sexual orientation is. People get so hung up on the idea that they need a name for what their orientation is that they forget that it?s really about loving another human being.

I may only be 13 and I?ve yet to date anyone, but seriously, don?t worry over what name to give it. It?s really not important when you think about it. You either love them or you don?t whether it?s a guy or a girl. [/COLOR]

[Sandy]

[QUOTE=James][font=franklin gothic medium]
Remember, we're only talking about people's sexual orientation as far as gender is concerned. We are not talking about the specifics of their sex lives, lol.[/font][/QUOTE]

Yeah, but I wanted to bring out the variety of sexual preferences that seem to be unheard of to many of the people in this thread. In real life, there are more than the three most common options.

And as has been mentioned, sexual preference can change especially in the teenage years, but I reckon most people find their true orientation eventually.

One just has to be honest to one's true feelings, and not try to suffocate them.

[James]

[font=franklin gothic medium]I know what you're saying, but I think you are talking about a seperate issue. Broad sexual orientation (in terms of gender) is a very significant and fairly easily-understandable thing. But you're talking about specific sexual practices and stuff, which is slightly irrelevant.

I do expect people to basically know what straight/bi/gay means...but I don't expect people to be in on all the latest terms for specific sexual acts or tastes, lol.

Anyway, I agree with your last line. I think that's what it's fundamentally all about. [/font]

[sakurasuka]

[QUOTE=Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple]>_< Please everyone, call me Tical or Tickle, not Hug!

O_o you guys are taking this way to far. I don't really care about all the psychialogical crap, I know this stuff, I'm a psychologist (in training) myself, I just wanted to know if I could call myself onmisexual or ubersexual or something or if I should just stick with bisexual.

As for that whole sexual drive thing, well, I actually would prefer a relationship without sex. I just wanna hug, hence the banner.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

[SIZE=1]Okay, look hun, you're fourteen (Or at least that's what your profile says). You really don't NEED to call yourself anything. You probably shouldn't be in any sort of serious phisical relationship with anyone, male or female, at this age. So, it's a good thing you just want to hug, essentially =P

If you really feel the need to find a 'name' for it, I'd say bisexual. But until you seriously start dating, you don't need to label yourself. By that time, you'll probably have figured it out, anyway.[/SIZE]

[nomad19]

i agree with sakurasuka, you wouldn't know exactly how you feel until you have your first real relationship...at the start of adolescence it's pretty confusing...as for the name again...it's too hard to think of one...

[Sara]

[color=#333333][font=trebuchet ms]Heterosexual, Bisexual, Homosexual, Asexual, Omnisexual...

Maybe you're just [b]sexual[/b]. ;)[quote name='sakurasuka][SIZE=1']Okay, look hun, you're fourteen (Or at least that's what your profile says). You really don't NEED to call yourself anything.[/SIZE][/quote]On the other hand, I don't think labels were [i]ever[/i] so important to me than when I was in jr. high/early high school.

The labeling problem is tricky, because everyone wants to fit in. Even more, though, I think... everyone wants to know who they really are. [/color][/font]

[AzureWolf]

[QUOTE=Sandy]Ahem... I think you have [I]totally[/I] misunderstood the concept of bisexuality, Azure. It's not bi[I]gamy[/I]!

Bisexuals only date one person at a time, just like "normal" people, they just don't make a difference if it is a guy or a girl.[/QUOTE][COLOR=teal] lol, you're taking my paragraph out of context. Doukeshi was talking about liking both sexes equally, which is, in my honest opinion, impossible. There's always a greater pull to one gender - however small it may be. And I was just referring to her [i]"why limit yourself to one gender"[/i] comment, hence the [i]"your life partner is only going to be one gender, not both"[/i] response. [QUOTE]I tell you all still, sexuality is [I]far[/I] more complex than the "straight-bi-gay" -line. There are asexuals, androgynes, transsexuals, transvestites, sadomasochists, fetishists, pedophiles, zoophiles, tops, bottoms, butches, femmes etc.

I wonder what the state of each of your country's sexual education is if you aren't aware of the variety... :/[/QUOTE]It's not complicated at all. And yeah, as has been said, sexual orientations and sexual... preferences(?) are two different things. Fetishes, for instance, is a preference for - say - feet. But that doesn't mean you have sex with just feet or something. It's a guy, girl, or another species you are having sex with. It can't be anything else. Same goes with pedophiles: it's not like the kids are genderless.

I understand what you are saying, but I'm more than sure everyone here is familiar with all the boring specifics of pedos and butches since they are a thousand times older than our generation, which seems to have the problem of thinking it invented all these types of sexual preferences. They are, in actuality, as old as mankind itself. [quote name='Tical']I don't really care about all the psychialogical crap, I know this stuff, I'm a psychologist (in training) myself,[/quote] I'm sorry, heh. But since you were worried about defining yourself, I thought it could help. But I wouldn't be quick to call it crap either. Afterall, this is the kind of stuff you should be interested in if you are doing psychology (at age 14? O_o).[/COLOR]

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR=Purple]I don't have time to go through and snatch every quote that I want to answer so I'll just make a list

1. 14 isn't that young, I know plenty of kids my age who are in sexual relationships.

2. I am different, I don't even want a sexual relationship >_<

3. I disagree with having to have a stronger pull on one gender. I like to think of myself as right in the middle.

4. To anyone who thinks I'm probably just going through a phase, in all honesty I'd hate to think that I'm not bisexual...

5. Yes, psychology at 14. I have already saved several people online from killing themselves and I've helped some people with relationship problems.[/COLOR]

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1][QUOTE=Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple]
5. Yes, psychology at 14. I have already saved several people online from killing themselves and I've helped some people with relationship problems.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

That's not psychology, that's psychiatry. Psychology is understanding people?s actions/behaviour/thinking process'. Psychiatry is counselling people, helping them through problems, etc. Even then, saying you're 'in training', as you put it, would be a push. You're simply good at giving advice.

With regards to this thread: About two years ago I was in a relationship with another girl, and even at that time I knew I didn't want it to last. (I know that sounds awful, but whatever). I didn't love her, but I felt attracted to her and I enjoyed the physical side of our relationship. We didn't go far at all, nothing extremely sexual at all, just to clear that up.

After a few months I told her it was just a phase, and I wanted to go back to being friends. I've never really found 'real women' attractive. Like, when I walk down the street, I won't see a woman and think she's hot, but I would if I saw a nice looking guy.

I know for a fact, after 'experimenting', that I couldn't have a relationship with a woman, even if I wasn't already in a very happy, loving relationship.

As for advice-Honestly, I can't imagine why you should really be bothered as what to class yourself. If only called myself a lesbian when I was with another girl, and when we broke it off, I was straight again because I realised I wasn't attracted t women. If you end up with a guy, you know what to call yourself. But if you aren't even with anyone, I can't see why it matters.[/SIZE]

[Sandy]

[QUOTE=Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple]
I am different, I don't even want a sexual relationship >_<
[/COLOR][/QUOTE]

If that's the case, then you shouldn't worry - you're just not ready for that kind of stuff yet!

Modern societies places much emphasis on sex appeal and sexuality, it's not a hushed thing like it used to be. That is what is confusing teenagers, they think they are supposed to have a sexual identity at such a young age, which isn't true.

So if you feel confused, Hug Monster, I'd advice you to not just think about it - you really don't have to. Fourteen [I]is[/I] still young, because not everybody are fully developed at that age. Some are, true, but not nearly all.

What I'm trying to say here, that you obviously aren't ready for a sexual relationship, so don't stress about it - nobody's forcing you to have one. ;D

[SIZE=1](PS. If you want people to call you "Tical", why did you change your screenname to something completely else?)[/SIZE]

[Stark]

Tical...kiddo...I was going through a similar issue when I was 14--a few years ago by now. It IS confusing not knowing where you fit in, and even more confusing trying to find out what you like in that area. You're still a kid, and I concur with the raging hormones bit. You'll get that proverbial kick in the butt when it comes.

On another note, you said that you don't want to do the deed with anyone. You looking for...an emotional attachment? It's not a bad thing to look for someone you can relate to, but if you really are curious just try to keep your relationship in the right perspective.

You don't want to have a crush on your best friend like I did. You could wind up in a sticky situation if that should happen

You'll know when you know; it's different for everyone. Heck, I'm going to graduate High School at the end of next semester, and I still don't know! It's different for everyone.

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting.

Based on your replies throughout this thread, I think it's fair to say that you are either bisexual or you have simply entered the age where infatuation with either gender is common. I know you don't consider fourteen to be young, but in fairness it is and just because you know people who are sexually involved at the such an age does not make them any more mature.

I must admit that in my eighteen and a half years I have never once even looked at another man with any kind of interest, I suppose though given the responses here such is less normal than I thought. I don't know if I've ever truly loved any of my previous girlfriends, I have cared for them deeply but I don't know if I could ever say I have loved them. There was one girl whom I knew, a girl called Fiona Clancy who I adored from afar, and I think I always loved her in a true sense. It transcended infatuation and while I was very attracted to her, my feelings and desires were completely without lust. I may not be making much sense, but she was my great love I think, and I never worked up the courage to tell her how I felt.

As for the moral side of homosexuality and bisexuality, well my standings of them are already well known and I see no reason to add to the debate. [/SIZE]

[sakurasuka]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']1. 14 isn't that young, I know plenty of kids my age who are in sexual relationships.[/color][/quote]

[SIZE=1]Fourteen is pretty young. I'm only fifteen, so I know how you feel, wanting to be older than you are. People who are fourteen in sexual relationships generally end up slutty pregnant women on Jerry Springer trying to get a paternity test to figure out the father of thier 10 kids.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']2. I am different, I don't even want a sexual relationship >_<[/color][/quote]

[SIZE=1]Then don't worry about it![/SIZE]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']3. I disagree with having to have a stronger pull on one gender. I like to think of myself as right in the middle. [/color][/quote]

[SIZE=1]Then you're bisexual, hooray![/SIZE]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']4. To anyone who thinks I'm probably just going through a phase, in all honesty I'd hate to think that I'm not bisexual...[/color][/quote]

[SIZE=1]You may very well just be going through a phase. Don't get angry at me, but you are pretty young. Like I said, I'm fifteen, and I haven't even really started dating yet.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']5. Yes, psychology at 14. I have already saved several people online from killing themselves and I've helped some people with relationship problems.[/COLOR][/quote]

[SIZE=1]I'm into psycology, too. I used to go to therapy to fix the problems with my dad/step-dad, so that's when I got interested in it. Advice isn't exactly psycology, but close enough ;)[/SIZE]

[Lord Rannos]

[COLOR=DarkRed]I don't personally have much to add. Just that I sometimes feel like I'm in a similar position, so I kind of know what you're talking about. I don't believe in trying to label yourself or others; if you're attracted to a guy, be attracted to him. Or attracted to a girl. It doesn't matter what gender you are. You don't need to call yourself bi, gay, straight, whatever. The titles don't matter.

Nice words, huh? I guess it's not that easy. Society, as a whole, seems to frown upon homosexuality. This makes it nearly impossible for me to even think "Maybe I am gay" without this little part of me telling me that it would be wrong. Maybe that's part of the problem...

In any case, good luck. Hope everything turns out fine for ya.

Oh, yeah, one more thing. I disagree with anyone who says you shouldn't be thinking about these things. The teenage years are a horomonal time. People start dating, loving, hating. This is when we start defining who we are: personality, sexuality, etc. Who you're attracted to is one of the things that needs to be thought about.
[/COLOR]

[Guest Heero yuy]

[QUOTE=Imi][SIZE=1]

That's not psychology, that's psychiatry. Psychology is understanding people?s actions/behaviour/thinking process'. Psychiatry is counselling people, helping them through problems, etc. Even then, saying you're 'in training', as you put it, would be a push. You're simply good at giving advice.

With regards to this thread: About two years ago I was in a relationship with another girl, and even at that time I knew I didn't want it to last. (I know that sounds awful, but whatever). I didn't love her, but I felt attracted to her and I enjoyed the physical side of our relationship. We didn't go far at all, nothing extremely sexual at all, just to clear that up.

After a few months I told her it was just a phase, and I wanted to go back to being friends. I've never really found 'real women' attractive. Like, when I walk down the street, I won't see a woman and think she's hot, but I would if I saw a nice looking guy.

I know for a fact, after 'experimenting', that I couldn't have a relationship with a woman, even if I wasn't already in a very happy, loving relationship.

As for advice-Honestly, I can't imagine why you should really be bothered as what to class yourself. If only called myself a lesbian when I was with another girl, and when we broke it off, I was straight again because I realised I wasn't attracted t women. If you end up with a guy, you know what to call yourself. But if you aren't even with anyone, I can't see why it matters.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]

Yup, psychiatry is different than pyschology.

Maybe, something close to that in the field of psychology, is Clinical psychology...( I don't remember anymore...I was a slacker in most of my psych classes)

I have some relation to your story...

In the fact, that I used to get these thoughts of other men...(I didn't tell anyone). But quickly, it phased out month by month...

And I agree, it shouldn't matter if you don't have a partner..

[2010DigitalBoy]

[COLOR=Purple]Alright then! I like everything, I don't care about labels and I am officially bisexual. I'm pretty sure the only difference is that psychologists can't perscribe medicine and psychiatrists can.

Thanks you goys! *hugs everyone* :p [/COLOR]

[AzureWolf]

[quote name='Hug Monster][COLOR=Purple']Alright then! I like everything, I don't care about labels and I am officially bisexual. I'm pretty sure the only difference is that psychologists can't perscribe medicine and psychiatrists can.[/COLOR][/quote] [COLOR=teal]Bingo on the medicine prescription thing: that is indeed the only difference. What psychologists and psychiatrists do are exactly the same.

But Tical, I think the main thing everyone was saying was that you shouldn't pronounce yourself "bisexual" or "other" just yet. Many teens, many more than you think, actually experiment, and even straight guys have gay sex in order to figure out which way they swing.

So, don't jump out of the closet just yet. Wait, wait until you are sure, and don't force it.[/COLOR]

[Guest Heero yuy]

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][COLOR=teal]Bingo on the medicine prescription thing: that is indeed the only difference. What psychologists and psychiatrists do are exactly the same.

But Tical, I think the main thing everyone was saying was that you shouldn't pronounce yourself "bisexual" or "other" just yet. Many teens, many more than you think, actually experiment, and even straight guys have gay sex in order to figure out which way they swing.

So, don't jump out of the closet just yet. Wait, wait until you are sure, and don't force it.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]
Psychology is the study and the theories of the human mind, pyschiatry is the act in which, the apply the studies of psychology into the form, where it applies help to other that seek it.

More like humanistic psychology relates to psychaitry.

Some special trained psychologist can prescribe, but they have to go through, nurse training of doses and medicine.

I agree with you, on just waiting. Like I said before, you'll find yourself eventually.

[AzureWolf]

[QUOTE=Heero yuy]Psychology is the study and the theories of the human mind, pyschiatry is the act in which, the apply the studies of psychology into the form, where it applies help to other that seek it.

More like humanistic psychology relates to psychaitry.

Some special trained psychologist can prescribe, but they have to go through, nurse training of doses and medicine.[/QUOTE][COLOR=teal]As far as I know, only M.D.'s can prescribe medicines, and so if there's a special type of training, it's the acquisition of an M.D., which would make the psychologist a psychiatrist.

In addition, you are confusing psychologist and psychology. A psychologist (specifically, a clinical psychologist) helps others with mental illnesses, in exactly the same manner a psychiatrist does. Yes, psychologists (ones that are not clinical psychologists) can do research and other studies, but when someone (like Tical) says she wants to help other people, that usually refers to the application of psychology.

Also, psychology is not only the study of the human mind. It is the study of both mind and behavior (and the study is not limited to humans).[/COLOR]

[Saya]

[quote name='Heero yuy']Some special trained psychologist can prescribe, but they have to go through, nurse training of doses and medicine.[/quote]Not in New York state or the majority of states within the United States. Recently it has become of some debate whether or not nurses and psychologists have the ability to prescribe psychopharmaceuticals. It has been decided in 9/10 cases that they should not. There is probably one rogue state with different legislature, so by and large this is incorrect (9/10 is even a little too high, but you get the idea). Typically since the Kevorkian problems, this has become a non-issue.
[QUOTE=AzureWolf][COLOR=teal]As far as I know, only M.D.'s can prescribe medicines, and so if there's a special type of training, it's the acquisition of an M.D., which would make the psychologist a psychiatrist.

In addition, you are confusing psychologist and psychology. A psychologist (specifically, a clinical psychologist) helps others with mental illnesses, in exactly the same manner a psychiatrist does. Yes, psychologists (ones that are not clinical psychologists) can do research and other studies, but when someone (like Tical) says she wants to help other people, that usually refers to the application of psychology.

Also, psychology is not only the study of the human mind. It is the study of both mind and behavior (and the study is not limited to humans).[/COLOR][/QUOTE][b]Psychology Playing a Role Over Sexuality?[/b]

Coming into the conversation a little bit late, I realize that. I simply wish to confirm what Azure wolf had to say in the quotation above and go into a bit more depth on the subject. Only medical doctors can prescribe medicine. Likewise those majoring in psychology for instance [b]typically[/b] don't become psychiatrists (though going to medical school after a 4 year school can be done regardless of what you major in). Psychiatry is a biogenic field which deals with treating mental illness from a medical standpoint (moreover, Psychiatrists are medical doctors first and foremost who then have schooling in psychology).

Psychological perspectives vary quite a bit... not all of them subscribe to the idea that behavior plays a role in the human mind. Likewise not all of them would subscribe to the idea that exploring a person's "mind" is the way to go. For instance, behavioral psychologists often concern themselves with learned behavior on the part of the individual. Behavioral problems are learned problems that have been reinforced throughout the years and thus can be typically treated by reinforcing other responses to any given stimuli.

As far as the mind is concerned there are those in the field of psychology who are cognitive psychologists who look at the brain for examples, learning, thinking and so on whereas some psychologists are into the psychoanalytical approach (often thought as Freudian but encompass many doctrines), this approach typically deals with defense mechanisms of the mind as possible causes for disorders.

It should be noted that psychotherapists are not psychologists - psychologists vary, one form as mentioned was clinical psychologists (who work with individuals and are licensed to do so, regardless of their psychological approach as previously mentioned). Psychologists who practice a psychoanalytical approach can term themselves "psychoanalysts," psychotherapists are those with schooling in the psychoanalytical field who are not licensed psychologists.

Psychotherapy ? simply ? usually consists of Psychoanalytic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and Cognitive Therapy? at least those are a few of them.
Clinical psychology, as hinted at by those before me, is not the only employment field for psychologists, other fields include Industrial Psychologists in business, and criminal psychologists in law.

This is where Azure is slightly mistaking. It goes without saying then that psychologists cannot prescribe medicine. Typically psychiatrists have a "biogenic perspective," as they [b]typically[/b] (though depends on the doctor), think all mental illness is in fact an illness of the body and therefore can be treated through chemical means. Psychiatrists are typically not interested in "deep" mental causes for mental disorders but this depends on the doctor as there are many doctors that combine a biogenic approach with either a psychogenic school of treatment, or a social school of treatment, for example.

The bio-psycho-social model is commonly used in mental health to describe a perspective which encompasses psychological causes of mental disorders, social causes, and biological causes as perhaps being the root of the problem. This method is currently in use by the mental health department (again though, individual clinicians and doctors have varying perspectives typically derived from what school of thought they learned under).

It also therefore goes without saying that many psychologists do not care about behavior, many do, and many do not care about biological reasons for disorders if they believe any exist at all, many do. But the varying view points mentioned here are only a fraction of the psychological methods/modes of thought and should be regarded as such - for more information on them one can easily look it up in a psychology textbook.

Since this is not a discussion on psychology, I apologize for the clarification of terms and schools of thought. However it should be noted that almost all of the schools of thought mentioned here study gender and sexuality. Many of the schools of thought can be mixed and matched (some believe sexual preference for instance to be the result of a learning experience ? for lack of a better term ? gone completely wrong, while other schools of thought consider the emotional impact of specific instances throughout an individuals life and considers them as being a determining factor in the individual?s decision making practice). And still yet another school might say that they are biologically predetermined to have a certain sexual preference

I take no opinion at the moment one way or the other, merely presenting some information for curiosity's sake. All of this I hope is food for thought for the reader; certainly one should look into psychological and biological influences over sexual preference should there actually be any at all or whether or not something beyond codified science holds an answer. :) Might stir up some interesting conversations by those versed in such fields of psychological thought for this topic.

In the end thought for sake of providing Monster with some relief, I will agree with Aaryanna and James.[quote name='Aaryanna']James is right; you don?t need a name or term for what your sexual orientation is. People get so hung up on the idea that they need a name for what their orientation is that they forget that it?s really about loving another human being.[/quote]Remember psychology and the like only exist for those in need of help beyond consulting themselves: they are meant to aid, the second they begin to hinder just do what feels right. Society also seems to stress coining terms for things... there doesn't need to be a term for it. Be [b][i]confused[/b][/i]. That's the correct term... do what you feel is right and don't do what you don't feel is wrong. Sorry, it's just that damn simple... and at the same time, just that damn confusing. The advice by those who participated in this thread, I believe, is the most sound advise you're going to find.

[Guest Heero yuy]

[QUOTE=persocomblues][b]Psychology Playing a Role Over Sexuality?[/b]

Coming into the conversation a little bit late, I realize that. I simply wish to confirm what Azure wolf had to say in the quotation above and go into a bit more depth on the subject. Only medical doctors can prescribe medicine. Likewise those majoring in psychology for instance [b]typically[/b] don't become psychiatrists (though going to medical school after a 4 year school can be done regardless of what you major in). Psychiatry is a biogenic field which deals with treating mental illness from a medical standpoint (moreover, Psychiatrists are medical doctors first and foremost who then have schooling in psychology).

Psychological perspectives vary quite a bit... not all of them subscribe to the idea that behavior plays a role in the human mind. Likewise not all of them would subscribe to the idea that exploring a person's "mind" is the way to go. For instance, behavioral psychologists often concern themselves with learned behavior on the part of the individual. Behavioral problems are learned problems that have been reinforced throughout the years and thus can be typically treated by reinforcing other responses to any given stimuli.

As far as the mind is concerned there are those in the field of psychology who are cognitive psychologists who look at the brain for examples, learning, thinking and so on whereas some psychologists are into the psychoanalytical approach (often thought as Freudian but encompass many doctrines), this approach typically deals with defense mechanisms of the mind as possible causes for disorders.

It should be noted that psychotherapists are not psychologists - psychologists vary, one form as mentioned was clinical psychologists (who work with individuals and are licensed to do so, regardless of their psychological approach as previously mentioned). Psychologists who practice a psychoanalytical approach can term themselves "psychoanalysts," psychotherapists are those with schooling in the psychoanalytical field who are not licensed psychologists.

Psychotherapy ? simply ? usually consists of Psychoanalytic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, and Cognitive Therapy? at least those are a few of them.
Clinical psychology, as hinted at by those before me, is not the only employment field for psychologists, other fields include Industrial Psychologists in business, and criminal psychologists in law.

It goes without saying then that psychologists cannot prescribe medicine. Typically psychiatrists have a "biogenic perspective," as they [b]typically[/b] (though depends on the doctor), think all mental illness is in fact an illness of the body and therefore can be treated through chemical means. Psychiatrists are typically not interested in "deep" mental causes for mental disorders but this depends on the doctor as there are many doctors that combine a biogenic approach with either a psychogenic school of treatment, or a social school of treatment, for example.

The bio-psycho-social model is commonly used in mental health to describe a perspective which encompasses psychological causes of mental disorders, social causes, and biological causes as perhaps being the root of the problem. This method is currently in use by the mental health department (again though, individual clinicians and doctors have varying perspectives typically derived from what school of thought they learned under).

It also therefore goes without saying that many psychologists do not care about behavior, many do, and many do not care about biological reasons for disorders if they believe any exist at all, many do. But the varying view points mentioned here are only a fraction of the psychological methods/modes of thought and should be regarded as such - for more information on them one can easily look it up in a psychology textbook.

Since this is not a discussion on psychology, I apologize for the clarification of terms and schools of thought. However it should be noted that almost all of the schools of thought mentioned here study gender and sexuality. Many of the schools of thought can be mixed and matched (some believe sexual preference for instance to be the result of a learning experience ? for lack of a better term ? gone completely wrong, while other schools of thought consider the emotional impact of specific instances throughout an individuals life and considers them as being a determining factor in the individual?s decision making practice). And still yet another school might say that they are biologically predetermined to have a certain sexual preference

I take no opinion at the moment one way or the other, merely presenting some information for curiosity's sake. All of this I hope is food for thought for the reader; certainly one should look into psychological and biological influences over sexual preference should there actually be any at all or whether or not something beyond codified science holds an answer. :) Might stir up some interesting conversations by those versed in such fields of psychological thought for this topic.

In the end thought for sake of providing Monster with some relief, I will agree with Aaryanna and James.Remember psychology and the like only exist for those in need of help beyond consulting themselves: they are meant to aid, the second they begin to hinder just do what feels right. Society also seems to stress coining terms for things... there doesn't need to be a term for it. Be [b][i]confused[/b][/i]. That's the correct term... do what you feel is right and don't do what you don't feel is wrong. Sorry, it's just that damn simple... and at the same time, just that damn confusing. The advice by those who participated in this thread, I believe, is the most sound advise you're going to find.[/QUOTE]
Yup, you're right and Azure wolf is too. My bad...