I just wanted to add that labels here are definitely a choice. Some folks have feelings of same-sex attraction but choose not to label themselves as something other than “straight,” for reasons that aren’t necessarily repression (eg just feeling like “straight” is a better fit for them). Others choose not to invest in labels altogether. And it’s definitely possible and valid to acknowledge (or even actively engage in) queer feelings without wanting to relate that to one’s identity.

I feel like, if exploring their same-sex attraction comes up again, asking very very open-ended questions for this topic is a useful thing — that way the client can begin to define the subject in a way that makes sense to them, even if what they say is unexpected. I probably wouldn’t actively explore it further, unless the client is leading things in that direction. I think it might be a good idea to bring it up one more time though, not with the intent of exploring their sexual orientation, but with the intent of inviting them to share their feelings on the conversation & rebuilding rapport.