Do You Wish You Could Be Fully Accepted For Who You Are?
Are you ever misjudged or shamed based on your sexual orientation or gender identification?
As a result of the social stigmas you face, has your mental health been negatively impacted?
Do you wish you could feel seen, heard, and accepted for who you truly are without feeling misunderstood?
Perhaps you rarely feel like you can be your authentic self. If your family or community hasn’t been open and accepting, you might have to wear a mask, hiding parts of yourself from others just to get along. Or maybe you have internalized their judgment and are ashamed of being different. Feeling unseen, you may have become isolated and struggle to find a sense of belonging in the world.
Are You Depressed Or Anxious?
Keeping up dual identities to appease others is mentally exhausting. In addition to suffering from low self-esteem, you may lack focus and suffer from anxiety or depression. Or, as a result of your sexual orientation or gender identity, you may have experienced physical or psychological trauma at the hands of loved ones.
If you are questioning how you identify, you might be feeling confused and preoccupied. Gaining self-understanding may have become your sole focus to the detriment of everything else. Trying to make the correct “choice” could be overwhelming, leading to analysis paralysis. The ambiguity and fear surrounding coming out to loved ones could be negatively impacting your intimate relationships, causing further isolation and loneliness.
More than anything, you might wish you could be comfortable in your own skin without the fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Counseling that is geared toward the LGBTQ+ community offers supportive guidance no matter what issues may be coming up for you. By working with an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist, you will be accepted on your own terms without judgment.
For Many LGBTQ+ Folx, Oppression And Discrimination Persists
Identifying as LGBTQ+ is an emotionally fraught experience. Even after making strides over the past several decades that bolstered LGBTQ+ rights, in some parts of the country, we continue to face intolerance, judgment, and scorn. It comes as no surprise that according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 44 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals sought mental health counseling in 2022.[1]
Just because we don’t fall into the strict definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity that have been imposed by society, we are perceived as “other”. Without the simplicity of black-and-white labels to explain our identities, we are outsiders to be viewed with suspicion. It’s one thing to feel ostracized by the community at large, but when that rejection comes from loved ones, the resulting emotional wounds are deep.
We May Come To Doubt Ourselves
Being immersed in intolerance can plant a seed of doubt within us which makes us question ourselves and our identity. If, for example, we were raised within a church whose doctrine views homosexuality as sinful, this lack of acceptance often magnifies our doubts and insecurities, leading us to feel shameful for being LGBTQ+.
Sadly, our lack of self-acceptance may prevent us from seeking the right kind of support. Rather than finding an LGBTQ+-affirming counselor, we may instead try to change ourselves into something we’re not. What’s more, trying to manage our stressors alone without an impartial sounding board can be challenging.
The good news is counseling is available that can address the unique challenges of the LGBTQ+ experience, such as coming out as gay or transgender for the first time or rejection from family members.
LGBTQ+ Counseling Offers Unconditional Acceptance
Concealing a part of your identity from the world can make you feel like there is something inherently "wrong" with you. When you’ve tried to confide in others, they may not have wanted to listen or didn’t have the emotional capacity to accept you. If the rejection you experienced was internalized and turned on yourself, you may be suffering alone.
In LGBTQ+ therapy, I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where you can process whatever challenges you’re facing. As an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist, I will meet you where you are, allowing you to guide the direction of what we talk about at a pace you feel comfortable with. By utilizing skills you will be taught throughout therapy, you will recognize your worth as a whole person and cultivate genuine acceptance of your LGBTQ+ identity.
What To Expect In Sessions
In therapy sessions, we will identify the core issues you want to explore, such as your thoughts and feelings related to sexuality or gender identity. Perhaps you struggle with feelings of shame or guilt associated with being queer, transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming. We might then examine experiences from your past when you felt rejected or judged and determine how these emotional wounds still inform your sense of self. Processing unresolved hurt and identifying the ways you can bring about more positivity will help you create a more meaningful life.
Additionally, we might discuss the societal implications of identifying as LGBTQ+ and how it impacts your daily life. If, for example, you are dealing with family members who aren’t accepting of you, we can talk about identifying and strengthening alternative support networks. Rather than being limited by a biological family who isn’t supportive, you can find your own tribe.
And if you are struggling with coming out to others, counseling allows you to process your doubts and fears. Once you feel ready, we can rehearse coming out through roleplaying while ensuring that you feel safe.
How LGBTQ+ Therapy Will Benefit You
The goal of LGBTQ+ counseling will be to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your needs, and your inner strengths. I apply a person-centered approach that recognizes you as the utmost expert on yourself above anyone else. I will help you better understand your mindset and discover things about yourself you may not have realized before. By understanding how the narrative you tell yourself may be influenced by what you were told by others, we will challenge thoughts and beliefs that are not true.
My hope for you after completing counseling will be to shift into a more positive and hopeful outlook for the future. Once you improve your relationship with yourself and others, you can figure out who you are and what direction you want your life to go.
But Maybe You’re Not Sure If LGBTQ+ Counseling Is Right For You…
I’d like to receive LGBTQ+ counseling but I don’t live in Idaho.
Access to LGBTQ+-affirmative care can be limited in some areas. Sadly, this lack of access can create barriers for individuals who are seeking therapy related to issues such as coming out, gender identity, or being transgender. But by utilizing telehealth, I can reach folx who need these affirming services in areas where they would otherwise not be available, including Florida, Colorado, and Utah.
If I decide to talk about LGBTQ+-related issues in therapy, how do I know you won’t be biased?
If you have previously been judged for being LGBTQ+, it’s understandable that you may be nervous about how working with a counselor will be. As an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist, I create a safe and supportive environment that acknowledges and affirms however you identify. LGBTQ+ counseling will be a judgment-free zone where you will be accepted for who you are. Not only have I participated in several different trainings related to LGBTQ+-affirming care, but I am also part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, so I can relate to your experience.
As much as I’d like to attend LGBTQ+ counseling and work with a therapist, I’m not sure if I can afford it.
Because therapy is an important investment in yourself, I aim to be mindful of your financial as well as mental wellbeing. When embarking upon LGBTQ+ counseling, we will begin with the end in mind and plan for therapy to be short-term. Whenever necessary, we can adjust the frequency of sessions and go at your pace. Additionally, I accept Optum, Cigna, and Aetna insurance.
Learn To Live Authentically
You deserve to be accepted for who you are. If you would like to find out more about LGBTQ+ counseling with me, visit my contact page to schedule a free 15-minute call to determine if you are a good fit for telehealth. I now offer virtual therapy sessions to clients who reside in Florida, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho.
Have questions?
Use this form to contact me and you’ll hear back within two business days.
[1] https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI