LGBTQ support therapy can do a lot to help people of all genders and sexualities. Mental health care can make it easier to be the person you want to be and live the life you want to live. Here are four ways an LGBTQ support therapist can help you:
1. They can support you through difficult life changes
Some people undergo major life changes as a result of realizations about their gender identity and sexuality. For example, some people in heterosexual marriages seek divorce if they realize their current relationships are no longer tenable for them. Major life changes can bring up a plethora of negative emotions, particularly when they involve the dissolution of a relationship. A therapist can provide vital support as you make your way through tricky emotional situations.
2. They can reassure you of your ability to change your mind
Many people decide to publicly come out as gay, bisexual, or transgender to their loved ones. Coming out can be a life-affirming choice that can help you gather the support of your friends and family members. However, coming out can also make you feel like you're locked into a particular identity or decision. It's normal for people's sexualities and gender identities to fluctuate throughout their lives. A supportive LGBTQ therapist can help you remember that it's okay to explore different facets of your identity, and it's always okay to change your mind.
3. They can help you decide what level of openness is right for you
Some people decide to be totally open about their LGBTQ identities. Some people prefer to keep their identities private, and other people choose a middle ground between these two extremes. There are no right or wrong answers, only decisions that may suit your situation more or less. If you're questioning whether or not you should tell people about your gender and sexuality, a therapist can help you decide. An LGBTQ therapist can help you think through all the possible repercussions of any given decision so you can make well-informed choices.
4. They can help you connect with other LGBTQ people
Therapy is a great tool for overall mental health, but there is no substitute for the support of peers. LGBTQ people can thrive when they connect with other members of the community. If you've been having trouble meeting LGBTQ people, a therapist can help you start your search in the right places. They may suggest attending group therapy sessions, clubs, and meet-ups to find people you can relate to.
For more information, contact a company like Encircle.
Share11 August 2021
From the time I was born to the time I graduated high school, my parents were very overprotective of me and shielded me from all of the "bad" things in the world. When I decided to go to college out of state, they wanted me to stay closer to home, but gave into my wishes eventually. Once I got settled at college, I realized just how attached I was to my parents. I began to feel so homesick that I almost quit before the first semester ended. I decided to visit a counselor to see if she could help me get through the semester, and after just a couple of visits, I began actually enjoying my time away from home. I know there are others in tough situations like I was who need guidance, so I decided to start a blog to share my tips for coping with stressful situations.
