As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, finding the right counsellor can be an essential part of your mental health journey.
However, it can be challenging to find a counsellor who understands the unique challenges and experiences faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Here are some tips to help you find the right LGBTQ+ counsellor for your needs.
Look for LGBTQ+ Competency and Training
It’s essential to find a counsellor who has experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and who is qualified to work with LGBTQ+ issues. Look for counsellors who have completed courses or certifications in LGBTQ+ competency or have experience working with LGBTQ+ clients. Many counsellors will list their specializations on their website or profile, so be sure to check for keywords such as “LGBTQ+”, “queer”, or “gender identity.”
For instance, the author of this post, Will, holds a Master’s degree in gender studies and about 80% of his client-base is made up of Gender, Sex & Relationship Diversity (GSRD) clients. 🌈
Research LGBTQ+ Counsellors
The first step in finding an LGBTQ+ counsellor is to research! Sites such as pinktherapy.com can be a great starting place to find LGBTQ+ counsellors, or therapists who specialise in working with Gender, Sex & Relationship Diversity (GSRD) clients.
You can start by searching online directories, such as the BACP directory, which allows you to filter your search by location and LGBTQ+ specializations.
Ask for recommendations
People are often surprised that when they start to talk about doing therapy – how many people in their life have been through the process of therapy or are currently in counselling.
Asking people you know and trust for who they recommend – and who they would avoid – can be helpful in starting to build up awareness of LGBTQ+ therapists who may be suitable for you to work with.
If you aren’t able to ask anyone, think about getting in touch with LGBTQ+ organisations or charities. They may be able to point you in the direction of people who can help.
Be explicit
If gender, sex, and relationship diversity is an important part of your reason for starting therapy, don’t be afraid to clarify that for any potential therapists. Ask them about their competency in working with such matters, and give yourself time and space to reflect on their responses.
Trust yourself
Trust your instincts when selecting an LGBTQ+ counsellor. If you don’t feel comfortable or don’t feel like the counsellor understands your unique experiences, it’s okay to keep looking.
Finding the right counsellor may take some time, but it’s worth it to find someone who will support you on your mental health journey.
Try not to rush into a decision
With the ‘trust yourself’ bit in mind, try not to be too quick to decide.
Let’s not kid ourselves: it’s really hard to find a therapist. There are so many directories, different names for the job (counsellor, therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist, etc), different approaches (psychodynamic, CBT, Gestalt, DBT, person-centred, … the list goes on). It seems like you need a qualification in therapy just to understand how to pick a therapist!
Not only is the search difficult – it’s that starting therapy takes a lot of courage and energy.
It can be tempting to choose the first therapist who seems available, but it can be really helpful to allow yourself some time to decide.
It’s OK to change your mind!
Like with any new relationship, you are going to experience different feelings about and towards your therapist. Some might be really welcome, and others might feel really undesirable. You might even feel that the therapy isn’t working.
If you can, share these thoughts and feelings with your therapist and see if you can make sense of these. Know that whilst therapy is a commitment – you don’t have to be committed to any particular therapist if it’s not working out for you!
Be Open and Honest with Your Counsellor
Finding the ‘right’ counsellor isn’t just about the therapist. It’s also about you too!
To get the most out of your counselling sessions, be open and honest with your counsellor. It’s important to discuss your concerns, fears, and goals so that your counsellor can provide you with the support and guidance you need. Remember that your counsellor is there to help you and support you on your mental health journey.
Conclusion
Finding the right LGBTQ+ counsellor for your needs can be a challenging process, but it’s worth it to find someone who understands your unique experiences and can support you on your mental health journey.
Remember that seeking counselling is a positive step towards taking care of your mental health, and there is support available for you.
