Why have counselling specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals?
When seeking counselling, it is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. This is especially true for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who may feel uncomfortable discussing their issues with a therapist who does not understand their experience. LGBTQ+ counselling can be an effective way to address the unique challenges faced by this community. Here are some things to keep in mind when seeking LGBTQ+ counselling.
What to expect in an initial session
In your initial session, the therapist will likely ask you about your reasons for seeking therapy. They may also ask about your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve. The therapist will then explain their approach to counselling. It is essential to feel safe and comfortable in therapy, so be sure to ask any questions you may have.
One of the goals of LGBTQ+ therapy is to help you feel more comfortable with yourself and your identity. It is a collaborative process that involves creating a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your feelings and develop strategies for overcoming challenges.
The counsellor’s role
Therapists who specialise in LGBTQ+ counselling can help individuals with a range of issues, including coming out, relationship problems, and discrimination. The counsellor’s role is not to tell you what you should think, but rather to help you explore issues surrounding your sexual, relational or gender identity. For example, a counsellor can help you:
- explore transitioning;
- come to terms with your feelings and develop strategies for coping with prejudice or discrimination;
- understand the issues around coming out and develop strategies for dealing with family and community;
- explore your relationship options and develop strategies for being in, or not in, relationships;
- explore gender identity and develop strategies for coping with gender identity issues;
- explore how traumas such as childhood sexual abuse have an impact on your life in the present.
A counsellor specialising in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community can help you explore different ways of thinking about your sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship preferences.
The focus of LGBTQ+ counselling
When seeking counselling, it is important to find a therapist that you can trust. This can be difficult for members of the LGBTQ+ community, as there is often a lack of understanding and acceptance from mainstream society. However, there are many qualified counsellors who specialise in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and can provide a safe and supportive environment.
Here are some things to expect from LGBTQ+ counselling:
- An acceptance of who you are and your gender, sexual and relationship diversity
- A safe and supportive environment to explore your experiences and current relationships (with yourself and others)
- Help with the feelings and emotions that you may be experiencing
- Space to explore your past, present, and future without judgement
- A confidential relationship
- A counsellor who is knowledgable about LGBTQ+ issues
Conclusion: the benefits of LGBTQ+ counselling
As someone who identifies as LGBTQ, you may be wondering what to expect from LGBTQ+ counselling. One thing you can be sure of is that LGBTQ+ counselling will be a safe and supportive environment in which to explore your experiences, thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
You will have access to a counsellor who has the knowledge and experience to help you with any issues related to being LGBTQ+.
As an LGBTQ+ individual, you may experience many issues throughout your life. Not all of these will be related to your gender, sexual and relationship identity, but knowing that these parts of yourself will be welcomed and valued can be a highly beneficial reason for choosing LGBTQ+ counselling.
