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LGBTQ Support Therapy: What To Expect When Talking To A Therapist

28 April 2023

Lieve Boekholt

A strong support system can help people to stay healthy mentally and emotionally. Many people find therapy to be a helpful way to gain much-needed mental health support. Therapy focused on helping members of the LGBTQ community can provide support for people who are working through issues pertaining to gender and sexuality. These are some of the things that you can expect from LGBTQ support therapy:

1. A Pressure-Free Environment

People seek therapy at all stages of their journeys of self-discovery. Some people have only begun to question their sexual orientation or gender when they begin therapy. LGBTQ support therapists will never push patients to decide on an identity or to identify in any particular way. Some people find that labels regarding gender and sexuality don't suit them. Your therapist will meet you where you are emotionally. They will provide a safe environment that is free from pressure, where you'll be encouraged to explore your true self.

2. Cultural Awareness

Coming to terms with being part of the LGBTQ community can be especially challenging for people from cultural backgrounds that prize tradition. Navigating your feelings and finding your truths among all your different identities is an important part of developing self-acceptance. Some patients may find it helpful to seek LGBTQ support therapists who share their cultural backgrounds. Cultural sensitivity can help you honor all parts of yourself as a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender person.

3. Religious Sensitivity

LGBTQ people come from all walks of life and all faith traditions. Many faith traditions have their own beliefs about LGBTQ people. Some are welcoming to gay and transgender people, while others have prohibitions on certain identities. Deciding what to do about your religion is a highly personal matter. Some people choose to relinquish their faith, while others find ways to blend their faith with their LGBTQ identities. LGBTQ support therapists are trained to be sensitive toward people of faith. Your therapist will encourage you to pursue your values while also being kind to yourself.

4. Depression Treatment

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender may be more likely to experience depression as a result of discrimination due to their LGBTQ status. In addition to helping patients process their feelings about their gender and sexuality, therapists can also provide treatment for depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective way to reduce feelings of sadness and self-hatred that can arise from clinical depression. Your therapist can also refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication to help you overcome the physical and mental symptoms of depression.

Contact a company like Encircle to learn more. 

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