When she was a teenager, Alyssa was always surrounded by her friends. She felt comfortable in her skin and she found it easy to talk about school, her mental health, and her family.
But the one topic that never made sense to her was relationships. While her friends dated people all across the gender spectrum, Alyssa never felt drawn to anyone. When her friends would bring up romantic or sexual attraction, she couldn’t understand what they meant. She had never been attracted to anyone, so she always felt left out of these conversations.
This went on well into her college years. Alyssa assumed that she’d eventually become attracted to someone and decided not to worry about it. But now in her late twenties, Alyssa has still not felt physical or romantic attraction. Confused and anxious that she won’t fit in with her friends who have all married or coupled, she sets up an appointment at her local counseling office.
Alyssa speaks to a counselor who listens intently to her feelings of relationship apathy and her anxiety about being shut out of her friend group. After learning more about Alyssa, her counselor talks to her about asexual identity and aromanticism. Alyssa is stumped because she’s never considered either of these terms before even though they seem to describe her feelings perfectly. Her counselor helps her address her anxiety about being left out while providing her with more information about asexuality and aromanticism.
The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals are often glossed over in popular media. And while the internet can provide some information about what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, you may still have questions that are specific to your lived experience. Our counselors, therapists, and other mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Boise, ID can help fill in those gaps by getting to know you and your personal concerns. We would love the chance to set up a session with you.
When Is the Right Time To Seek Help?
Think of the people you might see at a park. Some are there to picnic and enjoy the sun while others are there to run or bike for exercise. There are even people there to meditate and relieve stress.
When people visit a counselor or therapist’s office, they do so for different reasons, too. Some of the reasons our LGBTQ+ clients have sought our services are to address:
- Physical, mental, and emotional abuse
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Confidence issues
- Problems with family and friends
- Issues with self-acceptance
- Gender identity issues
- Sexual orientation confusion or concerns
- Challenging stereotypes
- Transphobia against transgender individuals
These and other LGBTQ+ issues can be addressed during counseling, and no single reason for visiting a counseling center is less valid than any other reason. When your mental and emotional health feels imbalanced, please reach out to the professionals at Thriveworks in Boise, ID.
How LGBTQ+ Counseling Can Help Me
Everyone can benefit from the restorative powers of counseling. But members of the LGBTQ+ community often have unique needs that deserve to be addressed with thoughtfulness and care.
Our counselors, psychiatrists, and other providers will begin by getting to know you, your environment, your past experiences, and your concerns. They specialize in addressing many different issues, including topics such as:
- Family conflicts: They can equip you with the tools to combat misgendering, homophobia, and communication problems within your family.
- Self-identity: Being the truest version of yourself means accepting all the different parts of yourself. Your provider can use therapy and other techniques to help you feel comfortable in your own skin.
- Sexual identity: Heteronormative ideas of relationships abound in media, but counselors and other providers can discuss the wide range of sexual identities and see which you may connect with best.
Working with a counselor or therapist can help you parse through these and other issues. We’re ready to lend an ear whenever you’re ready to get started. Consider giving us a call at Thriveworks in Boise, ID to schedule an appointment.
Start Discussing LGTBQ+ Issues With a Professional in Boise, ID
We know that finding the time to pursue mental health services can sometimes feel impossible. That’s why we do all that we can to make setting up an appointment simple and painless.
We offer weekend and evening sessions in addition to weekday appointments. Our psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and other providers are available for online counseling sessions via phone or video chat. Your provider can also be reached outside of session hours via email and phone.
Our online tools include a life coaching Q&A service, video content, and a moderated message board. We accept different forms of insurance and we have a flexible cancellation policy should you want to reschedule your appointment.
Your life is yours to live. Take control of your narrative and schedule an appointment today at Thriveworks in Boise, ID. We’re here to help you.
