Counseling for Bristol’s LGBTQ Community — Therapists in Bristol, VA
The first, most important step in changing your life for the better is acknowledging the truth of where you are today. Are you as happy as you want to be? Do you find that you’re constantly growing as a person? If you’re not honest with yourself (at least) about your current circumstances, it’s incredibly difficult for things to improve.
But, since you’re taking the time to look into counseling, it’s clear that you’re not completely satisfied with life as it is, and you want to be better — you’re off to an excellent start.
Therapy is not a “one size fits all” solution, however. Everyone is different. As individuals, counselors are no different. Some are well equipped to help one person with their challenges, while the next person that comes in might be better served with a recommendation to a more appropriate clinician. That’s why it’s so important that you find a counselor who understands YOU and what you’re going through (as someone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning).
At Thriveworks Bristol Counseling, we have a team of experienced and caring mental health professionals on staff who fit that description, and they are available to meet with you this week — if not within the next 24 hours.
The reason we aim to be as available as possible is simply because so many offices operate off a waiting list, and leave people waiting weeks (if not months) before they’re able to start talking to someone about what’s bothering them. From our perspective, your mental health is just as important to your overall wellbeing as your physical health and should be addressed with the same level of immediacy. So when you call us, we’ll answer (no awkward voicemails) and get you set up with the confidential care you’re looking for.
Call us today at 423-822-5099, and learn how you can truly thrive in life, love and work.
What Does LGBTQ Therapy Look Like?
At Thriveworks Bristol, we believe it’s important to address whatever you’re going through within the context of your overall being. Who you are biologically, spiritually, psychologically and socially are not separate. It’s all interconnected — especially for someone who identifies as LGBTQ in a culture that has not always been so kind or understanding toward people with lifestyles that deviate from the so-called “norm.”
Your sexuality isn’t the entirety of who you are, but it’s certainly a major part of what makes you, you. And who you are is a one-of-a-kind human with ups and downs, opportunities and obstacles — just like everyone else.
When you come to our office for your first few sessions, we will get to know and trust one another while we start unpacking why you came to us in the first place. What most excites you? What is your ideal career/living situation? What do you most want to change? Where do you see yourself in the future? What keeps you up at night? What do you fear? Are you still dealing with past hurts and trials?
LGBTQ therapy — or counseling of any kind at Thriveworks Bristol — is not about answering the question, “Why am I so messed up?” but instead focuses on introducing healthy, positive practices into your daily life.
One way we will do that is by zeroing in on your strengths, and processing how those strengths can actually be used for your personal benefit. For example, as someone with a more open view of human sexuality, how does your unique understanding of gender roles improve your viability as a romantic partner? How can you muster the same courage you used to “come out” to your loved ones to enact positive change around you?
Our sessions together are centered around creating an environment where you feel safe to speak candidly and without fear of judgment. We will also discuss short- and long-term goals (personal and professional), and what you can do NOW to start making working on them.
Topics we commonly work with in LGBTQ therapy include:
- “Coming out” issues
- Self-esteem issues
- Healthy communication
- Transcending gender roles
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Addiction
- Anxiety and stress
- Past trauma and abuse
- Family concerns
- Dating and other relationships
- Dealing with discrimination and nonacceptance
- Gender and sexual identity
Expect the Best in Life — Then Go Find It!
Thriveworks Bristol comes with the experience and support of a national community of mental health professionals — some of the best in the business. Many of our providers have been featured in trusted media outlets, including Prevention, Counseling Today, NBC, CNN, Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe and others.
When you become a Thriveworks subscriber, you get immediate access to that network, including the phone and email contact information of your therapist, more available session times and a more lenient cancellation policy.
Your life is what it is today for many reasons, but there’s only one thing that determines what happens from this point forward: Your decision to thrive. Contact us today. Let us help.
