LGBTQ+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client's life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Buffalo, NY typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. The therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.
LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today's society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.
One would think the vast majority of society would balk at being told there were only two colors–blue and pink-and that you must choose one color to be your favorite. That’s not going to sit right for most people, partly because we know through sight that there are innumerable colors, not just blue and pink. A simple idea, and yet the same principle applied to gender and sexuality does not yield the same result. Society has come a long way in accepting members of the LGBTQ community, but a lot of pain is still placed on those who simply see a wider array of colors than the majority does. If this is you, Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY would like to welcome you to our community of support, self-growth, and healing.
What Does LGBTQ Counseling Look Like?
One of the first tasks a Thriveworks counselor in Buffalo, NY will undertake with you, will be to work to undo any harm that has already been done. Identifying with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning can take a toll on the human soul and mind, and your compassionate counselor will address these difficulties, including but not limited to:
- Social anxiety
- Self-harm
- Depression
- Past abuse
- Eating disorders
- Family concerns
- Self esteem
- Issues in school
LGBTQ-affirming counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY realize, however, that just because there is nothing dragging you down doesn’t mean you will begin to climb. How you identify with your gender and sexual orientation is a big part of who you are, but not all of it. What makes you tick? What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?
What Does an LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselor Do?
LGBTQ counseling explores the parts of you that make you one-of-a-kind and amazing. What do you want to show the world? What parts do you wish to strengthen? The affirming counselors at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY can help you with your transition to a different gender or a different mindset.
Finally, what are your goals? Is it your wish to come out to your friends and family? Or maybe you want to start your own business but are nervous for how customers will react? Is it your goal to go to college but are unsure how to present yourself to the world? Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY is here to guide you towards your goals and away from your fears.
It is an unfortunate truth that much of the LGBTQ community faces depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. Forty-two percent (42%) of LGBTQ youth have seriously contemplated suicide, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Thriveworks psychologists and counselors in Buffalo, NY are here to support you and your loved ones through confidential, individual counseling that can help you become the best version of you!
Speak to an LGBTQ+ Counselor at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY
Many of the supportive mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Buffalo, NY specialize in issues of gender identity, gender expression, transition, marriage and parenting for same-sex couples, sexual orientation, and much more. Sometimes you just want to speak to someone who can understand your struggle. Call the Thriveworks office today to get matched to a therapist who is best qualified to help you. Our providers can meet with new clients as early as tomorrow. And they accept most major forms of health insurance coverage.
Let Thriveworks elevate you and relieve your stress. Call the office in Buffalo today for an in-person or online counseling appointment.
