What is LGBTQ+ counseling?
LGBTQIA+ 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.
How does LGBTQ+ counseling work?
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Cambridge, MA 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. LGBTQ+ therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.
Why is LGBTQ+ counseling important?
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.
Is LGBTQ+ counseling conducted in person or online?
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Cambridge, MA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does LGBTQ+ counseling last?
The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client’s progress and their therapeutic objectives.
Need more help deciding?
LGBTQ Competent Therapy in Cambridge, MA
Think about these sobering facts:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death for LGBTQ youth.
- Many who identify as LGBTQ report experiencing “minority stress” as a result of facing higher rates of social exclusion, harassment, family rejection, abuse, and prejudice.
- Rates of Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and other mental illnesses are higher within the LGBTQ community.
Inclusive mental health care is a significant need within the LGBTQ community. Everyone deserves to be loved and supported for who they are. That is why Thriveworks Cambridge offers LGBTQ competent therapy. We have helped many LGBTQ clients find the self-acceptance and healing they deserve. Reach out today to schedule your first session.
Finding LGBTQ Competent Care
While some therapists are not competent to treat clients who identify as LGBTQ, others are (like those at Thriveworks). Here are some tips for meeting with a new therapist and determining whether they are a competent counselor for you:
- Before scheduling an appointment, ask about the therapist’s past experiences working with clients who identify as LGBTQ. Request examples.
- During an appointment (if you decide to schedule one), let the therapist know that LGBTQ competent treatment is important to you.
- Throughout therapy, listen to and follow your intuition. If you feel unsafe, it is okay to try a different therapist.
- As therapy progresses and as you feel comfortable, disclose what you want about your own sexual identity and gender.
- As you feel safe, speak about any mental health challenges you are experiencing.
- There is no agenda for therapy except healing, but often, as clients feel safe, they raise issues such as…
- Safety concerns
- Gender and sexual identity
- Healthy communication
- Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
- Dating and other relationships
- How and when to come out
- Family concerns
- Addiction
- Transcending gender roles
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Self-esteem issues
- Anxiety and stress
- Past trauma and abuse
A therapist’s main goal should be to build trust. Everyone deserves a safe space where they can share freely about their hopes and fears, opportunities and challenges, experiences and traumas, successes and failures. In order for clients to share deeply, they must trust that their therapist will meet their vulnerability with empathy. They must trust that the therapeutic relationship is a no-shame and a no-fear zone. Only when clients trust that they will be accepted for who they are can the therapeutic relationship progress. Then, the potential for healing is great. The potential for setting up a life that is founded upon self-acceptance and love is great. The potential for building a life that the client loves living is great.
Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Cambridge for LGBTQ Informed Counseling
Take a moment to consider what is happening in your life right now. Are you considering going to therapy? If mental health care is the right next step for you, the therapists at Thriveworks Cambridge are ready to walk with you.
We have helped many LGBTQ clients find the competent care they needed. In the processes, they have also found healing and acceptance. When you call our office, know that you will speak to a person who can help you make an appointment. New clients often have their first session within the week of their first call. We also offer evening and weekend sessions, and accept many forms of insurance. Let’s get started.
