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 Charlottesville, VA 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.
Finding a counselor, therapist, or psychologist who truly understands, cares for, and is capable of working with the LGBTQ community is a highly challenging task. The ability to effectively provide counseling and therapy for this community is among the rarest specialties in the mental healthcare community. At Thriveworks LGBTQ Counseling Charlottesville,VA we have on staff the leading LGBTQ counselor in the Charlottesville, VA area. Amy Kite, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 28 years of experience providing care to the people of Charlottesville, VA and the surrounding area, is highly experienced in working alongside LQBTQ clients and excels in her ability to understand, empathize with, and help her clients process the many issues that both the Transgender and Questioning communities are specifically faced with.
It is undeniable that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning communities face many unique challenges:
- Legal issues
- Domestic challenges
- Hormone Therapy
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Misunderstanding and Judgment from family and friends
Whatever you may be facing in your process, we are here to help you navigate the path ahead
The list above is far from exhaustive, but we believe that each of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community brings with it the unique opportunity to overcome and to set an example for others that being defeated is not the only option. Processing through these issues is rarely an easy task, one which becomes increasingly difficult when faced alone. Unfortunately most people experiencing the challenges that come with being a member of the LGBTQ community do just that – attempt to face them alone, but often realize little success. The level of misunderstanding toward this community has never been higher; and sadly, this is echoed by the suicide-related statistics in this community. Compared to their straight peers, the youths of the LGB community are four times more likely to attempt suicide, while the Questioning community also is three times more likely. Almost one half of the young members in the LGBTQ community have given serious thought to attempting suicide, while approximately one quarter has reported a suicide attempt.
The statistics are frightening and are compounded by the fact that youths are not the only demographic of the community affected. These figures point out the dire need for understanding, help, and care toward the LGBTQ community, and At Thriveworks LGBTQ Therapy Charlottesville, VA we are proud to stand in the gap. Amy Kite, LCSW specializes in providing care to Men, Women, Youths, and MtF as well as FtM Transgender clients. We provide a wide range of day and evening availability, as well as availability to schedule most appointments within 24 hours. We are also in-network with most major insurance plans, so receiving the help you need is likely more affordable than you thought.
Call us today at (434) 812-4009! We’re ready to start when you are.