How would you respond if someone told you there were only two colors- blue and red?
Most of you would laugh, point out all the beautiful arrays of color in the world, and ask if they were feeling ok. Understandably so! There is proof all around us that more than two colors exist.
And yet, we find the same truth applied to gender and sexuality does not yield the same responses. Even with LBGTQI rights coming as far as they have, too many members of this community still experience injustice, distress, and pain just because they see a wider array of colors. If this is you, know you aren’t alone. Thriveworks Decatur has a dedicated team of counselors working to create a community of support, growth, and healing.
What Does LGBTQI Counseling Look Like?
Many members of the LBGTQI community come to counseling after they have been hurt by, or fear being hurt by, society. Our Decatur counselors want you to grow into the best version of yourself, but before that can happen, there has to be healing. By first addressing any emotional and mental scars you may have, we can build a solid foundation for you to grow in whatever way you want.
It is a terrible but true fact that individuals who identify with the LGBTQI community experience more anxiety, depression, and drug use than the rest of the population. Youth have it especially bad. 43% of LGBTQI youth have seriously contemplated suicide.
These may seem like bleak statistics, but Thriveworks Decatur is working to change them, one person at a time. We see people for all sorts of reasons, and no reason is too small or big for our counselors to handle. When treating people who identify as LBGTQI, we see these issues the most:
- Social anxiety
- Self-harm
- Depression
- Past abuse
- Eating disorders
- Family concerns
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Issues in School or work
If you are unhappy in any way, counseling may be a good idea! Our Decatur counselors are here for you no matter what the situation or your goals are.
Of course, just because you aren’t being weighed down doesn’t mean you begin to climb. Surviving and living are two different things, and we want to help all our clients truly live.
Which is oftentimes the second part of LGBTQI therapy. It can feel like a never-ending process- questioning your gender and/or sexuality, accepting it, shifting parts of your life, finding new aspects of yourself, and presenting it all to the world. There is so much that goes on, and it never really stops. That’s why it can be beneficial to have a supportive, outsider’s perspective on your growth, and a gentle hand to help guide you when everything seems like it is spinning out from under you. We want to focus on the most important part of counseling—you!
Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Decatur
Thriveworks Decatur can work with you to understand and accept your gender and sexuality, but we are also here to support you through whatever endeavors your life brings. Afterall, there are so many things that go into who you are! What gets you up in the morning? What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Sources disagree who exactly said this, but we think it sums it up nicely.
“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.”
Above all else, you are a human soul. It’s an exciting journey to figure out how you want to present yourself to the world. It can include strengthening parts of yourself or simply acknowledging weaknesses. Decatur counselors are here for you whether you are transitioning to a different gender or a different mindset.
Finally, we will cheer you on and support you as you chase your goals. Perhaps it is to ‘come out’ to your friends and family. Or maybe your dream has always been to run your own business, but you’re anxious to see how customers will react. Your aim could be college, but you’re finding school to be difficult and feel overwhelmed. Thriveworks Decatur is ready and excited to walk beside you towards your goals and further away from your fears.
No counseling session will look the same at Thriveworks Decatur because no person, situation, or goal is the same! We will adjust our techniques for where you are with your mental health and pursuit of goals. Living in a culture that doesn’t see as many colors as you can be difficult and painful. Let us help ease some of that pain so you can fully see the beauty of who you are as well.
