What does happiness look like for you? Is it a sunny morning on a winter day? Is it perhaps a quiet meal after a hectic day at work? For many people, the definition of happiness is simply the ability to be one’s self at all times and without judgment.
For people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning community, this type of happiness may be harder to obtain than it is for other people. That’s because discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community continues to endure despite advances in gay marriage, civil rights laws, and public opinion.
With all of the hardships that life throws at us — the loss of loved ones, missed opportunities, illnesses — discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation seems especially cruel.
But at Thriveworks, we know that you’re a person with goals, ideas, and motivations. We know that what you want matters just as much as who you are. That’s why our mental health professionals make it a point to focus on your whole health and identity. You can talk to your therapist, counselor, or another provider about anything from how to handle family conflict to how to deal with aggressive colleagues and strangers. We’re here to talk about goal setting and self-esteem as well as depression and dating.
When you’re ready to speak to a provider at Thriveworks in Jersey City, NJ, give us a call to get started.
What To Discuss With Your Counselor or Therapist
Our likes and dislikes, our experiences and missed adventures, our friends and our families — all of these things make us who we are. And while our personal experiences shape us, environmental factors can also influence our pains, trials, and challenges.
Some of the reasons clients choose to speak with a counselor or therapist include:
- Gender identity and sexual orientation issues
- Relationships and dating concerns
- Family relationship conflicts
- Stress and anger management issues
- Depression and anxiety
- Body acceptance issues
- Career uncertainties
- Self-esteem issues
- Eating disorders
- Bullying and harassment
- Physical, mental, and emotional abuse
- Homophobia and transphobia
- Discrimination
Our mental health professionals are equipped to help guide you through a wide range of emotional and mental health needs. Therapy is a safe space for bringing up the things that are often left unsaid between friends, families, and partners.
Tips, Tools, and Techniques Used in LGBTQ+ Counseling
Meeting with a provider is your chance to discuss whatever’s been on your mind. Many people believe that psychiatrists, psychologists, and other providers only serve to address major depressive disorder, panic attacks, and thoughts of self-harm. But the primary role of a mental health provider is to listen objectively and carefully to your concerns, whatever they may be.
When you attend a session with a Thriveworks provider, they may ask a series of questions to get started and learn more about you. Some of the questions they ask could be about the following:
- Your home life and your family
- Your feelings of self-worth
- Your future goals
- Your motivations and demotivators
- Your reasons for pursuing therapy
Treatments will move at your comfort level. Your provider knows that issues surrounding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals can be difficult to broach, especially if you’re working on self-acceptance or the acceptance of close friends and family.
Depending on your specific concern, your therapist may suggest one or more forms of therapy, such as family therapy, interpersonal therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They may also suggest mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and other self-care techniques to help you cope with whatever difficulties you may be facing.
Because of ongoing discrimination against the LGTBTQ+ community, we understand that opening up may be difficult. But therapy and counseling exist for you. It is meant to cater to your specific needs at a pace that’s comfortable for you. You can set up an appointment with us at Thriveworks in Jersey City, NJ when you’re ready.
Appointments Available for LGBTQ+ Counseling Sessions at Thriveworks in Jersey City, NJ
When you work with us at Thriveworks, you’re able to sign up for professional care online and in person. Our therapists, counselors, and other professionals are available for evening and weekend sessions in addition to standard weekday sessions.
Our flexible cancellation policy makes it easy to rebook your session for a different date. We accept insurance from a number of different providers and offer clients a range of perks.
As a new Thriveworks client, you may be able to book an appointment within the next 24 to 48 hours. To begin, simply give us a call at our office in Jersey City, NJ. We’re experienced in addressing LGBTQ+ issues, and we’re delighted to meet you.
