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 Mt Pleasant, SC 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.
Individuals within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning or Queer (LGBTQ+) community experience prejudice frequently as they strive to be true to themselves. This can cause high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression for individuals and, as a result, mental health conditions occur at much higher rates compared to other communities.
If societal norms and prejudices of a community are challenged by the way an individual lives, the fine balance of physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and spiritual health for that individual becomes skewed. They can feel lost, isolated, and severely stressed. Despite the individual living their normal life, some people within a community may feel as if the individual is not meeting social expectations, which can invoke judgment and additional stressors. These stressors and anxiety can manifest in many ways from substance abuse to withdrawal to thoughts of self-harm.
Thriveworks Mount Pleasant therapists can counsel individuals struggling with these challenges to find acceptance and clarity within themselves.
Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant therapists and counselors empathize and know that the biggest gains of self-awareness and self-acceptance occur with inward self-exploration. What is your sexuality? How do you manage emotions? How do you physically care for yourself? Are you suffering from a mental health diagnosis necessitating therapy? What supports your spirituality?
Services are accessible to anyone and everyone. You can set up your first appointment by calling 843-606-6223.
What Is LGBTQ+ Counseling? Is LGBTQ+ Therapy Right for Me?
Counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant strive to create safe and judgment-free environments. There is a focus on positivity and empowerment. Our therapists and counselors support the whole individual and recognize the delicate balance between sexual, emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health that defines the identity of the individual. Many questions that are initially asked are inline with self-care goals.
- What prompted you to seek counseling services?
- What are your goals?
- What makes you want to get up in the morning?
- What are you excited about sharing with others?
- Do you like your living situation and support system?
- Do you want to make changes?
- Where do you see yourself in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?
These questions often begin the more difficult discussions of self-exploration. What makes you truly happy and how can this be incorporated into your life? Topics that often come up include:
- Stress and anxiety
- “Coming out” concerns
- Managing discrimination
- Depression
- Addiction
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Transcending gender roles
- Gender dysphoria
- Relationships with families and partners
- Sexual and gender identity
- Communication
- Eating disorders
- Prior traumas
Our therapists strive to prevent self-isolation and management of any mental health diagnoses. By focusing on coping strategies and acceptance, we will work with you toward the goal of emotional well-being and happiness as your true self.
Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Mount Pleasant, SC
Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant provides exceptional care throughout your journey. Even if you don’t feel that you are suffering from a diagnosed mental health illness, we are here to talk and support your self-identity. We accept all clients with an interest in therapy.
We understand that it can be hard to reach out, but please call us at 843-606-6223, as we’re here to help! We are conveniently located adjacent to the Queensborough Shopping Center at 1131 Queensborough Blvd., #100, just across the bridge from Charleston in Mt. Pleasant.
