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 Newton, 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. 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.
Counseling for Newton’s LGBTQ Community—Counselors and Therapists at Thriveworks
There’s no doubt that inclusivity toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or those still questioning their identity, is improving. That said, these individuals still experience adversity such as discrimination and bullying. And these adversities certainly and clearly take a toll, as those who belong to the LGBTQ community suffer from higher rates of mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and addiction.
An important part of living well—of living both a happy and healthy life—is feeling comfortable in your own skin and embracing your one true identity. However, those in the LGBTQ community often feel like they have to tiptoe around who they are, which can have detrimental effects on their wellbeing.
If you’re part of the LGBTQ community, the counselors at Thriveworks in Newton, MA want to help you live your truth and overcome any adversity that stands in your way. They can assist you in understanding who you are—emotionally, physically, sexually, and spiritually—and embracing your true self. They will base your counseling experience on LGBTQ informed therapy, which is rooted in this self-discovery and self-love.
What Does LGBTQ Counseling Look Like?
The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Counseling in Newton, MA tailor each session to the nature, needs, and goals of each client. In LGBTQ, your counselor will seek to understand you and may ask questions that’ll give them a unique glance into your life. These questions might include:
- How would you rate your life satisfaction right now?
- Is there anything you want to change about your life?
- Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
- What do you hope to accomplish in counseling?
These questions won’t just improve the counselor’s understanding of the client, but it will improve the client’s understanding of him or herself too. Self-discovery means exploring these important questions. It means setting goals, taking on new challenges, and always aiming for growth. Your counselor will accompany you on this journey. They’ll provide you with that safe place for building a solid foundation in life. This might involve discussing the following topics:
- Self-esteem
- Mental illness
- “Coming out”
- Gender and sexuality
- Romantic interests
- Stress and anxiety
- Traumatic experiences
What Are the Benefits of Meeting With an LGBTQ-Informed Therapist?
While members of the LGBTQ deserve to be treated like anyone else, they do face unique challenges that can threaten their emotional and mental health. These challenges include…
- Social rejection
- Judgment by friends/family
- Higher rates of suicide
- Homophobia or transphobia
These issues can add to emotional stress and deep-rooted traumas. This begs the need for an LGBTQ-informed therapist who understands the unique challenges these individuals face and knows how to help them navigate these choppy waters.
Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Counseling in Newton Today
The truth is that people in the LGBTQ community don’t always receive quality healthcare because their provider doesn’t properly understand or isn’t properly trained to help them with their unique situation. However, you can find this quality healthcare at Thriveworks in Newton, MA, as our providers are trained to meet the unique needs of those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community. They understand that you face many challenges specifically related to your sexual orientation or identity.
Our goal at Thriveworks is to help every single one of our clients live a happier, more successful life. We seek to inspire and empower; we seek to help you become your best self. If you’re looking to work with an LGBTQ-informed therapist, you’re in the right place. You can get started today—just give us a call at (617) 992-2827 to book a session or learn more about opportunities at Thriveworks. We can’t wait to get started!
