Counseling for Pasadena’s LGBTQ Community—Therapists

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning are experiencing a cultural shift that is more inclusive and understanding than many other times in history. Cultural leaders, like Ellen DeGeneres, are using their platforms to bring kindness, understanding, and sensitive. TV shows like Will and Grace are informing people about LGBTQ issues with a humor that is endearing. And although they are fictional, couples like Cam Tucker and Mitchell Pritchett, on Modern Family, are giving people a glimpse into a loving couple’s normal life. Legal victories, particularly for marriage equality, have also brought greater equality. And yet, there is still so much work to do. Marginalization and discrimination are daily experiences for many in the LGBTQ community. These abuses take a toll. Consider the following:

• Mental health disorders like major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder at experienced at rates three times higher in the LGBTQ community than in the general population.
• Treatment such as family rejection, abuse, denial of human rights, prejudice, social exclusion, and harassment means that many in the LGBTQ community experience “minority stress.”
• Approximately 9 percent of the general population experiences substance abuse and addiction, but the rate within the LGBTQ community is 30 percent.
• Suicide is on the leading causes of death for LGBTQ youth ages 10-24. They often experience bullying, hatred, prejudice, and fear both at home and at school.

“You can argue that it’s a different world now than the one when Matthew Shepard was killed, but there is a subtle difference between tolerance and acceptance. … It’s the chasm between being invited to a colleague’s wedding with your same-sex partner and being able to slow-dance without the other guests whispering.”
― Jodi Picoult, Sing You Home

Despite the progress, social stigmas persist, and the LGBTQ community is bearing the burden of many people’s bias and abuse. Thriveworks Pasadena understands that the social context that their clients who identify as LGBTQ face is important. We also understand that each client is a unique individual with their own strengths and weaknesses, preferences and experiences, challenges and opportunities. Our professionals offer therapy for those in the LGBTQ community who are struggling and need someone to stand with them as they live their truth.

What Is LGBTQ Informed Therapy?

One bedrock of mental health is living in one’s truth—embracing and accepting the reality of who you are. There are many different aspects of identity, of which sexuality is vitality important. As previously listed, the LGBTQ community faces particular obstacles in living their truth, but the problem goes deeper. When they seek out mental health care, many people who identify as LGBTQ find a “dual stigma.” Up until 1973, the American Psychological Association labeled homosexuality as a pathology. Many people in the LGBTQ community were labeled and diagnosed as pathological just for being who they are. Even though that diagnosis was overturned, the attitude remains in many counselors and therapists. Hence the dual stigma—the LGBTQ faces more mental health challenges, and they often have a harder time finding proper mental health care.

The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Pasadena understand why those in the LGBTQ may hesitate to seek out mental health care, and we want to overcome the dual stigma. We want to offer informed and sensitive care to our clients in the LGBTQ community.

LGBTQ informed therapy may address topics such as:

• How and when to come out
• Depression
• Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
• Healthy communication
• Dating and other relationships
• Addiction
• Gender and sexual identity
• Eating disorders
• Transcending gender roles
• Anxiety and stress
• Family concerns
• Self-esteem issues
• Safety concerns
• Past trauma and abuse

The staff at Thriveworks Pasadena has found that the key to sensitive and informed therapy is trust. The relationship between a client and a therapist often begins with listening, respect, and empathy. As clients feel safer and as trust is established, the therapeutic relationship can progress. To gain more understanding of their clients, therapists may explore…

• What led you to the decision to schedule counseling?
• When you do feel energized and excited?
• What is your living situation like? Are you safe?
• How are your relationships? Friends? Family members? Significant other(s)?
• What would you change about your life if you could?
• Where do you want to professionally or personally in a year…five years…a decade?

The stereotype of therapy is an individual sitting on a sofa, working through difficulties. While Thriveworks Pasadena acknowledges that life has plenty of problems and therapy involves working through them, we also hope that counseling is a positive experience. Often, it is a time when people learn more about who they are and how let their truth guide them.

Appointments at Thriveworks Pasadena for LGBTQ Therapy

If you are ready to live your truth and want support in the process, know that Thriveworks Pasadena is ready to meet with you. When you contact our office, here are a few things to know about the process of scheduling an appointment at Thriveworks Pasadena:

1. You will not reach a voicemail. Instead, a real person will answer and help you make an appointment.
2. Many new clients meet with their therapist the day following their first call.
3. Weekend and evening sessions are offered.
4. Many insurance plans are accepted.
5. We do not keep a waitlist (we hope our clients receive the care they need when they need it).

You are worthy of acceptance and of love and of respect. Let’s work together for your mental health. Call Thriveworks Pasadena today.