LGBTQIA+ 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 Henrico, VA 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. LGBTQ+ 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.
The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client’s progress and their therapeutic objectives.
LGBTQIA Individuals Still Face Societal Pressures
Although our society is making rapid inroads towards accepting diverse sexual and romantic orientations, along with gender identifications, cultural biases still very much exist. If you or someone you love is being discriminated against, marginalized or attacked in any way due to LGBTQIA issues- especially from family members- it can be intimidating and stressful. Those identifying as LGBTQIA, which stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex and asexual”, oftentimes find themselves still faced with uncomfortable situations at school, home or at work. Bullying and victimization are still commonly directed towards members of the LGBTQIA community, and as a result individuals that endure such treatment and pressure sometimes resort to unhealthy behaviors like substance abuse, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.
Societal discrimination also is an issue, and LGBTQIA individuals are faced with that injustice in situations involving housing, employment, education and basic human rights. LGBTQIA identifiers are also the subject of various types of harassment, including sexual assault, verbal and physical bullying, and social rejection. When you or a loved one experiences this treatment the pressure can lead to unhealthy behavioral health conditions like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and even posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). LGBTQIA couples also face the same relational challenges that those outside their community do, whether it’s issues of sex, dealing with family members, finances, or effectively communicating with one another. Thankfully, all of the aforementioned challenges that LGBTQIA people face are ones that can be effectively addressed by licensed counseling, or coaching, professionals during individual or couples therapy sessions.
Thriveworks Short Pump Counselors and Coaches Understand LGBTQIA Issues
At Thriveworks Henrico Virginia our compassionate and helpful mental health professionals are equipped for LGBTQIA counseling. They stand ready to provide insight while assisting you or your loved one overcome their challenges while developing a more positive outlook on life. For more information on our LGBTQIA coaching services, or how to become a certified Thriveworks Henrico, VA coach, call: (804) 205-3408 today or visit our Contact page now.
