What is LGBTQ+ counseling?
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.
How does LGBTQ+ counseling work?
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Westminster, CO 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.
Why is LGBTQ+ counseling important?
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.
Is LGBTQ+ counseling conducted in person or online?
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Westminster, CO is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does LGBTQ+ counseling last?
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.
Need more help deciding?
LGBTQIA+ Counseling in Westminster, CO
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning community still faces unacceptable discrimination and marginalization. Consider these facts:
- Many in the LGBTQ community live with constant “minority stress”—a heightened anxiety and stress level that results from experiencing abuse, family rejection, prejudice, social exclusion, and harassment.
- Those within the LGBTQ community are diagnosed with mental illnesses (like PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder) at rates that are three times higher than the straight and cis-gendered population.
- LGBTQ youth (ages 10-24) experience increased rates of hatred, bullying, and prejudice within their school and homes (as compared to their peers).
- A leading cause of death for LGBTQ youth is suicide.
- Thirty percent of those who identify at LGBTQ struggling with substance abuse while only 9 percent of the general population does.
Clearly, there is more work to be done so that LGBTQ individuals are known and accepted for who they are. The therapists, life coaches, and counselors at Thriveworks Westminster hope to contribute to that work. We offer LGBTQ competent mental health care and acknowledges and supports the unique burdens that our LGBTQ clients face.
Why LGBTQIA+ Competent Counseling?
More and more, therapists are offering LGBTQ competent care. Here are a few tips for seeking out a counselor:
- During your first appointment, if you trust your therapist, let them know that LGBTQ competent therapy is important to you.
- Ask about their experiences working with LGBTQ clients and request examples.
- As you are comfortable, reveal any information you want to about your own gender and sexual identity.
- As you are comfortable, speak about any mental health problems you are experiencing.
- LGBTQ competent therapy may allow people to work through topics such as:
- Gender and sexual identity
- Safety concerns
- Healthy communication
- Dating and other relationships
- Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
- How and when to come out
- Family concerns
- Depression
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
- Self-esteem issues
- Anxiety and stress
- Transcending gender roles
- Past trauma and abuse
The Therapeutic Relationship and Trust
The professionals at Thriveworks Westminster understand the dual stigma that their LGBTQ clients are experiencing, and we work hard to close the gap between the care they need and the care they receive. We strive to offer each individual the personalized care they deserve and to build trust with each client. Everybody need a safe space where they are known—safety and trust are the bedrock of a therapeutic relationship. As trust is built and safety is established, therapists and clients can go deep. A few areas therapists and clients may explore together are
Book an Appointment with Thriveworks in Westminster, CO
Think for a moment about what is happening in your life right now. What is going on? What would it be like to have help? If you would like an ally, Thriveworks Westminster is ready to meet with you. We offer LGBTQIA-informed therapy, and we have appointments available. When you call our office, a real person will answer your call and help you make an appointment. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also work with many insurance providers and accept many different insurance plans.
Your mental health is important: Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks in Westminster, CO today.
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +3 more 
