LGBTQ Counseling
Are you struggling with your gender identity?
Have you recently come out to your loved ones and experienced rejection?
Are you facing adversity, bullying, or isolation because of your sexuality or gender?
Do you feel like you might need support in processing challenges related to your sexual identity?
Counseling is an incredibly helpful resource for those in the LGBTQ community that are facing any of the struggles just mentioned above. It is a safe, protected and accepting space for people to come to process and heal through the many stressors, traumas and other hardships that one may face with their sexuality or gender identity. LGBTQ counselors are able to hear and see you in a way that others may not be able to. They are able to approach you from a completely non-judgement and fully accepting perspective and give you the thoughtful care you truly need. If you are experiencing challenges, confusion, hurt or adversity in this area, our incredible team of counselors, who specialize in LGBTQ counseling, are here to support you and walk by your side through your journey.
What is LGTBQ Counseling?
Counseling is an option for people in the LGBTQ communities to seek support, guidance and healing from a professional who is specifically knowledgeable and equipped to help. Life itself comes with a myriad of challenges, but when someone is facing hardship in the area of sexuality and gender identity, there are numerous other very difficult challenges to be faced. Insight Northwest Counseling offers LGBTQ counseling in a safe space, free of judgement, to process through the many complicated emotions and tribulations that come with ones’ sexual identity. At Insight Northwest Counseling, you will visit with a licensed therapist or counselor who specializes in this area. Through our practice you are able to be seen both in person and online through telehealth, based on your comfort level.
Typically, the therapy modality that is commonly used for those that identify within the LGBTQ population is affirmative therapy. Affirmative counseling or therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is used to validate and advocate for the needs of sexual and gender minority individuals, such as those who are lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, non-binary and queer/questioning. A licensed therapist is specifically educated and trained in this area to ensure that the individual is safe, heard, validated, supported and comfortable. The therapist will use LGBTQ affirmative language, terminology, techniques and tools that help the client feel supported and protected.
Who should seek counseling to discuss LGTBQ issues?
If you identify as LGBTQ and are facing challenges or confusion with your identity or sexual orientation, counseling can be helpful for you. While there is no prerequisite or requirement to seek support from a counselor, there are unique challenges and issues that can be especially addressed with an LGBTQ counselor.
Some of the primary reasons one may seek counseling are:
Confusion surrounding sexual orientation
Struggles with coming out to loved ones
Grief and loss of community because of their identity
Gender identity challenges / gender dysphoria
Self-esteem issues
Bullying or discrimination
Mental health issues or addiction that stem from sexual/gender identity
Navigating life as someone who identifies as LGBTQ can be extremely challenging and does not typically come without hardship. From facing the confusion and internal conflict individually, to then sharing your true identity with the world – there are many ways that sexual orientation and gender identity can be life-altering. It is natural to feel isolated and alone while facing these challenges; for many that’s because they feel misunderstood or that no one around them can relate. For others, it’s because those around them refuse or struggle to accept, love and appreciate who they are in their truest form. Because of the way heteronormative individuals are normalized in our culture, it is therefore still “taboo” to identify as anything other than heteronormative. And while there has been movement in the right direction in many ways, there is still great work to be done to make the LGBTQ community not marginalized or discriminated against.
What types of challenges can be addressed by seeking counseling?
Dealing with sexuality and gender identity challenges can impact every area of an individual’s life. It deeply affects relationships, both romantic and family, influences your mental health and can lead to many other co-existing conditions. For those who have yet to come out as being openly LGBTQ, they are likely carrying a heavy burden all on their own. A weight of confusion, self-esteem issues, isolation, feelings of self-loathing, exclusion or lack or validation. The turmoil and stress that comes with not living your identity openly is dangerous and incredibly difficult.
Beyond the struggles faced internally, the impact on one’s relationships with their loved ones is also incredibly heavy. Coming out to those around you is scary, overwhelming and often comes with consequences; whether that be discord in your family or friendships, or just a feeling of further isolation and lack of understanding. It is possible to receive a positive response from your loved ones; a response of encouragement, acceptance and unconditional love – but that isn’t always the case. LGBTQ counseling can help an individual to face these difficult conversations, as well as coping with the possible outcomes and fallout within their relationships, if any. If you or your loved ones are facing conflict or discord as a result of gender identity and sexual orientation, family counseling is an important step to healing and strengthening your relationships through those times.
Navigating the struggles of identifying as LGBTQ can lead to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and even substance abuse. Without the help and support of a mental health professional, the impact of these untreated issues can be dangerous and serious for the individual suffering. It’s so important if you are facing adversity as a result of gender identity or sexual orientation, to ask for help and support. And if you are the loved one or family member of someone in that position, offer help and support in any way you can. The proper support and tools can make a significant difference in someone’s journey.
In addition to LGBTQ counseling, there are other counseling methods that are effective in addressing these challenges. Those therapies include:
LGBTQ Counseling at Insight Northwest Counseling
At Insight Northwest Counseling we have a team of experienced professionals such as therapists, psychiatric practitioners and a licensed psychologist. Each mental health professional is equipped with specific qualifications and carries unique strengths that make them valuable to each client in their own way. Our team is able to support each client in many areas from individual counseling, family counseling, addiction and recovery treatment to psychological testing and medication management. We aim to meet you where you are at, make you feel safe, comfortable and supported. We want to collaborate with you and walk by your side through whatever tribulation or struggle you are facing.
We see each client as the individual they are. Everyone’s story and journey are different and personal to them. Not only do we approach our treatment from an individual standpoint, we also emphasize that therapy and any sort of mental health support is not a “one-size-fits-all” concept. We firmly believe that each individual brings their own set of challenges and strengths and strive to create the therapy plan that best suits those unique needs.
We are able to offer both in-person therapy and psychiatric treatment, as well as online therapy through telehealth. You can book an appointment through our website, book a free consultation or call us to book your first appointment. We are here and ready to support you in your journey.