LGBTQ AFFIRMATIVE THERAPY
LGBTQ affirmative therapy means that in our agency we accept and affirm any and all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship styles. Sometimes people come to therapy to explore and better understand their sexual orientation and/or gender identity but many times a person’s sexual and gender identity are not related to the reason the individual is seeking therapy. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ individuals experience rejection, bullying, discrimination, or internalized difficulty accepting their sexual orientation or gender identity. These experiences can be traumatic, cause or exacerbate depression, anxiety, and substance use. Our agency can help these individuals work through these issues while embracing and accepting the client for who they are.
TRANSGENDER AFFIRMING CARE
In the current political climate mental health care for transgender individuals is more important than ever. We want you to know that we support and affirm your gender identity or your choice not to identify as any gender. Our job is to provide a safe space for transgender and gender non-conforming clients as you explore and navigate your journey. We will never judge you, try to change your mind, or negate your experience. We know that many transgender and gender non-conforming clients may experience depression, anxiety, or anger and we can help you manage your mental health and work with you to develop coping skills that you can use throughout your life. We hope you never experience suicidal thoughts but we would like to be here to support you and help you feel less alone in the world.
It is important to note that therapy cannot persuade, coerce, or change any person’s gender identity. Even if it were possible our agency would not attempt any such treatment. There is also no definitive diagnostic tool to confirm that a person is transgender. Our recommendation is to let any individual who is exploring their gender identity the time and space to do so without judgment or expectations.
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Many times individuals exploring their gender identity will want to include their family members in parts of their therapy. This will give the family members the ability to ask questions and develop a better understanding of the client’s gender exploration and/or gender identity. Families need to be aware of the potential for high suicidality for transgender adolescents. At present, 45% of the LGBTQ youth in the United States has considered suicide in the past 12 months. It is important to remain open and nonjudgmental your family member’s gender exploration.
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