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 Newport News, 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.
Therapy for Newport News’ LGBTQ Community—Informed and Sensitive Mental Health Care
Thankfully, many legal and cultural strides are being made to advance equality for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer. Regrettably, many other challenges still threaten the LGBTQ community. Being honest about both realities is key. Acknowledging the benefits of marriage equality and cultural voices who promote inclusion is important. Acknowledging that members of the LGBTQ community still face marginalization and discrimination is also important. Inequality takes a toll, and those in the LGBTQ community suffer higher rates of addiction, anxiety, and depression than the general population.
The life coaches, counselors, and therapists at Thriveworks Newport News know that living one’s truth is a powerful tool for changing people’s lives. Living in truth means acknowledging who you are physically, emotionally, spiritually, and sexually. It can take courage to acknowledge one’s truth, and no one has to walk that journey alone. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Newport News have supported many people as navigate difficult challenges regarding their live and, in particular, their gender and sexuality. Reach out today for LGBTQ+ inclusive therapy.
What Is LGBTQ Inclusive Therapy?
One’s sexuality is not the whole of anyone’s experience, but it plays an important role in identity formation. Everyone’s experiences are unique, and no two people have the same story. The challenges you face are unlike anyone else’s challenges. The opportunities that you have are unlike anyone else’s opportunities. When the professionals at Thriveworks Newport News say they offer inclusive and affirmative therapy, that means we work hard to get to know you for who you are, in every aspect of your identity. We want to earn your trust, and as the therapeutic relationship progresses, we can delve deeper and deeper into your unique story. Counselors may work through questions such as…
- How did you come to the decision to pursue therapy?
- What excites you about life right now?
- Where are you living and is it safe?
- Is there were something you could change about your life, what would it be?
- Where do you about doing in a year? five years? Ten? More?
What Is Discussed in LGBTQ+ Counseling?
A counseling office should be a judgment-free space where people feel safe to explore anything without fear of being shamed. Many clients feel safe enough to speak openly and freely about their hopes, dreams, and ideas.
Topics that come up in LGBTQ therapy:
- Coming out issues
- Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
- Family concerns
- Past trauma and abuse
- Healthy communication
- Self-esteem issues
- Depression
- Transcending gender roles
- Gender and sexual identity
- Dating and other relationships
- Eating disorders
- Addiction Anxiety and stress
Setting Up an Appointment at Thriveworks Newport News for LGBTQ Sensitive Therapy
Take a moment to reflect upon what challenges are going on in your life right now. Are you being marginalized? Discriminated against? We are sad that these are likely a part of your life, and the staff at Thriveworks Newport News wants you to know that help is available. No one should be shamed for being who they are. In fact, the opposite should be true: everyone should be free and loved. You are not alone as you navigate difficulties and search for acceptance. Thriveworks Newport News is ready to be an ally, and we have appointments available.
When you contact our office, a scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you make an appointment. New clients often have their first appointment the same week. We accept many forms of insurance, and our staff offers weekend and evening sessions. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Newport News today for an appointment.
