LGBTQI Issues

Individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning sometimes face challenges unique to the LGBTQ community. Although there is a wider cultural acceptance of the LGBTQ community than there was twenty years ago, discrimination is still frequent in some areas. Rejection by friends and family is a very real fear facing people coming out for the first time. Additionally, sometimes LGBTQ youth (and even adults) face violence, bullying, or hate crimes.

All of these factors can lead to anxiety, stress, depression, identity issues, or poor self-esteem. Seeing a qualified mental health professional can be enormously beneficial for an individual facing any emotional stress. Therapists can offer strategies for coming out, ways to deal with discrimination, and help to address any other issues faced by a member of the LGBTQ community, including relationships, marriage and parenting.

You need to be able to come to therapy and be who you are without having to educate your therapist on the basics. You want your therapist to be open to understanding your unique experience, including the fact that being a part of the queer community is just one aspect of who you are.