Category: LGBTQIA

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy is a type of therapy designed to provide specific support to individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ so that they feel safe, understood, validated, and valued. Therapists who use this approach are specially trained to work with members of the LGBTGQIA+ community and recognize the unique experiences and challenges they face. To accurately be referred to as LGBTQIA+ affirmative, this type of therapy should provide a consistently safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to openly express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

Apart from being a space where LGBTQIA+ identified individuals can know they will be understood and treated well, the ultimate goal of affirmative therapy is to support clients in the process of leading authentic and fulfilling lives. To help clients get there, affirmative therapists might encourage an exploration of how sexual orientation and/or gender identity intersect with various areas of the client’s life, such as relationships, career, and family. Affirmative therapy can also be a space to address specific experiences such as the coming out process, the experience of childhood trauma, the effects of systemic marginalization and oppression, cutoff or estrangement from family members, unique relationship challenges, and more. This form of therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, and stress among LGBTQIA+ individuals.

One of the central elements of affirmative therapy is the therapist’s commitment to be educated, compassionate, affirming, supportive, and validating at every stage of the process. At their core, the therapist acknowledges the client’s sexual orientation and gender identity as a normal part of who they are and respects their right to self-determination. Beyond this, the therapist understands that it is not a client’s job to educate them about the LGBTQIA+ experience. Typically, therapists who provide LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy are either members of the community themselves or active advocates and allies who have done the work to appropriately and adequately provide this type of therapy. 

For clients who identify as LGBTQIA+, it’s important to have the confidence that therapy will truly be a safe, supportive, and affirming place. That’s why it’s important to seek out an affirmative or specialized therapist, rather than someone who simply says that they’re accepting of LGBTQIA+ individuals. In a world that remains largely heteronormative and cisnormative, it isn’t enough for a therapist to be tolerant of LGBTQIA+ people. Rather, to hold a genuinely safe and helpful space, they should have the qualifications, clinical experience, and understanding of what it means—at the individual, relational, and societal levels—to hold an LGBTQIA+ identity.

People who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at higher risk of experiencing several mental health challenges—not because of who they are as people, but because of the stigmatization of queer identities that still exists in our culture. This can make it hard to live a fully expressed and fulfilled life as an LGBTQIA+ individual while also making it difficult to seek help without fear of judgment. But it’s important to know that queerness is not a mental illness, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

If you identify as LGBTQIA+, here are some ways you can take care of your mental health:


1. Prioritize your mental and emotional wellness. Being aware of your mental health challenges and the ways you can address them is a helpful first step in gaining the confidence to seek support. But beyond this, understanding that your mental health matters is fundamental. Start an exploration into how to optimize your mental and emotional wellness by reading books, following reputable mental health influencers, listening to podcasts, and learning about tools and practices you can incorporate into your daily life.

 

2. Practice self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential to your overall wellness. Eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and practicing good hygiene can all help reduce stress and improve your mood. You can also practice mindfulness, meditation, movement, and other relaxation techniques to help you become the calmest, most centered, most clear-minded version of yourself. 

 

3. Surround yourself with support. For LGBTQIA+ identified people, community is everything. It’s important to find people who will see you, support you, celebrate you, and make you feel safe. This could be friends, family, members of local community groups, or an LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist. Online groups and communities can also offer a supportive space to connect with others whose experiences are similar to yours.
   
   4. Know your rights. The LGBTQIA+ community has made great strides in recent years, but in many parts of the country, discrimination and bigotry still exist. Know your rights and be aware of the resources available to you in case of discrimination or mistreatment.
   
   5. Seek mental health care when needed. If you feel like your mental health challenges are impacting your daily life, seek professional help. A licensed mental health professional who practices LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment where you can open up about what you’re experiencing, address your concerns, and develop tools and skills to help you navigate your world in an authentic and empowered way.

Taking care of your mental health as an LGBTQIA+ individual can be challenging, but it’s essential to your overall wellbeing. By finding support, educating yourself, practicing self-care, knowing your rights, and seeking help when needed, you can overcome the struggles you’re facing and live a fulfilling, connected, and fully expressed life.

Although LGBTQIA+ people face relationship issues just like those faced by all couples, they also encounter some unique challenges that are unique to their experience. From differences in personal identities and experiences to issues like the impact of discrimination and societal stigma on the relationship, the particular challenges of LGBTQIA+ couples are important to identify. Fortunately, LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy is an accessible way for couples to address and overcome these challenges in order to build stronger, more connected and mutually satisfying relationships. Here are just a few of the most common relationship issues that LGBTQIA+ couples may face, as well as how therapy can help address them:

1. Difficulty navigating identity. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals struggle with navigating their own identities and understanding their place in society. This can lead to questions or confusion around issues of sexual orientation or gender identity, which can cause tension and confusion in the relationship. An affirmative therapist can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals and couples to explore their identities and work through any feelings of confusion or doubt that may be impacting their relationship.

2. Overcoming discrimination and stigma. Sadly, stigma against the LGBTQIA+ community is still prevalent in many parts of the world. This can put a strain on relationships, especially if one or both partners have experienced discrimination or harassment firsthand. In therapy, couples can process their experiences and develop coping strategies to manage the impacts of discrimination and marginalization on their relationships.

3. Communication difficulties. As with any relationship, communication is a key component of a healthy and thriving partnership. However, communication can be challenging for LGBTQIA+ couples, due to differences in their backgrounds and past experiences. Therapy can be a healthy and productive space to learn tools and strategies that facilitate effective communication, including mindful listening and conflict resolution techniques.

4. Struggles with internalized homophobia. Some LGBTQIA+ individuals may experience internalized homophobia or shame surrounding their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from feelings of self-doubt and low self-worth to difficulty expressing emotions or engaging in intimacy. Therapy can help couples confront and work through these difficult feelings, promoting greater self-acceptance for both partners and deeper emotional openness within the relationship.

5. Managing the stress of coming out. Coming out, or sharing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity with others, can be a significant source of stress for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Many couples face challenges when one person is out and the other isn’t, or when each individual in the relationship has a different way of moving through the world as a queer individual. An affirmative therapist can provide support and guidance to navigate the challenges that come with this unique aspect of LBTQIA+ couples’ relationships. 

While there are some challenges that come with being an LGBTQIA+ couple, therapy offers an invaluable opportunity to overcome these challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you’re struggling with identity, discrimination, communication, internalized homophobia, or the stresses of coming out, an affirmative therapist can provide a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings and develop strategies for greater intimacy and fulfillment.