LGBT Therapy

Have You Been Struggling To Find Acceptance Because Of Your Sexual Identity?

Has the stigma surrounding what it means to be LGBTQ+ led to feelings of shame, guilt, or fear? Have you found yourself stuck in a situation where very few people understand and accept your sexuality?

Maybe you only recently realized your sexual identity and you’re afraid of what that means. Do you worry you’ll have to come out? Are you anxious about how other people will see you?

Perhaps you come from a religious background where you’ve heard over and over again that being gay is a sin. If you are still a part of that religious practice, then it’s likely you face a lot of stigma on a day-to-day basis. Even if you aren’t, your family members may struggle to understand this revelation and may not give you the support and acceptance you desire.

Or maybe you’re not a member of the LGBT community yourself, but you are a parent, family member, or close friend of someone who recently came out. Do you find yourself wondering how best to handle the situation? Do you want to learn more and really understand what it’s like for your loved one?

If you’re an LGBT individual, then probably more than anything you’d like acceptance—not just from the general public, but from yourself. You likely want to live the life you’ve always desired, free of condemnation and fear.

Most LGBT Individuals Face Negative Stigma

LGBT discrimination is incredibly prevalent. Even individuals who grew up in a loving and accepting environment can face discrimination in the outside world.

Much of this stigma can, unfortunately, come from religious practices. The idea that being LGBT is a sin is prevalent enough that it can become ingrained in the minds of not just the people around you but you yourself. This often means that you must try and reconcile your identity in an environment that doesn’t lend itself well to doing so.

Additionally, coming out can be frightening, even if you have close relatives or friends that are LGBT. Many people feel a sense of worry or anxiety about what their loved ones will think, even if traditionally they’ve been nothing but supportive.

But you don’t have to deal with these struggles alone. Therapy can provide you with a support system and help you find acceptance and peace with yourself.

LGBT Therapy Provides A Space Of Safety

One of the great things about LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy is that it can help you learn to accept who you really are. It helps you understand that your identity is something positive; it’s not something that’s wrong with you or something that can be changed, it’s just a perfectly normal part of who you are.

I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can discuss any LGBT issues you might be facing. My goal is to provide assurance, to be an ally who will listen to all you have to say, and to help you find acceptance in yourself.

My therapy is very person-centered. This means we will move at the pace you feel most comfortable.

During sessions, we will discuss the situations that you’re facing and create a plan of action for dealing with them. I may provide strategies for you to use in speaking to religious parents or friends, or I may simply help you better understand yourself. Because every situation is different, I will tailor sessions directly to you.

One of the primary goals of therapy is to have you listen to your own inner voice—to understand that your voice is more important in regards to your identity than anyone else’s. To do this, I will often employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help change unwanted thought patterns and eliminate any unwarranted anxiety or fear you may be experiencing.

I know very well what it’s like to come out; I’ve been there before both personally and professionally. As a licensed psychotherapist and a professional pastoral counselor, I have been helping individuals with a variety of problems for over 20 years. Now, I want to use that experience to help other members of the LGBTQ+ community.

What I want you to understand the most is this: there is nothing wrong with your identity, no matter what the world may say. You are beautifully and wonderfully made—every single part of you.

You may still have reservations about LGBT therapy…

Therapy is expensive, and I’m worried I won’t be able to afford it.

I understand how concerning this can be—especially for younger individuals who might not be making a lot of money to begin with. However, I believe it is incredibly important to take care of your mental health. That’s why I’ll work with my clients to find a way to fit therapy into their budget.

Does this mean that I’ll have to come out to everyone?

Coming out is an intensely personal process, and I would never ask that anyone come out before they’re ready. You aren’t obligated to come out to anyone at all; the goal is only to help you find acceptance and happiness in your personal situation. Moreover, I will keep all of our conversations confidential so you don’t have to worry about anyone finding out without your permission.

I’m not sure I’ll have the time for LGBT affirmative therapy.

I understand that it can be very difficult to make the time for therapy in your already busy day. However, without the aid of therapy, it’s very easy for toxic shame and worry to start to build. By making time for therapy, you can help address those problems and live a happier and more fulfilled life.

You Can Find Acceptance With LGBT Therapy

If you would like to know more about how therapy can help you, I offer a free phone consultation which you can book online or by calling 929-269-2139. With my help, you can find the self-acceptance you so desire.

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