LGBTQ Therapy

So you’re interested in LGBTQ therapy. Maybe you’re someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, are a parent of someone coming out, or are questioning your own identity. Regardless of why you’re here, we’re glad you are.

Exploring LGBTQIA+ Identities

Reflecting on yourself and who you are is an essential part of growth. It’s normal and healthy to question your sexual orientation and gender identity. How would you know who you are if you never asked yourself questions?

And maybe you’re feeling too pressured to figure it out. This is pretty common. Regardless of your age, it’s likely that you’ve identified as cis-gendered and heterosexual for most of your life. This is due to heteronormativity.

Furthermore, heteronormativity is the societal idea that being cisgender and heterosexual is normal or the default. So, most people are brought up under the assumption that these are their identities. And when you start to realize this may not be true for you, it can cause confusion, anxiety, and avoidance.

In LGBTQ therapy, you will be given the time and space to question, process, and reflect.

Exploring your gender identity and sexual orientation can be a timely process. Many LGBTQIA+ folks spend their whole lives exploring their identity. But know that you don’t have to rush solidifying an identity or fitting into any particular group. In LGBTQ therapy, you will be given the time and space to question, process, and reflect.

Common LGBTQ Questions and Experiences

People can come out or identify differently at any point in their lives. People come out in adulthood all the time. Part of this happens due to heteronormativity and its lifelong negative impact on folks. But there is hope. Today, 1 in 6 members of Generation Z identify as LGBTQ. This implies that the idea of heteronormativity has lost power and that acceptance is on the rise.

Regardless of age or time of life, coming out can be scary and difficult. On the other hand, it can also be relieving and exciting. As you can see, this experience evokes many emotions for each person going through it.

Here are some questions you may have found yourself wondering…

  • “I don’t feel comfortable being referred to as she/her or he/him anymore… Maybe they/them pronouns work for me. Could I be non-binary?”
  • “If I’ve been in love with someone of the opposite sex, but I date my same-sex now, was I never in love with them? What does this mean about attraction?”
  • “I’ve never really felt comfortable in my body because I don’t identify with my gender. Is this what it means to be trans?”
  • “Even though I’ve never dated someone of my same sex, I don’t find myself emotionally inclined to date the opposite sex. But I can’t be gay. I’ve dated/married someone of the opposite sex.”
  • “I’ve always felt a strong emotional tie to same-sex couples in TV and movies, unlike the feelings I have toward straight couples. What does this mean?”

As you can see, exploring gender and sexuality brings up some complicated questions. And the most complex part is that you must figure out these answers yourself. But, with LGBTQ therapy, you’re not alone. An LGBTQ-affirming therapist can help you process the questions that run through your head. They provide a safe space for you to think aloud and explore.

Today Is A New Day! Let’s Talk!