Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identities
Gender and sexual identities are complex, multi-faceted, and ever-evolving. Through LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, we strive to provide a space where adolescents, young adults, and teens can make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment or stigma.
Our goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming therapy space for you to honestly explore and process all aspects of your identity. We can assist you with issues that affect your mental health, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and relationship problems, etc. We recognize that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community means having unique experiences — you don’t need to navigate them alone.
Supportive Sexual Orientation, Sexual Identity, and Gender Diversity Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Teens
We are committed to providing supportive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy and counseling services that meet the needs of each individual. Understanding ourselves isn’t always easy, and truly knowing ourselves takes time. Every person’s life is a unique journey of self-discovery. Our counselors take the time to listen and understand your needs.
Navigating LGBTQIA+ Related Issues & Concerns
Navigating gender and sexuality can be a difficult journey. It can be especially challenging for adolescents and young adults. We can be here to guide and listen to you regarding topics such as:
- Gender diversity (gender identity, gender expression, and gender dysphoria)
- Conflicts between your sexuality/gender identity
- Fears and concerns about coming out and potential rejection
- Managing body image pressures
- Heteronormativity, compulsory heterosexuality, heterosexism, homophobia, and internalized homophobia
- Gender transition support
- Family conflicts
- Depression and anxiety
- Developing openness and communication within relationships
- Problems accessing healthcare services
- Difficult conversations about sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- Dealing with discrimination or bullying
- Trauma through harassment and violence
- Self-image and self-esteem
- Cultural and religious concerns
- Cultivating self-acceptance and self-love
Therapy can help you to explore these issues in a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space.
LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy
Through an affirmative therapy approach, we embrace all LGBTQIA+ identities and explore how heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia affect a person’s mental health and present day life. We acknowledge and accept each person’s sexual orientation and identity. Through LGBTQIA+ counseling, we work with you to develop an authentic sense of self and to strengthen your voice.
LGBTQIA+ Focused Counseling
LGBTQIA+ focused counseling at Health and Healing Therapy can help individuals who identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, nonbinary, agender, intersex, or other gender identities and/or sexual orientations to work through the personal challenges, stressors, depression, and anxiety they may be experiencing. We understand the power of self-acceptance and provide understanding and compassionate care tailored to the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
How the Affirmative Therapy Process Works
At Health and Healing Therapy, we recognize the unique mental health concerns of teens and adults who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Drawing from research-based therapy approaches like affirmative psychotherapy, we offer validation and empowerment in treatment. Our counselors are experienced at working with LGBTQIA+ adolescents on issues related to identity exploration, coming out, relationship building skills, body image, communication challenges, self-esteem issues, family dynamics, coping strategies to manage stressors within the school system, and peer group dynamics.
Working with your therapist, you can:
- Deepen your self-acceptance
- Gain confidence
- Increase your comfort in navigating difficult and complex family dynamics
- Learn to express yourself without fear
- Identify sources of distress, anxiety, and depression
- Work toward improved emotional balance and mental wellness
- Feel empowered to make informed decisions about your life with greater emotional insight, self-confidence, and acceptance
Working through internal confusion, emotional suffering, and self-acceptance is a process that requires time, patience, and understanding. We focus on creating an atmosphere where our LGBTQIA+ clients feel accepted unconditionally. It is important that their healing journey takes place in a comfortable setting surrounded by compassionate therapists who share the same goal – helping them become their most authentic selves free from fear and shame.
Learn more about Getting Started in Therapy.
Support for Parents of LGBTQIA+ Youth
Parents of LGBTQIA+ youth often come to therapy seeking support with navigating their teen’s sexuality, gender identity, gender expression, gender diversity, etc. Parents can have difficulty accepting when their expectations of a child’s traditional gender identity is challenged by their teen. LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy and counseling gives both parent and teen an understanding of what it means to take up important tasks such as navigating gender, identity, and relations with family, peers, and support systems.
It is vital that LGBTQIA+ teens have support, care, safety, and acceptance from the adults in their lives. Below is some sobering research that parents need to know:
LGBTQIA+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
One 13-24 year-old U.S. LGBTQIA+ youth attempts suicide every 45 seconds.
Queer and gender non-conforming teens are at a higher risk for being bullied and experiencing cyberbullying.
Transgender and nonbinary youth are 2 to 2.5 times as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to their cisgender LGBQIA+ peers.
Parents who take the time to participate and receive guidance gain tools to better understand how to support their teen. Loving your child often includes changing alongside them, accepting who they are and who they will become, giving them the tools they need to navigate the world, and respecting their independent decisions.
If you or someone you know is currently in crisis or imminent danger, call 9-1-1. If you, a loved one, or a friend is in crisis, speak with someone immediately by dialing 9-8-8. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available in English and Spanish. Hours are 24/7 daily.
Communication Techniques for Parents
Parents are invited to explore communication techniques that advance the self-discovery process for their teenager. Parents gain deeper acceptance within themselves and help to foster supportive relationships with children. We tailor LGBTQIA+ counseling services to the needs of each parent. This allows parents and families to create helpful solutions that address present challenges, questions, and concerns.
Lasting change is possible when families of LGBTQIA+ teens work together to strengthen their relationships. Create a space for transparency, understanding, and acceptance with your teen. Reach out to us for support.
Supportive Resources for Parents of LGBTQIA+ Teens
Parents with a teen who is contemplating their gender or sexuality may feel overwhelmed or even confused as they navigate their loved one’s emerging identity. As they chart new waters, it is important for them to seek out available area resources to help support this journey.
- PFLAG, a national organization for educating and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and their families
- Find a local chapter of PFLAG
- The Trevor Project, a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25
- LGBT National Help Center, a free and confidential LGBTQIA+ peer-support network
All are welcome here.
At Health and Healing Therapy, all races, ethnicities, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, gender identities, and ability levels are welcome. This is a core practice value. Any discriminatory, offensive or oppressive behavior, or language is not welcome or acceptable.
Health and Healing Therapy values supporting our clients in a way that honors their authentic identity. We are committed to providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy in a welcoming environment to help adolescents explore their identity in a safe, supportive space.
Meet our Therapists
Health and Healing Therapy’s therapists strive to approach each person’s struggles holistically. We emphasize an understanding of individual strengths and resiliencies.
Are you ready to begin a helpful and healing therapy process? Let’s start.
You don’t have to suffer alone. Our therapists can help you Grow, Heal, and Thrive.