LGBTQIA
Transgender & Genderfluid
LGBTQIA+ counseling fits into the umbrella of LGBTQIA+-affirming care, which recognizes and validates the experiences of all LGBTQIA+ people and serves as a safe space to discuss the intersection of sexual orientation and mental well-being. Everyone deserves access to physical and mental healthcare, and for those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, that care may include LGBTQIA+ counseling. Falling under the umbrella of LGBTQIA+-affirming care, this kind of therapy recognizes and validates the experiences of all LGBTQIA+ people—those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender, “plus” all other identities along the gender and sexuality spectrum. Like traditional psychotherapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy provides a safe environment for discussing mental health concerns and building healthy coping skills. It also specifically focuses on the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental well-being. LGBTQIA+ mental health problems are unfortunately common, especially among LGBTQIA+ teens and adolescents. According to a recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study, nearly one-quarter of LGBTQIA+ students were bullied at school, and nearly 30% were cyberbullied. The psychological consequences of bullying, microaggressions, and discrimination can be devastating. Studies consistently show that discrimination is a significant source of distress and anxiety for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. For example, compared to non-LGBTQIA+ youth, adolescents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are about four times as likely to experience suicidal ideation and attempt suicide, according to the CDC data. These LGBTQIA+ young people are also three times as likely as their non-LGBTQIA+ peers to experience depression and engage in self-harm. LGBTQIA+ youth are also more likely to seek therapy, experience a substance use disorder, and receive a mental health diagnosis.
What issues do the LGBTQIA+ community face?
While significant progress has been made in recent years, the LGBTQIA+ community still faces discrimination and inequality worldwide. Here are some specific challenges that this community faces, which may be risk factors to a disproportionate rate of psychological concerns among some LGBTQIA+ teens and young people.
Discrimination
As mentioned, LGBTQIA+ people often face discrimination in various aspects of life, such as employment, education, healthcare, and housing. This discrimination can take the form of overt prejudice, more subtle microaggressions, or systemic inequities. For example, LGBTQIA+ people may be discriminated against when it comes to marriage equality, adoption rights, legal recognition of gender identity, access to gender-affirming care, and more.
Why is LGBTQIA+ counseling important?
LGBTQIA+ counseling is important because it provides a safe and supportive space for those within the LGBTQIA+ community to address unique challenges and issues they may face related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. These specialized counseling services offer a non-judgmental environment where people can openly explore and discuss their feelings, experiences, and concerns, especially those related to coming out, discrimination, or family acceptance. Also, LGBTQIA+ counseling can help people navigate the complexities of identity, providing tools and strategies to build self-acceptance and resilience. LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists can serve as allies, advocates, and sources of information, helping clients access community resources and connect with a network of understanding peers. Mental health support that’s tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community can address the higher prevalence of mental health issues and suicide rates within this community, offering coping mechanisms and resources. LGBTQIA+ counseling is essential for promoting mental well-being, self-affirmation, and a sense of belonging within a community that has historically faced discrimination and stigmatization.
TRANSGENDER & GENDERFLUID
Gender therapy, a phrase synonymous with gender-affirming therapy or transgender therapy, is not a specific therapeutic modality in and of itself. Instead, it is a form of mental health support that aims to help individuals explore, understand, and express their gender identity in a way that aligns with their authentic selves. Gender therapy fits into the umbrella of gender-affirming care, which includes medical and social interventions that help people align their gender identity with who they truly are, like hormone replacement therapy and using preferred pronouns.
Studies that transgender and non-binary young people are disproportionately at risk for mental health emergencies related to suicide, making gender therapy a lifesaving intervention for many. Questioning your gender identity can be scary, but there is help.
A gender therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in working with people who are exploring or questioning their gender identity or experiencing. Gender dysphoria —the cognitive dissonance that occurs when someone doesn’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. A gender therapist may also be referred to as a gender identity therapist or gender-affirming therapist. These therapists have expertise in understanding the unique challenges and concerns faced by transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
Gender therapy can benefit a diverse range of individuals who are exploring their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria. This includes people who are questioning their gender, transgender people seeking support and guidance throughout their transition, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals, and anyone who is feeling upset or stressed because their gender identity doesn’t match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Family members and loved ones seeking a better understanding of gender identity can also benefit from gender therapy—either by joining sessions with their loved one and a gender therapist or going to a gender therapist for psychoeducation. Gender therapy provides a safe and affirming space for the family and loved ones of a gender-diverse person to explore feelings, address mental health concerns, develop coping strategies, and receive guidance on social, medical, and legal aspects of their loved one’s gender transition.
The primary role of a gender therapist is to provide support, guidance, and counseling to individuals as they navigate their gender identity journey. They create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to gender. Gender therapists assist in exploring gender identity,
managing gender dysphoria, and developing coping strategies. They employ a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to the specific needs of their clients. These can include talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based practices.
While gender-diverse individuals are usually the people seeking gender therapy, gender therapists often work with families and partners to help them understand and support their loved one’s gender identity, too. They assist in facilitating open and healthy communication, addressing concerns, and fostering acceptance and understanding within interpersonal relationships.
For people who choose to transition, gender therapists provide guidance and support throughout the process. For example, they may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as endocrinologists or surgeons, to provide support for people pursuing gender-affirming medical care. Gender therapists may serve as advocates for their clients, helping them navigate societal systems and access appropriate resources and support networks. In addition to other healthcare referrals, they can help clients connect with support groups or organizations specializing in transgender issues.
Gender therapy is different from conversion therapy
Gender therapy and conversion therapy are fundamentally different approaches with opposite intentions and ethical considerations. As discussed, gender therapy is a supportive and validating approach that helps people explore and embrace their gender identity. On the other hand, conversion therapy, which is widely discredited and seen as harmful, seeks to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It employs harmful and ineffective techniques with the false assumption that being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is a mental disorder or something that needs to be altered. Conversion therapy violates human rights, lacks scientific validity, and can cause significant psychological harm. In contrast, gender therapy respects and affirms an individual’s gender identity, aiming to promote self-acceptance, well-being, and authentic expression. Gender therapy should never look like conversion therapy. A gender-affirming therapist will never try to alter your gender identity, and counseling should not involve coercion. Gender therapy is a way to prioritize your well-being, and you deserve to work with mental health professionals who respect and validate your authentic self. Gender therapy can help individuals navigate their unique gender identity journey, promote self-acceptance, and improve overall well-being. Here are some ways that gender therapy can support transgender and non-binary people, as well as those questioning their gender identity:
Self Exploration
Gender therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore and understand their gender identity. It allows them to discuss their feelings, experiences, and questions related to gender, helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
