Therapy for Newport News’ LGBTQ Community—Informed and Sensitive Mental Health Care
Thankfully, many legal and cultural strides are being made to advance equality for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer. Regrettably, many other challenges still threaten the LGBTQ community. Being honest about both realities is key. Acknowledging the benefits of marriage equality and cultural voices who promote inclusion is important. Acknowledging that members of the LGBTQ community still face marginalization and discrimination is also important. Inequality takes a toll, and those in the LGBTQ community suffer higher rates of addiction, anxiety, and depression than the general population.
An important principle of good mental health is having the courage to live one’s truth. People must be who they are—spiritually, physically, emotionally, and sexually. At Thriveworks Newport News, we acknowledge that the mental health care field has not always allowed people to live their truth. Up until 1973, homosexuality was pathologized by the American Psychological Association, and this history still overshadows some therapists and counselors. Members of the LGBTQ community face this “dual stigma”—they face more mental health problems, and they also have more difficulty finding counselors who are informed and inclusive.
The life coaches, counselors, and therapists at Thriveworks Newport News know that living one’s truth is a powerful tool for changing people’s lives. Living in truth means acknowledging who you are physically, emotionally, spiritually, and sexually. It can take courage to acknowledge one’s truth, and no one has to walk that journey alone. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Newport News have supported many people as navigate difficult challenges regarding their live and, in particular, their gender and sexuality.
What Is LGBTQ Inclusive Therapy?
Holistic care means tackling life’s problems while acknowledging their proper context. People’s whole lives matter. It is not healthy to separate a person’s sexuality from their biology, their psychological from their social life, their intellect from their relationships. People’s psychological, sexuality, physicality, and sociality are intertwined. The professionals at Thriveworks Newport News see their clients as whole people, and while this applies to all people, members of the LGBTQ community usually feel this reality more acutely. When social norms label one group of people as “normal,” anyone who does not fit that mold may feel torn apart.
One’s sexuality is not the whole of anyone’s experience, but it plays an important role in identity formation. Everyone’s experiences are unique, and no two people have the same story. The challenges you face are unlike anyone else’s challenges. The opportunities that you have are unlike anyone else’s opportunities. When the professionals at Thriveworks Newport News say they offer inclusive and affirmative therapy, that means we work hard to get to know you for who you are, in every aspect of your identity. We want to earn your trust, and as the therapeutic relationship progresses, we can delve deeper and deeper into your unique story. Counselors may work through questions such as…
- How did you come to the decision to pursue therapy?
- What excites you about life right now?
- Where are you living and is it safe?
- Is there were something you could change about your life, what would it be?
- Where do you about doing in a year? five years? Ten? More?
Movies and TV shows often represent therapy as focused upon people’s shortcoming, problems, and difficulties. While this is certainly one aspect of counseling, the reality is that mental health care has a much more positive focus. Skilled therapists can help people maximize their strengths and achieve goals. Mental health care often helps people feel more comfortable and confident in who they are and who they are not. It is often a time of self-discovery where people learn about what they want and how to get it. They may decide to prioritize a romantic relationship and map out steps to meet that special someone. They may decide it is time to come out, and they can work with their therapist about how and when to do so.
A counseling office should be a judgment-free space where people feel safe to explore anything without fear of being shamed. Many clients feel safe enough to speak openly and freely about their hopes, dreams, and ideas.
Topics that come up in LGBTQ therapy:
- Coming out issues
- Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
- Family concerns
- Past trauma and abuse
- Healthy communication
- Self-esteem issues
- Depression
- Transcending gender roles
- Gender and sexual identity
- Dating and other relationships
- Eating disorders
- Addiction Anxiety and stress
Setting Up an Appointment at Thriveworks Newport News for LGBTQ Sensitive Therapy
Take a moment to reflect upon what challenges are going on in your life right now. Are you being marginalized? Discriminated against? We are sad that these are likely a part of your life, and the staff at Thriveworks Newport News wants you to know that help is available. No one should be shamed for being who they are. In fact, the opposite should be true: everyone should be free and loved. You are not alone as you navigate difficulties and search for acceptance. Thriveworks Newport News is ready to be an ally, and we have appointments available.
When you contact our office, a scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you make an appointment. New clients often have their first appointment the following day. We accept many forms of insurance, and our staff offers weekend and evening sessions. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Newport News today for an appointment.
