Why finding a therapist that is a part of the community is beneficial
As a gay man, I understand the importance of finding a therapist who can understand your specific experiences. With an ever changing social climate and attitude shifts towards LGBTQ+ individuals, I understand the complexities and challenges that can arise when seeking support for your own mental health.
I believe community fosters resilience. We are bombarded by anti-LGBTQ+ messages and hetero-normantive, cisgender viewpoints from an early age. These messages can affect our development as queer and gender non-comforming individuals. Surrounding ourselves with community supports can counteract these messages and help us develop positive and adaptive beliefs about ourselves and our community.
Finding a therapist that is a part of the LGBTQ+ community can support connection and understanding. Having someone who has experience and knowledge of specific LGBTQ+ concerns, somebody who “gets it,” can help you delve deeper into your concerns without barriers such as having to educate someone or justify your experiences.
Why finding a therapist that is a part of the community is beneficial
As a gay man, I understand the importance of finding a therapist who can understand your specific experiences. With an ever changing social climate and attitude shifts towards LGBTQ+ individuals, I understand the complexities and challenges that can arise when seeking support for your own mental health.
I believe community fosters resilience. We are bombarded by anti-LGBTQ+ messages and hetero-normantive, cisgender viewpoints from an early age. These messages can affect our development as queer and gender non-comforming individuals. Surrounding ourselves with community supports can counteract these messages and help us develop positive and adaptive beliefs about ourselves and our community.
Finding a therapist that is a part of the LGBTQ+ community can support connection and understanding. Having someone who has experience and knowledge of specific LGBTQ+ concerns, somebody who “gets it,” can help you delve deeper into your concerns without barriers such as having to educate someone or justify your experiences.
Specific Challenges Experienced by LGBTQ+ Individuals
Trauma / Discrimination
Society Attitude shifts and stress, anxiety, depression, anger, etc that comes with it
Identity development (How do you fit into the world and how does society’s beliefs affect your exploration)
Intersectionality of identities
Navigating a hetero-normative, cisgender society
Why this population is important to me
Working with LGBTQ+ individuals in the past, I’ve noticed a sigh of relief when someone realizes they don’t have to educate about their experience and can just get to the heart of the matter. Each time that sigh has happened, it reminds me how important it is.
I believe it signifies an understanding. An understanding that this therapeutic space is safe and judgment free. I try my best to foster that environment and realize how important and healing it can be for us as a community.
Why this population is important to me
Working with LGBTQ+ individuals in the past, I’ve noticed a sigh of relief when someone realizes they don’t have to educate about their experience and can just get to the heart of the matter. Each time that sigh has happened, it reminds me how important it is.
I believe it signifies an understanding. An understanding that this therapeutic space is safe and judgment free. I try my best to foster that environment and realize how important and healing it can be for us as a community.