Trauma and Healing: A Guide for LGBTQIA+ Adults

by | Jul 17, 2025 | Anxiety & Depression Blogs, Individual Therapy Blogs, LGBTQ+ Blogs, Relationship Blogs, Teen Blogs

This blog is on trauma and healing: a guide for LGBTQIA+ adults. Existing as an LGBTQIA+ adult in a world that hasn’t always embraced you can leave lasting emotional scars. Especially in recent times, things are feeling pretty scary. Focusing on supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals’ wellbeing is deeply necessary.

 

We aim to normalize the existence of trauma in queer lives and offer hope, direction, and practical support. We’ll discuss what trauma can look like, in its many forms and reasons. You’ll read how trauma affects the mental health of LGBTQIA+ adults. Then, we’ll discuss the path to healing, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care.

 

Trauma and healing: a guide for LGBTQIA+ adults, can also apply to individuals of any age. Know that we see you, empathize with you, and understand your struggle. Our therapists in Simi Valley are LGBTQIA+ affirming. It is our mission to provide a space for you, in a society where you may feel shut out. (Scroll to the bottom for crisis resources).

 

 

Understanding Trauma in LGBTQIA+ Lives

image of trauma to highlight a section on trauma therapy in simi valley

Trauma can present itself in many different forms. We see trauma manifest emotionally, physically, societally, and relationally. Emotional manifestations pertain to how we express or show our emotions to others. Physical manifestations are how we appear, such as visible signs of distress. Social manifestations refers to the intended and recognized consequences of a social action or institution. Finally, relational manifestations occur through how trauma plays a role in our relationships and the way we interact with the world around us.

 

Trauma can store itself throughout our bodies and minds. Our perspectives are shaped by trauma, such as decision-making. We may notice trauma being stored in various parts of our bodies, like our hips or chest. 

 

As a result of the trauma experienced, you may carry heavy or conflicting emotions over time. We may express or acknowledge our traumas in ways that we don’t personally notice. Our trauma may prompt us to take action, advocate, and become involved in our communities. It can also prompt us to try to lay low, avoid conflict, and hide important parts of ourselves.

 

We’ll discuss some common sources of trauma below. The list is not limited to these, and it’s likely to experience more than one source. Make sure to read our blog on Having Self Compassion (When You Don’t Want To). Our Simi Valley therapists are trained in trauma assessment and providing trauma-informed therapy.


Common sources of trauma in LGBTQIA+ experiences:

simi valley therapist comforting lgbtqia+ client in trauma therapy

 

  • Family rejection
  • Religious or cultural shaming
  • Bullying, harassment, and discrimination
  • Sexual or physical violence
  • Medical gatekeeping or mistreatment
  • Internalized queerphobia/transphobia

 

Intersectionality is the framework for understanding various aspects of a person’s identity. This includes race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. These aspects can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege. Alongside that, these identities interact with systems of power, like racism, sexism, and classism.

 

Having multiple marginalized identities may compound trauma. For example, a transgender POC may experience discrimination based on their gender identity and race. An adult may have experienced bullying or harassment when growing up, alongside total rejection from their family. All of these common sources of trauma are heavy, and can feel difficult to heal from.

 

For Trauma and Healing: A Guide for LGBTQIA+ Adults, we’ll now discuss how trauma affects mental health and the healing journey.

 

How Trauma Affects Mental Health

man struggling with grief and needing grief therapy in simi valley

Trauma can affect mental health in a number of ways. Individuals can develop symptoms of anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviors like people-pleasing may come into play, to remain “under the radar”. They may practice avoidance of places or people that can trigger their trauma. Finally, LGBTQIA+ individuals can struggle with extreme shame, guilt, and identity struggles.

 

Minority stress pertains to unique and chronic stress over time. This stress is experienced by members of marginalized groups, where one faces discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes or stigmas. In turn, there can be significant impacts on mental and physical health.

 

Trauma therapy in Simi Valley, CA works from a trauma informed lens. Our therapists in Simi Valley are an excellent resource for providing you with support. Consider calling us today for a free consultation on our services!

 

The Healing Journey

gay man feeling confident after working with an lgbtqia+ affirming therapist

Healing from trauma isn’t a linear journey. It takes time, effort, having the proper support, and being in a consistently safe environment. You will likely experience various ups and downs throughout the process – and this is entirely normal. Consider reading our blog on How to Process Trauma with one of our Simi Valley therapists for what you can expect. 

 

It’s understandable that you may feel resistant to starting this healing journey. It is uncomfortable to think about processing or talking about your trauma – whether again, or for the first time. However, you know that those unhealed parts of you linger, and at times, make themselves known. 

 

Trauma can have a way of showing up when it’s uninvited or least expected. It can interfere with our daily functioning, interactions with others, and our identities. It can be difficult navigating life with unhealed trauma. You deserve to receive the support you need, and with someone who truly understands and cares about you.

 

We offer LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Simi Valley, Ca. Click here to read more about how LGBTQIA+ therapy can help.

 

 

Connecting with queer-affirming mental health support

queer woman stressed and grieving needing lgbtqia+ therapy near simi valley

It’s essential to find LGBTQIA+ affirming mental health support. There are a few things to consider with this, such as what to look for in a therapist. You may want someone who outwardly expresses their experience or devotion in working with LGBTQIA+ populations. 

 

While word of mouth can be a great way to vet potential therapists, there are multiple directories to assist you in this as well. One example is OutcareHealth.org, a directory for more than individual therapy services. You can find gender affirming care with a psychiatrist, physician, and more. 

 

There is also the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network at https://nqttcn.com/en/. It is a directory aimed to advance healing and mental health support for queer and trans BIPOC. Finally, PsychologyToday.com allows you to filter for LGBTQ+, location, insurances, and more.

 

Why might it be important to connect with a therapist specifically providing LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy?

 

Not all therapists or mental health professionals may have training in affirming care. It’s crucial to work with someone who is knowledgeable and supportive. You’ll want to look at their specific qualifications and experience. On top of that, you’ll want to connect with a therapist with a welcoming approach. 

 

Here’s what you can look for when researching potential therapists:

  • Experience with LGBTQIA+ clients
  • Affirming languages and practices, such as on their website or profiles 
  • Training with cultural competency and diversity
  • Recommendations from known LGBTQIA+ groups or centers

The world is a scary and uncertain place right now. Suicide prevention resources are being targeted, transphobia and homophobia are more boldy being displayed. Attempts to erase your worth and existence are being made. However, don’t give into feelings of pointlessness or worthlessness. You are wanted and needed in this world! 

 

Aside from finding that key individual support, what other ways can you continue venturing on your healing journey?

 

Community Healing

two siblings laugh while processing grief together in grief therapy in simi valley

In the Ventura County area we have Diversity Collective, an organization that provides a variety of resources and services for all ages of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. They offer various groups, such as for those questioning or discovering identities, a group for men or male-identifying adults, and a trans peer group. Finally, they offer various health and wellness services. This includes PrEP & PEP Navigation, confidential HIV and STI screenings, and more.

 

Interface 211 shares a list of LGBTQIA+ groups and resources throughout the Ventura County area. You can access them by clicking here. There are various support groups covering the county area. In Los Angeles County, there are organizations such as the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

 

Alongside centers, consider finding a community in online settings. This may look like different video games, web chat rooms, advice websites, and more. There may be local meet-ups, designated safe restaurants or bars, and more. By putting yourself out there, you can connect with others with whom you share interests in common.

 

 

Self-guided healing tools

gay couple feeling good after couples therapy with simi valley therapist

There are self-guided healing tools and resources available for you. Whether on the internet, in a book, during a podcast, and more. For example, we recently published a blog tailored to LGBTQIA+ journaling prompts. It’s called 30 LGBTQIA+ Journal Prompts, with thought-provoking excerpts to journal about. 

 

Art therapy is another tool that can be used to channel heavy or complicated emotions. Even if you aren’t fond of your artistic skills, it’s a way to express and cope. There are various coloring books for all ages and topics. You can create art aside from using paint and a canvas. This includes jewelry making, home decor, stickers, and more.

 

With a quick Google search, you’ll find a plethora of books and podcasts by LGBTQIA+ mental health professionals. A notable mention is any work by Brené Brown. Her main message is around the power of vulnerability, courage, and authenticity. This makes for a great tool along your healing journey. Another recommendation is The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook by Anneliese Singh.

 

Healing doesn’t have to be a rushed process. It takes time, and we’ll likely face difficult moments along the way. Practice safety and pacing throughout your healing journey. We’ll discuss more in our section on educating and setting boundaries with others!

 

Educating and Setting Boundaries with Others

mom and daughter looking for lgbtq therapist near thousand oaks for teen therapy

Along your healing journey, you may be put into a position to practice assertion. This includes educating others and setting boundaries with others. By doing this, you can find healing in expressing yourself, choosing who gets your energy, and more. 

 

One way to support healing is through connecting with your chosen family. A chosen family refers to a network of close relationships that are intentionally created. Within this chosen family, there is mutual love, support, and a sense of belonging. 

 

It is unfortunately common that LGBTQIA+ individuals may not be accepted by their biological family. This can make expressing yourself, trying to educate others, or boundary setting difficult. It’s important to learn when to cut ties or create distance from certain people. It can also bring upon a heavy sense of guilt for things like saying “no” or enforcing boundaries.

Consider who you’re giving your time and energy to. Surround yourself with people who are respectful of your boundaries. Be mindful of your relationships with people who are open to educating themselves and learning something new. Without that, healing can feel like an uphill battle.

 

If you’ve made it this far in our blog Trauma and Healing: A Guide for LGBTQIA+ Adults, you’re in the right direction. Your experiences are valid. Healing is possible. And, you are certainly not alone in this. 

 

Resources Section

  • The Trevor Project
    • https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
    • 1-866-488-7386 – Despite unfathomable moves by the current administration, this phone number is still active. You used to be able to call 988, extension 3, to connect to a specialized counselor – that has been terminated on July 17, 2025. Read more at this article by The Trevor Project.

 

  • LGBTQ+ National Help Center
    • https://lgbthotline.org/
    • Various hotlines for youth, seniors, support in coming out, and more. The main national hotline for care before a crisis is 888-843-4564.

 

  • Trans Lifeline
    • https://translifeline.org/
    • 877-565-8860. Trans Lifeline’s mission is to connect trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive.

Consider taking one small step today. Find a support resource, talk to a friend, or journal about your feelings. We offer free consultations for LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy in Simi Valley, Ca!

 

Consider reading our blog on 3 Ways to Support an LGBTQIA+ Teen! Or, How to Be an LGBTQIA+ Ally!

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.

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