What is LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy?

You may be wondering what is LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy? It’s possible that you have heard this term before, or been recommended to seek it out. Whether you identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum or you are an ally wanting to find ways to support a loved one, this approach to therapy might be helpful for you.

 

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community have diverse and unique needs. It’s essential that they receive support that is well versed in the background and history of the community. By having a full understanding and education around common issues in the community, your therapist is better equipped to understand your needs.

 

 

It could be that you are seeking therapy for issues related to your identity or sexual orientation. You could be struggling with gender dysphoria, and wanting someone who can provide you with a safe, non judgmental space to process that. Perhaps you are in need of more resources, and are wanting to better navigate and understand the community. 

 

We have LGBTQ+ affirming therapists in Simi Valley, Ca. It is our mission to provide you with therapists who are progressive, accepting, knowledgeable, and considerate of the community. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, and more, our group is the perfect fit for your needs.

 

LGBTQ+ affirming therapy in Simi Valley, Ca works with all age ranges seeking support.

 

What can you work on in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy?

 

You can work on an array of issues in affirming therapy. It could be that you have suffered trauma as a result of being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Maybe you are struggling with relationships, such as with friends or family who do not support you. 

 

With a lack of support, you might feel constantly on-edge, anxious, perhaps even angry or low. You can find a safe space in affirmative therapy to work through difficult feelings and past events.

 

When struggling with anxiety or depression, you may feel alone and isolated from others in your life. It can be difficult to overcome some of this on your own, and you know you’re wanting to make some change in your life.

 

Although LGBTQIA+ people often experience a very different reality than others, many difficulties brought to therapy are the same as the general population. Relationship issues, financial struggles, stress management, anxiety and depression, trauma, medical challenges, and grief (to name a few) are not unique to LGBTQIA+ people, but might be experienced under different circumstances.

 

Working with an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in Simi Valley, Ca provides you with a safe space. You’ll work with someone who’s competent, understanding, and compassionate.

 

How are you supported in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy? 

 

You are supported in this therapy in a number of ways. With LGBTQ+ affirmative therapists, there are many aspects of therapy that can help you feel safe and comfortable in session. It is a priority that you feel able to be vulnerable in session while discussing serious topics.

 

First, you will be referred to with your preferred pronoun and your preferred name. You are accepted and held in positive regard no matter your orientation or identity. We can help connect you with resources in surrounding areas, such as centers, groups, supports, or hotlines for you to call. 

 

Therapists can help you work through relational issues, such as with friends or family, that arise when others don’t understand you. They may not understand your identity, or have trouble validating and/or recognizing your experience.

 

We also advocate for client needs in medical or school settings. One major area of importance is working with parents of teens who struggle with understanding the LGBTQ+ spectrum. They may need support in gaining access to information about different aspects of the community. This can look like transitioning or understanding sexual orientation. 

 

Finally, therapists help you explore and/or understand your identity. Whatever your goals may be in session, you will be supported and guided to reach your goals!

 

LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy in Simi Valley, Ca helps individuals feel supported and validated in session.

 

What do you leave LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy with?

 

Whether you’re leaving the therapy session for the week or you are finished with your therapy and have reached all your goals, you will leave therapy with a few things.

 

First, you will have made an amazing connection with an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist. You will now have that safe space for recurring therapy, or if you decide to return to therapy one day. You will also have access to any resources, such as information, groups, hotlines, or your therapist themselves.

 

You will leave with a better understanding of yourself, as well as your loved ones. It could be that you have found ways to strengthen a relationship within yourself or with friends or family members.

 

Having greater vocabulary and language to describe your experiences is also something you will leave therapy with. Perhaps you will better know how to explain your experiences, or understand them yourself. 

 

If you are interested in seeking out LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy for yourself or because you want to better support a loved one, call us today at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation!

 

We are offering individual therapy, teen therapy, family therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and more at our group.