Counseling for LGBTQ+ Folks

 

Since the pandemic, virtual counseling for LGBTQA+ folks has boomed, making it easier than ever to receive mental health care from the comfort of your home. For many people in the LGBTQ+ community, this can help them gain access to quality care without having to step foot into an office. 

For some queer people, doctors and medical professionals can be intimidating. It can be hard to know if a provider will be affirmative or not, and the consequences of a provider discriminating against someone due to their sexuality and gender are great. This is why online counseling can be a great tool for LGBTQ+ clients seeking online couples counseling.

 

Why counseling for LGBTQ?

Long-term relationships come with challenges. For many, after the honeymoon stage of the relationship, conflict can arise, which can strain the relationship. Virtual counseling for LGBTQ+ couples can help navigate this conflict and teach them communication skills and emotional regulation skills that they may not have been taught in childhood. These skills can help the couple manage conflict in a way that does not harm each other or the relationship. 

For many people in the LGBTQ+ community, life comes with hardships that can show up in relationships. For example, many LGBTQ+ people have difficult relationships with family. This outside stressor can cause relational issues for the couple. LGBTQ+ people also experience more discrimination and stigma from society than their straight counterparts. This can affect someone’s mental health, which will impact the couple. 

Having a safe and affirming space to navigate these issues and learning communication and regulation skills can help LGBTQ+ couples have a more satisfying relationship. This is true for couples of all sexualities, yet especially true for people in the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

How do I know if a therapist is affirming?

If possible, finding a therapist who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community can be invaluable, as they will understand nuances about being LGBTQ+ that a straight therapist would not. If you are unsure about your therapist’s views, you can always ask! Your therapist works for you, and you are allowed to ask questions so you can feel comfortable. If your therapist has a reaction or response that is not in alignment with your values, then you are allowed to find another. 

 

How do I find an online LGBTQIA+ therapist? 

There are a few ways to find counseling for LGBTQ+ therapists. Sites like Psychology Today and TherapyDen have search filters where you can specify wanting an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor, and even searches where you can find a therapist who is in the community themselves. You can also google “online LGBTQ+ couples counselor” and find a practice that looks like it could be a good fit. 

Sometimes people need to try a few different therapists until they find the provider that is the best fit for the couple. This is perfectly normal, and this person will play a big role in helping you mend your relationship. It is important that you find someone with whom you feel validated and safe. 

 

In Conclusion

In the evolving field of mental health, the rise of online therapy has become a symbol of hope and accessibility for the LGBTQ+ community needing care. This has allowed LGBTQ+ couples to find a lifeline and safe haven in a world that still stigmatizes them. This can allow couples to have happier and more fulfilling relationships. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know Melody Atkinson, LMFT-A by making an appointment. Her pecialization is in trauma-informed practices, alternative methods to explore ADHD, LGBTQIA+ relationships, and identity.

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