LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy

In our ever-evolving society, there has been a greater appreciation and recognition of different gender and sexual orientations and identities. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in achieving full equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite these positive changes, prejudice and discrimination are still very real, and the LGBTQ+ community continues to face adversities. Sociopolitical shifts, such as those seen since the 2016 election and recent decisions by the Supreme Court, have created an environment that might be reflecting a pendulum swing back towards a darker period in our history. In such a challenging political climate, it has become increasingly important for members of the LGBTQ+ community to prioritize and take care of their mental health.

Intown Counseling & Wellness understands the unique struggles and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and takes great pride in its commitment to serving this community. Intown Counseling & Wellness employs affirmative counselors who provide a safe, nurturing, and accepting environment for all clients. Affirmative therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness do not attempt to change someone’s gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. Instead, they focus on nurturing and supporting authenticity and self-acceptance. This affirmative approach is essential in helping LGBTQ+ clients navigate the unique challenges they may encounter and develop a positive sense of self.

LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy or queer-affirmative therapy, is an approach to psychotherapy that specifically focuses on providing a supportive and understanding environment for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other sexual orientation or gender identity within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The goal of affirmative therapy is to create a safe space where LGBTQ+ clients can explore their identities, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Key principles of LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy

1. Acceptance and Validation: Affirmative therapists demonstrate unconditional positive regard for their LGBTQ+ clients, accepting them for who they are without judgment. They validate their client’s experiences, feelings, and identities, recognizing the importance of embracing their authentic selves.
2. Cultural Competence: Affirmative therapists undergo training and education to become culturally competent in understanding the diverse experiences and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. 
3. Challenging Heteronormativity: Affirmative therapy challenges heteronormative assumptions, which are societal norms and expectations that assume heterosexuality as the default sexual orientation. By doing so, therapists avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes and encourage their clients to explore their identities more openly.
4. Empowerment and Self-Determination: Affirmative therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness prioritize their client’s autonomy and self-determination. They do not attempt to change the client’s sexual orientation or gender identity but instead support them in understanding and embracing their authentic selves.
5. Addressing Minority Stress: Affirmative therapy acknowledges the impact of minority stress, which refers to the unique stressors and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals due to societal prejudice and discrimination. Therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness work with clients to develop coping strategies to manage these stressors effectively.
6. Intersectionality: Affirmative therapists recognize that an individual’s LGBTQ+ identity intersects with other aspects of their identity, such as race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and socioeconomic status. They address the intersectionality of these identities to better understand their client’s experiences and provide more comprehensive support.
7. Providing Resources: Affirmative therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness may offer information about LGBTQ+ support groups, community organizations, and resources to assist their clients in their journey of self-discovery and self- acceptance.

Affirmative therapy is essential because the LGBTQ+ community faces unique mental health challenges due to societal stigma, discrimination, and internalized homophobia or transphobia. By providing an affirming and supportive therapeutic environment, clients at Intown Counseling & Wellness can feel more comfortable discussing their experiences and emotions openly, leading to more effective therapeutic outcomes.

Internalized homophobia, also known as internalized LGBTQ+phobia or self-directed homophobia, refers to the internalization of negative attitudes, beliefs, and prejudices against one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity. It occurs when individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or any other sexual orientation or gender identity within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, internalize the societal stigma and discrimination directed towards their group.

Some key points about internalized homophobia include:

1. Origins: Internalized homophobia typically stems from living in a heteronormative and cisnormative society where heterosexual and cisgender identities are often seen as the norm, and anything outside of that is considered deviant or abnormal. LGBTQ+ individuals may internalize these negative societal messages, leading to negative feelings and beliefs about their own identities.
2. Impact: Internalized homophobia can have significant psychological and emotional effects on LGBTQ+ individuals. It may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, self-doubt, and self-hatred regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity. This internalized negativity can also cause distress and internal conflicts.
3. Fear of Rejection: Some LGBTQ+ individuals may fear rejection from family, friends, or society if they fully embrace their identity. This fear can lead them to suppress or deny their true selves, which can further exacerbate internalized homophobia.
4. Discordance with Identity: Internalized homophobia can create a discordance between an individual’s authentic identity and the identity they believe they should conform to based on societal norms. This internal conflict can cause distress and impact self-esteem.
5. Coping Mechanisms: Individuals may develop various coping mechanisms to deal with internalized homophobia, such as distancing themselves from the LGBTQ+ community, engaging in heterosexual or cisgender performances, or avoiding any behaviors or expressions that might be perceived as LGBTQ+-related.
6. Barriers to Seeking Support: Internalized homophobia can also act as a barrier to seeking support, including mental health services, as individuals may fear judgment or further internalize negative messages about their identities.

Benefits of seeking LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy

1. Tailored Support: LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique challenges related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and societal expectations. At Intown Counseling & Wellness, the therapists are well-versed in these experiences and provide tailored support to address the specific concerns and needs of LGBTQ+ clients. This personalized approach fosters a deeper connection and understanding.
2. Safe Space for Expression: The therapy environment at Intown Counseling & Wellness is carefully crafted to be a safe and non-judgmental space. This allows individuals to freely express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding. Feeling heard and validated is essential for healing and personal growth, and the affirmative therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness ensure that clients feel respected and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
3. Mental Health Empowerment: Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and seeking therapy is a powerful act of self-empowerment. By engaging in therapy at Intown Counseling & Wellness, clients take an active step toward prioritizing their mental health and emotional well-being. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to explore and overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop coping strategies for navigating life’s ups and downs.
4. Coping with Minority Stress: LGBTQ+ individuals often experience minority stress, resulting from the prejudice, discrimination, and microaggressions they encounter due to their identity. This stress can impact mental health and lead to conditions like anxiety and depression. Therapy at Intown Counseling & Wellness helps clients understand and cope with minority stress, empowering them to develop healthier ways of responding to societal challenges.
5. Family and Relationship Support: LGBTQ+ individuals may face family rejection or strained relationships due to their identity. The therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness provide support in navigating these complex family dynamics. They also offer guidance on building and maintaining healthy relationships, whether it’s with partners, friends, or chosen family, promoting stronger support networks.
6. Building Resilience and Self-Acceptance: Therapy at Intown Counseling & Wellness focuses on nurturing authenticity and self-acceptance. Affirmative therapists help clients build resilience and develop a positive sense of self-worth, allowing them to embrace their identity with pride and confidence. This self-acceptance forms the foundation for personal growth and achieving greater life satisfaction.
7. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation: With societal challenges and potential political turmoil impacting the LGBTQ+ community, emotional regulation and mindfulness become essential skills. Therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness can introduce techniques like mindfulness and stress reduction to help clients manage difficult emotions and cultivate emotional well-being.
8. Holistically Addressing Intersectionality: The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and intersects with various other identities, such as race, ethnicity, religion, and disability. Therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness recognize and understand the importance of addressing these intersections in therapy. They take an inclusive approach to ensure that all aspects of a client’s identity are acknowledged and validated.

Topics discussed during LGBTQ+ counseling may include:

• Depression
• Anxiety and Stress
• Trauma
• Family Concerns
• “Coming Out” Issues
• Self-Esteem Issues
• Healthy Communication
• Transcending Gender Roles
• Dating and Relationships
• Dealing with Discrimination and Nonacceptance
• Gender and Sexual Identity
• Religion and Spirituality
• Career Development
• Aging

Seeking therapy can be a transformative and empowering step for individuals. Therapy at Intown Counseling & Wellness provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their feelings, experiences, and challenges related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and the unique aspects of their lives. Many individuals find therapy to be a valuable resource in navigating the journey of self-discovery and understanding their authentic selves. Additionally, therapy at Intown Counseling & Wellness can help individuals cope with the discrimination and stigma that unfortunately persist in society, offering strategies to navigate adversity and build resilience. LGBTQ+ individuals may face higher rates of mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression, due in part to societal pressures and discrimination. Therapy can provide valuable tools to manage these challenges and promote emotional well-being.

Beyond addressing specific challenges, therapy provides a space for personal growth, self-reflection, and increased self-awareness. The therapists at Intown Counseling & Wellness seek to empower our clients to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives and pursue their goals and passions confidently. In a LGBTQ+ affirming environment, individuals can freely explore their experiences without fear of judgment, discrimination, or prejudice.

Ready to start therapy?

We admire your courage as you endeavor to take the next step and we look forward to working with you when you’re ready. 

We process appointment inquiries Monday – Friday between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

One of our staff members will do a brief intake with you and match you with one of our therapists. Our staff consists of a diverse team of highly-trained and specialized clinicians, each possessing a wide range of expertise and experience. We strive to schedule you with the best and most appropriate mental health professional, based on the concerns, as well as any preferences you may have. If there is a particular therapist you would like to work with, please mention his or her name when you contact us. Feel free to read our staff bios if you would like a better understanding of the different areas of interest and expertise that our clinical staff offers.