LGBTQIA+ Counselling

Growing up as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community comes with its own challenges because of the hetero-, mono-, and cis-normative world we live in. Assumptions around who we 'should' be dating and who we 'should' be tend to be made early on (at home, at school, in the wider world) which over time shape what we think of as 'acceptable'. 

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When these norms are not thought about or resisted, they can impact people in less visible ways because they get internalised during key developmental periods. This impacts mental health in ways that are unique the LGBTQIA+ community, some of which include:

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• self-hatred

• hatred of femininity (particularly for gay men)

• internalised homophobia

• breakdowns in the child-parent relationship (due to rejection of sexuality/gender diversity)

• difficulty connecting with LGBTQIA+ people 

• trouble 'coming out' (this can be amplified by cultural or religious norms)

• chemsex (used as a way of connecting, but can be harmful when not navigated in a safe way)

• sex work

• trouble sustaining romantic relationships (assuming this is wanted in the first place)

• suicidal ideation

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While the therapy itself is no different for the LGBTQIA+ community compared to other groups, it can helpful for the therapist to have an understanding of some of the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community because it shapes the overall clinical picture.

 

I have specialist training in Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity Therapy meaning my approach is attentive to the specific experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have particular expertise with internalised homophobia in gay men.