Therapy for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Our therapists are here to play a supportive role in helping you explore and navigate issues related to your sexual orientation, gender identity, and conceptualization and expression of these identities. Whether a client is seeking to explore and understand their experience of gender dysphoria, or possesses curiosity around their sexuality, our therapists can facilitate self-discovery through:
Providing a Safe and Affirming Space: Our therapists create a safe and accepting environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and concerns related to their sexual orientation and gender identity without fear of discrimination or judgment.
Intersectionality: The intersection of marginalized identities can compound an individuals’ experience within each of those realms, and our therapists seek to help clients express and explore the impact this may have on their lives. Race, ethnicity, socio-economic status and myriad other facets of identity can influence the way in which someone experiences their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Coping with Stigma and Discrimination: Many queer individuals face discrimination, prejudice, and stigma. We can help clients develop coping strategies to deal with these challenges and develop resilience, aiding in their ability to live fully and authentically to them. This, at times, can include supporting clients in navigating dynamics with unsupportive or unaccepting family members, partners, or friends. In addition to the presence of external stigma and discrimination, queer individuals (whether they are “out and proud,” have not disclosed this part of their identity, or land anywhere in the middle) can experience internalized homophobia - another topic of which our therapists can support the exploration and understanding.
Coming Out Support: For those who have not yet come out to friends and family, our therapists can assist in the process by providing guidance and emotional support. It’s important to note that “coming out” isn’t the goal for every individual who has curiosity or even certainty around their sexual orientation and gender identity, so our therapists remain sensitive and attentive to the desires and goals of each individual client.
Gender-Affirming Care: For transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, therapists can assist with accessing gender-affirming healthcare, including hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries, and provide support throughout the transition process.
Families of Queer Individuals: Our therapists can help family members and loved ones of queer individuals to navigate their experiences, as well, and offer a non-judgmental environment for them to express their feelings and receive education around sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Advocacy and Empowerment: Therapists can empower clients to advocate for their rights and well-being, both within their personal lives and in the broader community. This might involve helping clients connect with LGBTQ+ support groups or resources, or navigating inhospitable work environments, etc.
Our therapists at Intuitive Healing possess an affirmative approach to our work with queer individuals and experiences related to sexual orientation and gender identity. While some of our clinicians explicitly state their desire to work with queer folks, or present their own queer identity, all of the members of our staff offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore these identities with clients. Additionally, clients should feel comfortable asking prospective therapists about their experience and approach to LGBTQ+ issues during the initial consultation to ensure a good fit.