What does it mean to be an LGBTQ affirming therapist? What does it take to make a therapist’s space a safe place for a queer client? Being an affirmative therapist is more than a title; it’s a commitment to understanding and addressing the specific issues and experiences within the LGBTQ community. Indeed, it requires awareness, the right knowledge, and skills for an inclusive therapist to help foster self-acceptance, resilience, and positive mental health in their LGBTQ clients.
Understanding the Struggles of LGBTQ+ Community
The first step to becoming an LGBTQ affirming therapist is understanding the unique challenges that LGBTQ individuals face. In fact, living in the world as an LGBTQ+ individuals is not always easy; oftentimes, they face hurdles that their heterosexual and cisgender peers may not encounter.
External Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Community
All too common in their lives are discrimination, prejudice, and lack of acceptance. It’s not uncommon for them to experience rejection and misunderstanding from their families, friends, communities, and other part of their social support systems. Moreover, LGBTQ+ individuals have to worry about violence and hate crimes if they ever chose to be themselves openly or if they were caught doing so by the wrong crowd.
If people didn’t live in fear, they lived in silence. Gay people had to live in silence, hiding who they truly were: they would describe it as being “in the closet,” “living a double life,” or “wearing a mask and taking it off.” Unfortunately, living a “silent” life wasn’t enough to keep people safe from discrimination. As Audre Lorde, a famous writer and activist, once said, “My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you.”
Internal Struggles of LGBTQ+ Individuals
Sometimes, LGBTQ individuals face internal struggles as well, like grappling with their own identity or deciding when and how to come out to their loved ones. They might also deal with specific mental health issues that are more prevalent in the LGBTQ community due to these unique stressors.
Specifically, the 2023 Trevor Project reported that 41% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. In addition, a large majority of LGBTQ young people reported recent symptoms of anxiety (67%) and depression (54%).
People in the queer community may face factors like minority stress. That is, the ongoing stress experienced by people from marginalized or minority groups due to their social, cultural, or identity-based attributes. Furthermore, people of color combined with LGBTQ+ identities may also lead to extra layers of challenges, including racism, cultural expectations, and language barriers. For example, as stated in this article, research suggested that 21% of LGBTQ+ AAPI adults are diagnosed with depression – this is much higher than non-LGBTQ+ AAPI (7%).
How to Become a Competent LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist
Being an inclusive therapist means being aware of the challenges the LGBTQ+ clients face. It’s about recognizing that these experiences can affect mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Once you understand these issues, you can better tailor your therapy techniques to address them effectively.
First, Educate Yourself
The first step in becoming a more intersectional therapist for LGBTQ+ clients is to educate yourself. Take the time to educate yourself. Learn about LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and the unique challenges faced by different LGBTQ+ communities. Meanwhile, listen to LGBTQ+ voices in the news and in your own life. Stay updated on current research, literature, evolving terminology, and resources related to LGBTQ+ mental health. Constantly improve your cultural competence. This knowledge will help you better understand and empathize with your clients’ experiences. More specifically,
Understanding LGBTQ experiences, staying up-to-date with evolving terminology, and constantly improving your cultural competence can transform you into a highly effective LGBTQ affirming therapist.
Importance of Continued Education about LGBTQ Issues
The LGBTQ community is as diverse as a rainbow, with an array of identities, experiences, and challenges. Gaining a deeper understanding of this diversity can help you connect more authentically with your clients, validate their experiences, and provide the support they need.
It is essential to familiarize yourself with some unique concepts in the LGBTQ+ community. This way, you can better empathize with your clients and offer tailored interventions. For instance, transgender individuals often face unique stressors known as ‘minority stress’? Similarly, bisexual individuals can experience ‘bisexual erasure’ or ‘biphobia’.
Where to Find Resources
There are numerous resources available, from online courses to books and seminars. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers numerous resources on LGBTQ mental health. Websites like The Trevor Project or GLAAD also provide a wealth of information, while books like “The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook” offer practical guidance.
In addition to these resources, it’s crucial to stay updated with the language used within the LGBTQ+ community. Language evolves, and the terms we use can greatly impact how people feel seen and understood. Always respect the labels and pronouns your clients choose to identify with. And when in doubt, ask.
Remember, becoming an LGBTQ affirming therapist is not a one-time act, but a lifelong journey of learning and growing. As you deepen your understanding, you’ll be better equipped to offer the respect, empathy, and support your LGBTQ clients need. So, stay curious and keep learning, because every bit of knowledge brings you one step closer to being the best ally you can be!
Second, Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment for LGBTQ clients
Recognize and Address Bias
To ensure a safe and inclusive environment for therapy, it’s important to acknowledge and address any biases or assumptions you may have. This may be about gender, sexuality, and other intersecting identities. Take the time to reflect on these potential prejudices. Strive to create a space where clients can openly express their experiences and concerns without fear of judgment or invalidation.
As an LGBTQ affirming therapist, creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial. But what does that look like? How can you transform your practice into a welcoming haven for your LGBTQ clients? Let’s explore some practical tips.
Affirm and Respect LGBTQ+ Clients
Respect and acknowledge the gender identity, sexual orientation, and other LGBTQ+ aspects of your clients. Use language and terminology that aligns with their self-identified labels and is inclusive. Address any concerns or issues they may face related to their identities while also respecting their preferred pronouns.
If you see clients in person, think about your physical space. Is your waiting room welcoming? Consider incorporating LGBTQ-inclusive art, literature, or posters into your decor. Besides, displaying an LGBTQ pride flag or a sign with inclusive language can help clients feel seen and accepted.
Next, take a look at your intake forms. Are there options for different gender identities and preferred pronouns? Do they ask about sexual orientation in a respectful way? Updating these forms can show that you respect and affirm your clients’ identities before you start the sessions.
Be Humble and Learn from your LGBTQ+ Clients
However, creating a safe environment doesn’t end there. Respect must be woven into every interaction. Indeed, you need to be humble enough to learn learn from your LGBTQ+ clients.
Moreover, understanding the diversity within the LGBTQ community is key. Recognize and respect that every individual’s experience with their identity is unique and personal. Everyone’s journey with their gender identity or sexual orientation is their own, and it’s important to honor that in your practice.
Truth be told, LGBTQ+ individuals often see it a lifeline to find a therapist who truly understands and accepts them. As an LGBTQ affirming therapist, you have the power to create that safe, welcoming space they need. Your efforts can make a world of difference!
Third, Tailor Treatment Approaches
Becoming an LGBTQ affirming therapist isn’t just about understanding and empathy; it also involves using specific therapeutic approaches to best support your LGBTQ+ clients.
More specifically, person-centered therapy could help to focus on the clients’ strengths. It’s about understanding and accepting them as they are, with no judgment. As an LGBTQ affirming therapist, using person-centered therapy means creating an environment where your clients feel valued and understood for who they truly are.
Besides, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective tool. CBT helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. For LGBTQ+ individuals dealing with internalized negativity or anxiety, this approach can help them recognize harmful thought patterns and develop healthier ways to cope.
Fourth. Advocate as an LGBTQ Affirmating Therapist
As a therapist, it’s important to support your LGBTQ+ clients beyond the therapy room. You can assist them in finding helpful resources and support systems. This can be LGBTQ+ community centers, support groups, healthcare providers, and legal services, if necessary. It’s also beneficial to stay up-to-date on LGBTQ+-friendly organizations and professionals who can provide further specialized support.
Providing Support During Crucial Moments
A. How to support clients during coming out or transitioning. This is the time that most of our queer clients struggle the most. Typically, they may have gone through their own process of questioning, self-doubt, fears, research, and confirming. Besides, lack of social support could also keep them isolated. Supporting them to learn how to come out to their family and friends becomes super important. Helping clients in the trans community to seek help from physicians and agencies may be essential as well. An affirmative therapist should encourage open and honest communication, and seek their input and feedback regarding their treatment goals, preferences, and needs. Collaborate together to develop strategies and coping mechanisms that address their unique challenges.
B. Discussing relationships, dating, and sexuality within the LGBTQ community. An affirmative therapist should encourage open and honest communication, and seek their input and feedback regarding their treatment goals, preferences, and needs. Collaborate together to develop strategies and coping mechanisms that address their unique challenges.
Dr. June and the therapists on her team provide pride counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. If you struggle with harassment, hatred, related stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenge we are here to provide LGBTQIA-friendly therapy! Call us free for 15 minutes to discuss your concerns and seek pride counseling.
Content Creator, Victoria Gallo; Reviewed by Dr. Cao