Why might you want discuss gender and sexual identity issues in therapy?
Research shows that members of the LGBTQ community experience mental health problems at a higher rate than straight and cisgender people. This distress doesn’t come from any particular identity; it comes from living experiences of discrimination and prejudice faced by members of this community as they learn about themselves. It can be hard to process through one‘s own identity, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to reconcile your sexuality and gender identity with your religious beliefs. But many researchers have found that when LGBTQ people get support and feel connected to supportive communities, they experience less mental distress and maintain healthier relationship with those around them.
Talking to someone helps
Because it can be scary to find someone to talk about your sexual orientation with, it is very important to connect with people who are educated and experienced with working within the LGBTQ+ community. An affirming therapist helps to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can freely explore topics related to gender and sexuality. Regardless of whether you are just beginning to understand yourself or if you already know what you feel comfortable calling yourself, your therapist can help you to better understand how your identity relates to the rest of your life. By exploring these connections, your therapist can also help you to develop coping strategies to deal with any challenges you might encounter along the way.
Discovering yourself
Therapy centering around self-identity can take on many different formats depending on both the client/therapist relationship and the individual. Common themes may include: processing about early life messages, understanding one‘s values as they relate to identity, discussing the impact of intersectional identities, connecting with resources within the local community, and finding ways to connect with queer identity and culture (e.g., coming out). However, your therapist‘s role is to be flexible to where you are in your identity formation and what your needs may require at the time.
