Do you identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community? Do you live outside of the heteronormative-cisgender box? Have you been to supposed “LGBTQ-friendly” counselors who had no idea what you were talking about? Maybe you’re seeking transition and need a letter for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), or perhaps you’re looking for a safe space to process your feelings and assess your goals. If you can relate to any of the above, then you’ve come to the right place.
What is LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy?
This therapeutic approach involves affirming individuals for who they are and helping them live authentically. With this approach, therapists acknowledge the negative experiences that LGBTQIA+ individuals too often have in our heteronormative society. Through affirmative therapy, we can help you process experiences like stigma, rejection, ostracization, and minority stress. Minority stress refers to the disproportionate stress experienced by minority individuals due to societal stigmas. Living in a constant state of stress, fear, and inauthenticity can negatively impact our mental and physical well-being. After hearing negative messages about LGBTQIA+ people in childhood and throughout life these messages can become ingrained in the way we view ourselves and the world around us. Working with an affirming therapist can help with addressing unhelpful thinking patterns derived from others’ hurtful actions while strengthening self-confidence and self-love.
Relationships
One of the areas LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists often focus on is our interpersonal relationships. Some individuals may want to process painful relationships and heal from the rejections they’ve experienced. Others may want to establish healthy boundaries and assertive communication skills. Affirming therapists understand many beautiful relationships exist outside the heteronormative box including gay, lesbian, queer, polyamorous, and non-monogamous relationships. Whether working through romance, friendships, familial relationships, or even coworker relationships, we are here to help you identify and strengthen connections with those who encourage you. Our goal is to assist you in establishing a healthy support network.
Customized Plan
As LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists we understand your identity and orientation are important aspects of who you are. We also understand that there is so much more to you! With LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy we can focus on your individual needs including areas like anxiety, depression, or living with ADHD. Working with an affirming therapist means even when you are focusing on another component of mental health you can feel safe being exactly who you are. Therapists support individuals through difficult experiences like trauma and grief as well as beautiful life transitions including marriage and starting a family. Affirming therapists help people with these same experiences while understanding the added impact living in a heteronormative society can have on all areas of life.
No judgments. No biases. Just a strong support system with open ears. The last thing you should have to worry about is having to censor your words around your therapist.
As LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists, we are committed to helping clients of all genders, sexual identities, and expressions feel not only safe but truly respected. If you or someone you know is seeking help from an LGBTQIA+ therapist, contact us today. We would be happy to speak with you about how we can help.
Ready to Talk to an LGBTQIA+ Therapist in Florida?
If you are still feeling unsure, our Florida LGBTQIA+ therapists are available to clarify any questions or concerns you may have. You don’t need to go through this alone. Follow these steps to get support now.
- Contact us for a free consultation with an LGBTQIA+ therapist.
- Schedule your first appointment at our Winter Park or Jacksonville, FL-based therapy practice or online throughout the state of Florida.
- Gain an understanding and create a plan to break free from your concerns.
Other Counseling Services Offered at The Mindful Practice in Florida
Our Florida therapists offer depression treatment and anxiety treatment. As well as, trauma therapy, social anxiety disorder treatment, and life transition counseling. Post-bariatric counseling and counseling for teens are other types of therapy we offer. At our therapy practices in Winter Park and Jacksonville, FL, we use techniques such as EMDR therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and more to help you heal! Get started with in-person or online therapy in Florida today. Reach out now to see how we can help you.