Why is LGBTQI+ Affirming Therapy Important?

The LGBTQ+ Community
​
While the LGBTQ community is still relatively small, as less than 5% of adults in the US identify as LGBTQ, that number cannot be considered definitive. It’s important to consider that twice as many millennials identify as part of the community as gen X’ers. Society’s continued growth in acceptance, the spread of education, and media representation no doubt help people define themselves in ways that older generations couldn’t. As the population grows, however, it becomes more important than ever to address mental health concerns around being a member of the community.

Unfortunately, LGB adults are twice as likely to develop conditions such as anxiety and depression; trans adults are four times as likely as cisgender people with 40% attempting suicide at some point in their life. While being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is in no way a mental condition, many people still consider it one. Almost half of adults have faced rejection from family members due to their identity and feel like they face employment discrimination. Over 80% of LGBTQ youth have reported harassment or assault at school. The stress and trauma from such societal pressures can have a dramatic impact on their mental health. On an internal level, sexuality and gender identity are complex and many people can struggle to define themselves. These issues can be compounded when they feel unsafe exploring their identities and talking about it.


Sexuality and Gender Affirming Therapy

The Trevor Project notes: 
LGBTQ youth who had access to spaces that affirmed their sexual orientation and gender identity reported lower rates of attempting suicide.

Our team is made up of both members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. We want to provide that affirming environment and allow our clients the space to talk about and explore themselves free of judgment. We acknowledge the trauma that can come from a heteronormative world and how it affects mental health. We support our trans clients through their transition and will write the letters needed for each step of their gender affirmation journey. Our client centered approach allows them to define themselves and we can provide them a safe community to do so.



Resources Used:
“How LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Benefits LGBTQ+ People.” Included Health, 30 Mar. 2022, https://includedhealth.com/blog/lgbtq/how-lgbtq-affirming-therapy-benefits-lgbtq-people/. 
“LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health.” Mental Health America, https://www.mhanational.org/issues/lgbtq-communities-and-mental-health. 
“LGBTQI.” NAMI, https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI. 
Cherry, Kendra. “How Client-Centered Therapy Works.” Verywell Mind, 13 July 2021, https://www.verywellmind.com/client-centered-therapy-2795999. ​​