3 Reasons LGBTQ People Need Therapy

Societal attitudes toward LGBTQ folks are gradually changing. That said, members of the LGBTQ community still face discrimination every day. They are criticized and shamed for their sexual preferences and self-expression.

Therapy can help people improve their self-esteem, cultivate self-awareness, and establish strength & confidence in knowing who they are. It equips LGBTQ folks with the skills they need to understand their thought patterns better.

Here are some common reasons members of the LGBTQ community seek out therapy.

They Came Out Years Ago But Their Family Members Still Call It a Phase

Oftentimes, family members of LGBTQ folks refuse to accept their loved ones’ sexuality even after they come out. They fail to realize that their negative attitude and fault-finding perspective can hurt their loved ones. Failure to accept a person’s sexual orientation can lead to emotional and mental damage.

Their Parents Still Introduce Their Partner as Their ‘Friend’

Introducing the partner of a son or daughter as their friend to a family member or family friend is a form of microaggression. Frequent microaggressions can make it highly challenging for LGBTQ persons to maintain a positive relationship with their partner or the family member directing subtle but harmful actions at them. LGBT therapists in NYC can help people who bear the brunt of microaggression daily deal with it and respond more productively, so that they can live their best life.

They Are Frustrated With Their Friends Who Try to Set Them Up With Their Gay Friends

It is not uncommon for heterosexual people to try to set their lesbian/gay friend with another homosexual person in their circle. While their intentions may be good, straight people need to understand that just because two of their friends are members of the LGBTQ community does not necessarily mean they will enjoy each other’s company. Friends and family members of LGBTQ folks need to realize that continuous attempts to set their loved one with another person can frustrate them. Many LGBTQ folks tired of turning up to dates set up by their friends and meeting people with nothing in common seek therapy to learn ways to cope with frustration.

Reasons LGBTQ Folks Should See an LGBTQ-Affirming Therapist

An LGBTQ-affirming therapist deeply understands the issues that LGBTQ folks face. They are knowledgeable about PrEP, hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgery, and health issues relevant to the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ therapists do not judge LGBTQ folks based on their sexual preferences and help them work through their unique challenges.

Cooper Mental Health Counseling is a renowned counseling center serving New York. Our therapists have years of experience helping people with mental disorders rebuild their lives. To make your first appointment, call (347) 244-7873.