Finding a Therapist That Affirms Your LGBTQIA+ Identity
Finding a therapist that is a good fit can be challenging. It can be even more challenging when you worry that you will be told that you are wrong in some way or need to change. For those who are hoping to explore/identify their sexuality or gender, there can be fear that a therapist will tell them that they are broken in some way, that they are confused, or that they need to pick an identity.
None of these messages are true.
How to Find an Affirming Therapist- Where to Begin
As therapists, our goal is to help you as a client reach your own sense of wellness and understanding of yourself, whatever form that may take. That being said, it can be difficult to know where to start when you want a safe place to explore these nuanced identities in the context of therapy. Here are some tips and questions that may help you find the right therapist as you venture on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Determine if it is important to you to have a therapist that in some way shares your identity/is part of the queer community.
For some people it is important to have a sense of shared experience with their therapist. While this isn’t a 100% guarantee that they will be a perfect fit, it may create some initial comfort and shared understanding for further exploration.
Identify therapists that specialize in/are supportive of LGBTQIA+ therapy.
One of the great benefits of utilizing online sites such as Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and your regular search engine to find a therapist is the ability to filter your search results. If you have determined that it is important to you to find a person that specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, you can find them!
Consider having a consultation call with your prospective therapist.
Many therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation call for potential clients. While you may have your own questions to ask, some helpful questions are as follows:
What is your history of work with LGBTQIA+ clients?
How do you go about helping clients navigate questions surrounding their gender/sexual identities?
Is your practice an LGBTQIA+ safe place?
While this is not an exhaustive list, asking these questions may help you feel more at ease with your therapist and provide an understanding of what it may be like to broach these subjects in an affirming and safe space.
Shared Experiences can Create Safety for those in the LGBTQIA+ experiences
In my work with LGBTQIA+ clients I have found that having a shared language and understanding of the nuance involved in working through specific struggles has allowed clients to explore deeper topics than they might have if they felt the need to explain or educate me. As an affirming therapist I prioritize acceptance and endeavor to create a safe space for questions and curiosity as clients navigate their own understanding of themselves.
When It’s Not the Right Fit
Remember: You deserve to be heard, seen, and safe in your therapy sessions. While challenging ideas and difficult conversations may come up, ultimately you should never feel that your therapist is pushing you to change who you are, or to conform to preconceived ideas of who a person of a certain identity should be.
You are the expert of your own experience, and you deserve quality and affirming care! Partnering with an affirming therapist can empower you to achieve your purpose within a safe and nonjudgmental space.
Reach out today to work with me or other Affirming Therapists at Hope Rebuilt today.
-Jael Harper, MC, LAC
LICENSED ASSOCIATE COUNSELOR
Hope Rebuilt, LLC
