The diverse range of sexual identities under the LGBQ+ umbrella feels ever-evolving in our attempts to better describe our unique experiences as non-heterosexual people. At Out Couch Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, we understand that gender and sexuality are distinct and valuable parts of what make you, you.
If you identify as any of the following…
- Gay, lesbian, or same-gender loving
- Queer
- Pansexual, bisexual, polysexual, or omnisexual
- Asexual or aromantic
- Questioning/exploring
These may be some issues you have experiences or are currently experiencing:
- Internalized oppression learned from your family of origin, communities, or dominant culture
- Complicated feelings about “passing” as heterosexual
- Fear of personal safety, discrimination, or persecution based on your sexuality
- External or even internal pressure to go back “in the closet”
- Sexual identity erasure based on your gender presentation, religion, or ethnicity
- Fears about exploring or inhabiting a non-heterosexual identity
- Hiding your sexual identity
- Political stress
Therapy with a provider who is trained in serving clients with diverse sexual identities can help you address these issues, or any other life stressors you may currently be facing. Be that through individual work, couples or relationship therapy, or group therapy.
Amidst a world that can feel inherently unsafe, affirmative therapy can give you:
- A safe place to explore your sexuality where everything you share is kept confidential
- A provider who can mirror your lived experience
- Inner strength and self-worth around your sexual identity
- Internal resources to help you find more joy, light, and connection in dark times
- Ways to process anger around privilege and shame around identity to find more authenticity and live a life full of integrity
If you’ve been feeling alone, scared, or angry, it may be time to ask for help. Affirmative therapy cannot fix the world around you, but it can support you in creating the world you want to inhabit. Therapy with an LGBQ+ provider can help you make informed and empowered choices for yourself and your loved ones.
