LGBTQIA2S+
Respecting your individuality with affirming care.
If you need affirming support surrounding your experience as someone who is questioning their sexuality, gender expression or identity within the LGBTQIA2S+ community and are interested in connecting with a therapist, Health Allies Counseling can help.
We welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA2S+) folks who want support. We’re committed to and value diversity for our practitioners, families and communities.
How will therapy help me?
1
Our affirming providers can help
-
Reducing anxiety and depression related to stigma, discrimination, and minority stress.
-
Supporting resilience, coping skills, and emotional steadiness while navigating the world as a queer, trans, or non-binary person.
-
Improving relationships
with partners, family, and friends by improving communication, setting boundaries, and navigating conflict with clarity and confidence. -
Exploring gender identity
in a safe, affirming space to increase self-understanding and move toward greater authenticity and self-acceptance. -
Coping with discrimination and stress through processing experiences and buildnng supportive coping strategies
-
Support around coming out. Process emotions, explore options, and prepare for conversations with family, friends, and coworkers.
-
Addressing substance use
including exploring underlying factors, supporting healthier coping, and integrating recovery or harm-reduction approaches. -
Finding connection and belonging, locate affirming spaces, and foster a sense of belonging.
2
Issues we can support you on
-
The impacts of stigma (prejudice, discrimination and violence) including in the workplace, within bio/chosen family relationships, and within self.
-
Negative or harmful previous experiences with therapists who were not LGBTQIA+ affirming and/ or actively caused harm
-
Differentiating sexual orientation from gender identity
-
Challenging relationship dynamics experienced within LGBTQIA+ couples
-
Family of origin conflicts, ongoing concerns and traumas
-
Incongruent values, norms and beliefs within lesbian, gay and bisexual members of racial and ethnic minority groups
-
Those who have experienced and continue to be affected by religious trauma
-
Folks who are affected by and harmed by diet culture
3
Types of therapy that may be helpful
1. Gender identity therapy
This type of therapy can help folks explore and affirm their gender identity. It can be especially helpful for transgender and nonbinary folks who may be questioning their gender identity or considering medical interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery. An LGBTQIA2S+ counselor may use a variety of techniques, such as talk therapy, mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help the person gain clarity about their gender identity and develop coping skills to navigate any challenges that may arise.
2. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT helps a person identify and replace negative thought patterns and behaviors. This can be especially helpful for someone struggling with depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.
​
3. Mindfulness- based therapy
This is a type of therapy that focuses on being present in the moment and cultivating a non-judgmental attitude toward thoughts and feelings. This can be especially helpful for individuals who are struggling with stress and anxiety.​
​
Health Allies believes in providing affirming care, and we have several therapists on staff who identify
as LGBTQIA2S+ who are here to support you on your healing journey.
​
Does this sound like you?
Find a therapist
that can help you with these concerns now