Historically, the LGBTQ+ population is one of the most marginalized populations. Due to homophobia, transphobia, gender-role stereotyping, and lack of acceptance by family and society the LGBTQ+ experience higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and risky impulsive behaviors than individuals not a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community speak about “suffering” through a period of identity confusion. Many struggle with their self-esteem, shame and guilt, abandonment, and social scrutiny.
What Does LGBTQ+ Mean?
LGBTQ+ is shorthand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The “LGB” in this term refers to sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is defined as an often enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions of men to women or women to men (heterosexual), of women to women or men to men (homosexual), or by men or women to both sexes (bisexual).
The “T” in LGBTQ+ stands for transgender or gender non-conforming and is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity or gender expression does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to which they were assigned at birth.
Identity
LGBTQ+ individuals come from all demographics; age, race, ethnicity, religion, and gender. How one identifies will influence their gender expression, gender identity, and orientation. Working with LGBTQ+ individuals, it is vital that the therapist sees the person first, then as a person who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community.
Goal of LGBTQ+ Therapy
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the goal of therapy is not to work through the “Coming out” processor to explore their LGBTQ+ identity. Instead, the focus of treatment might be how the individual is adjusting to career related-stress, spirituality, romantic relationship issues, school performance, parent-child relationships, phases of life, aging, etc.
Therapy at Clarity Clinic offers the best therapeutic practices to LGBTQ+ individuals by providing the highest level of care and embodying quality professional behavior. We have an understanding of the needs, issues, and norms of the LGBTQ+ community. Our therapists are affirming and welcome LGBTQ+ clients.
The path to personal wellness, clarity, and balance is often lined with obstacles. The dedicated mental healthcare professionals at Clarity Clinic – a Chicago psychiatry and therapy service – are here to help you on your journey. We guide individuals toward positive thought and lifestyle changes by helping them recognize, understand, and trust their inner selves.
Clarity Clinic
At Clarity Clinic, we understand the issues that are affecting members of the LGBTQ+ community. From coming out to parents to parenting in a same-sex household – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals can encounter a unique set of experiences and challenges throughout their lives. Clarity Clinic’s team of mental health experts includes experienced in-person and online psychiatrists and therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ counseling and LGBTQ+ issues.
Clarity Clinic provides individualized Chicago LGBTQ+ counseling to members of the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones. View the psychiatry and therapy services available to you at Clarity Clinic and schedule an appointment to start your journey to enhanced self-discovery and wellness.
