Sexual Diversity: LGBTQ+ Counseling and Therapy

Updated/Revised Date: 19th Sep 2022
Author: Sexual Diversity | Contact: SexualDiversity.org
Additional References: LGBT Counseling - Therapy Publications

Synopsis: Information regarding gender and sexual diversity therapy revolving around sexual orientation and difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Definition

LGBTQ+ Counseling (Therapy)

Therapy, or counseling, is a process in which a nonjudgmental, caring, and trained therapist helps a person resolve problems or complete life tasks. While specific methods may vary, most counselors believe that helping someone involves facilitating self-exploration, self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-esteem. Helping a gay or lesbian individual value and esteem their sexual orientation fits into this philosophy. Counseling may assist you with:

• Deciding what to do.
• Identifying and clarifying issues.
• Developing and enhancing relationship skills.
• Identifying, clarifying, and expressing feelings.

Main Section

Sexual diversity counseling strives to be affirming and supportive for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex (LGBTQQI), and others who identify along the spectrum of gender and sexual diversities. We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and understood, and we choose to celebrate the many ways in which we can understand and express ourselves. We recognize that the difficulties faced by LGBTQQI people can be painful and isolating.

Gender and sexual diversity therapy supports clients who are experiencing distress in life or relationships and identify within this spectrum - or clients whose problems may revolve around gender, sexual orientation, or sexual diversity, and regards these identities as equal in every respect to heterosexuality or monogamy.

Counselors are as diverse as their clients, meaning the counselor's values may not always align with the client's values. Some may think counselors with conservative beliefs against same-sex orientation should not provide counseling to that population. Others may think those same counselors should be obligated to affirm same-sex orientation. Then there are some counselors who, because they can't affirm same-sex orientation, feel they should not provide counseling services to sexual minorities.

Guidelines for Sexual Diversity Counselors

• Do not attempt to have clients renounce or change their sexual orientation. Your role as a counselor is not to change the orientation of the client but rather to provide strategies for treatment that are appropriate for meeting the client's goals. Although you may not accept the sexual orientation of the client, you can accept the gay or lesbian client as a human being who deserves your professionalism.
• Recognize that some problems may be completely unrelated to sexual orientation. Before assuming an inability to assist LGBT clients, first determine the problem. You may find that you are more than capable of providing effective counseling services to your LGBT client.
• Realize that LGBT clients may themselves have strong religious faith but encounter exclusion. You may find comfort in knowing that your LGBT client strongly believes in God. Although you may not interpret the Bible in the same way, you can both rest in the idea that God is in control of the client's problems.
• Understand that the client's problem can result from discrimination or society's view of homosexuality. It would help if you examined your feelings regarding social justice toward all people and how you would advocate for individuals in other situations.
• Examine your views about heterosexuality (and homosexuality) and assume you may have family, friends, or co-workers who are sexual minorities. Clients should be treated with respect and genuine concern regardless of sexual orientation. Treat clients the way you would want another counselor to treat your own loved ones.

*Adapted from ct.counseling.org

If you are going through issues, you don't have to do it alone. You can reach out to supportive people and LGBT-friendly organizations. You may also find that counseling can be a positive tool in facing issues related to your LGBT identity by helping you develop new understanding, self-acceptance, and problem-solving skills.

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Latest LGBT Counseling - Therapy Publications
The above information is from our reference library of material relating to LGBT Counseling - Therapy that includes:
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	Talk Therapy Reduces Suicide Risk Repeat suicide attempts and deaths by suicide roughly 25% lower among people who underwent psychosocial counseling after suicide attempt. Publish Date: 23rd Nov 2014
	Seeking Help from Religious Counselors Associated with Increased Suicide Risk Among LGBT Black LGBs much more than White or Latino LGBs sought treatment in religious or spiritual settings prior to a suicide attempt. Publish Date: 16th Nov 2014
	Help for Sexual Issues and Relationships in Texas Vantage Point Counseling Services provides individual, group, and couples therapy to people struggling with chemical dependency and sexual addictions, as well as LGBT specific issues. Publish Date: 21st Oct 2014 - Updated: 12th Feb 2015