I'd like to share the definitions I operate from when working with LGBT clients and issues.
Why seek a therapist with awareness of/expertise in LBGT culture and issues?
LGBT culturally competent therapists get that you are more
than your sexual orientation/gender identity. Certainly not everyone
LGBT is seeking therapy for issues related to their sexual orientation
and/or gender identity! At the same time, it is crucial for the
therapist to "get" the many ways societal prejudice
and discrimination create problems that LGBT clients
may seek to address in therapy.
As a trauma therapist I understand the individual within the context of
multiple levels of oppression (and privilege). Many institutions and
individuals within our culture continue to hold anti-LGBT biases such
that growing up LGBT often is a stigmatized and traumatic experience. If
you have felt stigmatized because of your sexual orientation or gender
identity, the last thing you want is to have to spend
valuable time educating a therapist about your orientation or identity,
or talking about your sexuality/gender because your therapist considers
it to be a "problem." You have a right to a therapist that is affirming
and educated about the LGBT communities.
What are some issues LGBT clients might want to address in therapy?
1. Coming out issues: Coming out refers to the process of recognizing
your own sexual orientation or gender identity and deciding whom to
share it with and how to do that. Coming out is a life long process for
most LGBT people. Do you need a safe place to explore your sexual
orientation? Are you struggling with internalized shame or fear about
what it means to be LGBT? You may be comfortable with your identity but fear
rejection by important people or discrimination on the job. Parents
of LGBT children might seek therapy to understand how to support their
child in this process. You may also be wondering what it means about
your identity if your choice of partner changes, or your partner
transitions form one sex/gender to another.
2.
Relationship
issues: Stigma impacts our ability to have healthy relationships and
sexuality. Are you
struggling with your ability to form and maintain healthy relationships? Are you
wondering if your sexual behavior is compulsive? Too much? Too little?
Are you questioning whether monogamy works for you and thinking about
exploring other options? Do you identify as polyamorous and fear this being
pathologized? Are you kink identified? Are you wanting to discuss the
differences between bdsm and abuse? If you are bisexual, are you tired
of explaining that this does not always equal nonmonogamous?
3.
LGBT-related trauma: LGBT clients experience all
the same traumatic events as heterosexual individuals. In addition, they may
also experience traumas related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. You may have
experienced bullying as a child or teen related to your presumed sexual orientation or
gender expression. You may have experienced physical or sexual assault
(gay bashing). You may experience same-sex domestic violence, which carries with it
additional stigma and barriers to treatment. You may have expereinced prior therapy
that focused on trying to "cure" your sex orientation or gender variance or defined it as
pathology. You may have been traumatized by cultural institutions that
still stigmatize LGBT individuals and identities. Where you rejected by your faith
community? Discharged from the military? Shunned by friends or family? Fired from a job? If you are bisexual, are you dealing with
misconceptions from straight and queer culture alike? All of these are
traumatic events that may be
addressed in therapy. 4.
Accessing community support: We often here talk about the LGBT community, as if
there is only one! In reality there are many sub-communities and finding
your niche can be difficult. Therapists with awareness of the communities
locally and at large can help guide you in seeking support and a place
where you fit. LGBT affirming churches, support groups, recreational
activities are all out there if you know where to look.