Has Your Sexual Identity Created Issues of Rejection and Discrimination?

Do you feel like you are constantly fighting an internal battle between self-doubt and self-acceptance? Were you raised in a religious household, and, because of this, your sexual orientation makes you feel guilty in some way? Do you have the urge to keep certain parts of yourself hidden from the rest of the world?

Maybe you believe that you have to resist the emergence of your sexual or gender identity, which forces you to back into fulfilling a heteronormative or cisgender role. You may even question your identity and ultimately your choice of partners because of your upbringing. As a result, perhaps you are abusing substances, demonstrating hyper-sexual behavior, or engaging in other risky behaviors in an attempt to avoid true emotional intimacy.

The LGBTQ Community Experiences Multiple Challenges

You may struggle in romantic relationships caused by confusion and shame about your sexuality due to religious, cultural, or family beliefs. Maybe you walk around with the constant fear of being attacked or harassed simply for being yourself. Perhaps you feel like no one supports you because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.

The truth is that you deserve to experience life and move through this world without fear. Fortunately, LGBTQ therapy with Pinkerton Psychotherapy can empower you with an enduring sense of safety, acceptance, and internal peace that follows you wherever you go. In seeking LGBTQ counseling, you’ve begun your journey toward a happier life.

All Of Us Have Our Own Unique Space Within The Sexuality Spectrum

Regardless of who we are and where we come from, we all fall somewhere differently on the sexuality spectrum. The truth is that some people are more open to disclosing where they are on the spectrum than others.

While many find the existence of labels helpful and supportive of the community, others might see it as something crafted by a society that makes fitting into a specific category challenging.

Society Does Not Guarantee People The Freedom To Be Themselves

There are, unfortunately, several religious and cultural beliefs that reject the idea of non-heterosexuality. These beliefs are often instilled into societies and cultures; ours is no exception. When who you are or a piece of your identity conflicts with those beliefs, it can cause turmoil or cognitive dissonance, which may become difficult to handle on your own.

The absence of familial support, institutionalized discrimination, and society’s general lack of education surrounding LGBTQ issues are but a few of the common yet significant difficulties facing this community.

Many people have never been permitted to be themselves, so they end up hiding who they are and conforming to a life that isn’t their own. All of these social forces can make it challenging for them to feel safe enough to explore their sexual and gender identities. They can even act as a deterrent from seeking help.

It is important for people to feel safe, and many do not because of fear of being harmed, bullied, or harassed, especially if their immediate support network is not accepting of how they identify.

At Pinkerton Psychotherapy, we recognize the isolation and distress you are facing and want to help you feel safe to live your life the way you wish. LGBTQ counseling offers you a chance to discover emotional integration and sexual empowerment by showing you how to truly embrace your authentic self.

LGBTQ Counseling Allows You To Accept And Embrace Your Authentic Self

It can be extremely difficult to be vulnerable and open up about issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation. However, we will do our best to support your journey toward healing and assure you that you are in a safe and supportive environment.

What to Expect During LGBTQ Therapy Sessions

Our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your skin and own your truth by implementing a balanced approach to LGBTQ counseling. We use both problem-oriented and solution-oriented techniques which are tailored to your particular needs.

This means that in some sessions we will focus on exploring your medical, mental, and family background, looking for the origins of your distress. Other times, we can dedicate time to coping with or overcoming challenges in the present.

During sessions, it’s common to experience discomfort, anxiety, or confusion with the therapeutic process; however, you may also experience freedom, self-acceptance, emotional integration, sexual empowerment, enhanced self-esteem, and increased insight.

Our LGBTQ counselors at Pinkerton Psychotherapy are devoted to the therapeutic relationship, which means we want you to feel supported and valued above all else. Whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity may be, you deserve to feel safe, comfortable, and content with who you are.

Some Of The Treatment Methods We Use In LGBTQ Therapy Sessions

At the core of our therapeutic philosophy, we are person-centered, which means we take on a non-judgemental and empathetic view of clients.

Additionally, we incorporate elements of psychodynamic theory, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into our approach to healing.

Many of our clients have excellent self-awareness, which is particularly helpful when implementing insight-oriented/psychodynamic therapy. This type of intervention helps the client understand how their early relationships and attachment style affects their current relationship dynamics.

However, some clients may need more immediate relief, which would require skills often found in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

CBT helps address negative thoughts and feelings that are caused by psychological and emotional difficulties, such as handling the trauma of being rejected by your family after coming out. DBT, on the other hand, can help cultivate self-acceptance and regulate emotions, helping clients build on their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-worth.

When we have been taught rigid thinking, especially about certain topics like sexuality and gender, it can feel impossible to think about our circumstances differently. However, there are ways to think about ourselves and our situation that reconcile our inner conflict.

Though it may not seem like it, you will not always feel like this. With the expertise and counsel of our LGBTQ therapists at Pinkerton Psychotherapy, feeling safe, and accepted again is possible. You can learn to feel accepted and enjoy the life you were always meant to.

Perhaps You Are Considering LGBTQ Therapy But Still Have Some Questions…

As a therapist, do you know enough about the LGBTQIA community?

At Pinkerton Psychotherapy, we have been working with the LGBTQIA+ community in different capacities for several years, including through professional counseling. We have extensive knowledge of the needs and challenges of this community, and we are confident that we can help facilitate your healing process.

How long does it take for LGBT Counseling to work?

Each client will be different. Some people will benefit from a few months of counseling, while others may require long-term therapy. The amount of time depends on your goals and what you want to accomplish as well as your progress. You are under no obligation to stay in therapy and can terminate our sessions at any time. The process is in your hands. You are in control.

What will others think of me if I go to therapy?

There is nothing wrong with seeking therapy and taking care of yourself. Taking charge of your life and deciding to go to therapy is a step in the right direction and you should be proud of yourself. We all have shortcomings and maladaptive coping skills that we can work on. Plus, isn’t it such a relief to just be listened to sometimes?

Step Into Your New Life Of Acceptance And Happiness

While society can make it hard for people in the LGBTQ community, this should never stop you from being your authentic self and living life the way you feel happiest. Taking control of your life and seeking treatment with Pinkerton Psychotherapy can help you understand yourself, identify your traumas, become self-aware and find what makes you content.If you have further concerns or wish

to schedule an appointment, please call us at (713) 800–6999 for a free 15-minute consultation or contact us to see how our approach to LGBTQ therapy can help you.

LGBTQ Therapy