LGBTQIA+ COUNSELLING

Whilst people in the LGBTQIA+ community can face challenges that are familiar to everyone, they may also have unique experiences and concerns, resulting from ongoing discrimination in society. LGBTQIA+ people can face barriers when accessing support services, and may have reduced support from their loved ones and communities.

Like all counselling, the approaches used can vary to suit each client. However, LGBTQIA+ counselling validates and recognizes the specific needs and concerns of people who present as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual, sexuality diverse, and/or gender diverse.

Benefits of LGBTQIA+ Counselling:

• Validation and Acceptance within an Inclusive Environment

LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy provides a validating and accepting space where clients can be their authentic self and celebrate their diversity. This helps to challenge internalised stigma and build self-esteem and confidence.

• Identity Exploration 

LGBTQIA+ counselling supports individuals in exploring and understanding their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expressions. It encourages self-discovery and self-acceptance, helping individuals navigate the complexities of their identities.

• Mental Health Support

Individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community are at higher risk of mental health conditions, due to increased exposure to discrimination and experiences of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can equip individuals with the tools to navigate life stressors, building resilience and providing coping strategies such as self-care, emotional regulation and stress management.

• Coming Out Support

For many people in the community, coming out is an important milestone, which everyone experiences differently. Our LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapists can help clients navigate the emotions, challenges, and potential reactions from family, friends and society. If coming out has caused conflict in your relationships, counselling can help shed light on how to navigate this and minimize the rebounding effect on you.

LGBTQIA+ RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING

All relationships share common goals in relationship counselling, such as improving communication and understanding, navigating differing values, and rediscovering the romance you felt together in the beginning. For those identifying as LGBTQIA+ in relationships, there can also be unique challenges and benefits that present.

BENEFITS OF LGBTQIA+ RELATIONSHIPS:

Queer relationships tend to be more equal on average, as there is less of an emphasis on conforming to the restrictive gender roles inherent in cisgender heteronormative relationships.

Research by Gottman has shown that during arguments, couples within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum tend to be nicer and more respectful of each other, and there is less belligerence, domineering and less inciting fear than heteronormative couples in the main. They also found that queer couples are able to use more humour when conflict arises.

In addition, gender-diverse/non-heteronormative relationships often have a greater flexibility in roles in the relationship, and often take time to work out an acceptable balance of household roles for each partner.

CHALLENGES OF LGBTQIA+ RELATIONSHIPS:

• Identifying as a person outside of the cisgender heteronormative parameters can result in different barriers to dating and relationships.
• Managing prevailing negative attitudes, discrimination, or ignorance in the community can create additional stress and anxiety.
• The act of ‘coming out’ often improves a partner’s wellbeing and romantic relationships, but they may also encounter conflict with their family, friends and/or community, which can add to the relationship stress.
• Monogamy isn’t always assumed a given, and LGBTQIA+ relationships are no exception to this – problems can arise if couples can’t agree with how open their relationship should be.
• Demonstrating commitment can be a challenge in cultural settings where there is a lack of legal or social recognition of LGBTQIA+ relationships.
• Like heteronormative relationships, boundaries can be difficult for queer couples and can take work to clarify with each other. A common question is, “How does a relationship differ from a friendship?” It is common for couples to remain friends when a relationship is over. Often couples may remain living together when a new partner appears. Some couples may decide not to live together. Some may choose to combine their finances or live independently while residing in the same house. It is important to explore unique solutions for each couple.