Counseling for the LGBTQIA+ Community
According to research from the American Psychiatric Association, LGBTQIA+ individuals are more than twice as likely as heterosexual men and women to have a mental health disorder in their lifetime.
Additionally, LGBTQIA+ individuals are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance misuse compared with heterosexual individuals. In a society where the LGBTQIA+ community is still fighting for human rights, it can be difficult to find an LGBTQIA-affirmative counselor to help you navigate your mental health concerns and work towards healing.
How LGBTQ+ & Gender-Affirming Therapy Can Help
Finding a counseling practice that supports the LGBTQIA+ community can help you feel safe and heard. Bright Future Counseling is a proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and affirming advocate for all people and relationships.
Whether you’re struggling with your identity or simply need someone to talk to, Bright Future Counseling believes counseling should be accepting of everyone. Our online option for therapy will provide the help you need in a discreet, convenient, and confidential manner.
Wherever you are in your sexual and/or gender journey, Bright Future Counseling works with you to reach your unique goals in a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere.
Choosing the Right LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist
Valinda Harlan (she/her) identifies as cisgender and heterosexual, and is in a monogamous marriage. She is also an LGBTQIA+ advocate and affirmative therapist who can provide the tools and resources needed to overcome challenges, fears, and concerns.
She has training experience from the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) and World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH).
Some areas we can focus on in LGBTQIA+ counseling include
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Anxiety-stress: Nervousness, Worry, Overthinking, Social Anxiety
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Feeling isolated or alone
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Trauma
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Relationships
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Coming out to friends and family
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Sexual identity issues
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Gender dysphoria
Resources For Transgender Health
1. Click here for resources for transgender health from WPATH.
2. Click here for self-help guides for the transgender community from The National Center for Transgender Equality.
3. Click here for a list of other resources from GLAAD.
Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community
1. Click here for mental health resources in the LGTBQ+ community from The Human Rights Campaign.
2. Click here for LGBTQ+ resources for mental health support from The Trevor Project.
One-on-one counseling to address challenges in your life and work towards taking control of
your life.
Counseling for religious and spiritual abuse.
