Mental health issues can affect anyone, but they’re more common in the LGBTQIA+ community. A study published by the Mental Health Foundation claims that at least half of people within the LGBTQIA+ community have expressed feelings of depression and anxiety, while one in eight between the age of 18-24 have attempted suicide.
These issues are common in the LGBTQIA+ community as they’re more prone to hate crimes, transphobia, social isolation, and rejection from family, friends, or social groups.
Whether you’re planning on coming out to your family, dealing with gender or sexual discrimination or trying to understand your sexual orientation, LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy can help.
I, Mark Greenaway-Robbins, can help you face and navigate the challenges of understanding and discovering your sexual and gender identity.
As a registered counsellor and psychotherapist, I provide affirmative therapy for LGBTQIA+ people and also work with allies and families of the queer community.
Rest assured that, as a professional and compassionate therapist, I will offer you a non-judgmental space to explore your innermost thoughts. My practice has been founded on creating a safe and confidential place where you can express your most authentic emotions and be who you truly are.
Let’s explore the answer to the common question, “What is LGBTQ affirmative therapy?”.
What is Affirmative Therapy for the LGBTQIA+ Community?
LGTQIA+ affirmative therapy works to validate and offer advocacy for transexuals, gays, lesbians, and others who identify as belonging to the community. With affirmative therapy, counsellors and therapists provide a wide range of tools and solutions to people from various sexual and gender identities to better navigate through their lives.
People identifying as LGBTQIA+ attend therapy just like those from other identities, but during their sessions, their unique identities, which often are repressed in real life, are validated and celebrated in a safe space. Therapists address internal biases and empower them to embrace their experiences and emotions.
Gender-affirming therapy, when combined with affirmative therapy, can help to offer support to those from sexual and gender minority communities.
Affirmative therapy can help to address societal stigma and bias and allow those from the minority community to better deal with both mental and societal challenges like depression, anxiety, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships and thriving careers.
What My Therapy Sessions for the LGBTQIA+ Community Involve
I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and create a welcoming and non-judgemental space during our sessions. Through my therapy sessions, I look to undo the damage done to your sexual or gender identity and life’s journey so far caused by current societal norms and thinking.
I guide you in making positive changes in your journey of self-discovery and acceptance. I can work with queer individuals alone or also in group therapy involving their parents and friends, those who matter the most to your life.
Through my LGBTQIA affirmative therapy sessions, I explore the following:
Addressing Stigma and Discrimination
People in the queer community face minority stressors because of stigma and internal and external biases, which can have negative psychological and physical effects. Through my sessions, I will help to validate your feelings and discriminations, no matter how small, insignificant, or major you may feel they are.
Learning About the Various Facets of Gender and Sexual Identity
Our gender and sexual identities overlap with each other in the same way that our cultural identities do. Through our sessions together, we’ll explore your beliefs and perspectives about various aspects of your identity, whether sexual, religious, or political.
In an unbiased environment, you can openly discuss your point of view, how you perceive life, and how you want the world to perceive you. I’ll help you become more confident and secure in your unique identity.
Focussing on the Strength and Pride in Your Identity
During my affirmative therapy for the LGBTQIA+ community, you’ll not just understand your strengths but learn about the varied nature of the community at large. Through my sessions, I work with you to instil a sense of pride about your sexual and gender identity.
My goal is to instil the strength, confidence and resilience required to embrace your identity and to navigate life successfully.
To understand more about how often to have therapy or how I can help you, feel free to connect with me via email or phone.
Start Your Journey Towards Embracing Your Identity With Mark Greenaway-Robbins
LGBTQIA affirmative therapy works to confirm your feelings, to understand your life circumstances better, and to offer personalised, empowering solutions. Meeting a therapist can often be daunting for many, especially those from the LGBTQIA+ community who have faced backlash or discrimination or previously been exposed to therapeutic approaches that had tried to ‘fix’ or ‘change’ them.
Consider me a non-judgmental friend who’ll patiently listen to you, allowing you to explore your strengths, understand the stigmas you’ve had to endure, and ultimately help you unleash your full potential.
If you’re looking to feel more confident in your sexual and gender identity and want to build positive relationships with allies, families, and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond, my affirmative therapy for the LGBTQIA+ community is here for you. I’m here to celebrate your small wins, hold you when you break down, and have your back when others turn against you.
Call, email or text me to learn how my counselling advice can make a difference in your relationships, career, and how you navigate life.
