LGBTQIA+ Affirming Services

What does LGBTQIA+ mean?

LGBTQIA+ is a acronym used to encompass the diversity of gender and sexuality. Each letter stands for a different identity or term within the community. Here are some of the definitions to better understand this umbrella term (Please note that these are general definitions and may not fully describe how someone connects with an identity term.  It is always best to ask an individual how they define what the word means to them!):
Lesbian: a woman attracted to other women
Gay: a man attracted to other men
Bisexual: a person attracted to two or more genders
Transgender: a person whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth
Queer/Questioning: individuals who may be questioning their sexuality or gender identity, or an individual who identifies outside of the heterosexual/cisgender norm
Intersex: individuals born with sex traits that don't fit the typical definition of male or female
Asexual: individuals who do not experience sexual attraction
+: this symbol acknowledges that there are other identities not explicitly listed in this acronym

What is LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care?

LGBTQIA+ Affirming care means that the organization and clinician you are working with are committed to being inclusive and nonjudgmental towards people who identify as being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. All members within the organization have pledged to create a safe space for those identifying as LGBTQIA+ and recognize that phobias and "isms" are oppressive practices that force invisibility for LGBTQIA+ people.

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists commit themselves to ongoing education about LGBTQIA+ people, their needs, and ways to be inclusive. They recognize and respect the use of a person's preferred pronouns and use gender-inclusive or gender-neutral language rather than gender-specific language. They welcome feedback and corrections if errors are made in an effort to provide a safe therapy space and continue to learn and grow as an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.

LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists also recognize that LGBTQIA+ people are also a part of other communities, including communities of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants and New Americans, and people who speak languages other than English. They welcome learning about all communities and the way in which they intersect for each individual, rather than making generalizations and assumptions based on past education and experience.

How can therapy help me if I identify as LGBTQIA+?

Therapy is focused on helping individuals express and process their feelings about their past and current situations/struggles in a safe, non-judgmental, welcoming environment. Therapy can be helpful to individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community when working with an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist. Individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community may struggle with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use, eating disorders, and trauma. 

Individuals may also attend therapy for concerns related to their gender and sexuality, such as to process emotions related to the process of "coming out" or sharing with loved ones how they identify. Therapy can be helpful for exploring thoughts and feelings around gender and sexuality, as you are exploring yourself and your identity. Therapy can be supportive through life transitions such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender-affirming care.

Therapy while exploring sexuality, gender, and identity

Individuals go through a lot of identity building h

Therapy while going through the "coming out" process

Therapy for T/trauma occurring as an LGBTQIA+ individual

Therapy while undergoing gender affirming medical treatments

How Can LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy be helpful to family members?

Therapy can be helpful to family members of LGBTQIA+ individuals in many ways. Therapy is a great resource when confusing or conflicting feelings arise, and when life transitions occur that bring up a lot of feelings. Since therapists are a neutral and nonjudgmental presence for individuals, they are able to safely explore and process feelings in a confidential and private manner. Help for family members of LGBTQIA+ individuals can occur in a few different ways, as we always work to tailor the treatment to the needs of the individual. Here are some ways that family members of LGBTQIA+ individauls can engage in therapy:

Family Members of LGBTQIA+ Individuals in Individual Therapy

Family members first learning about one's identity may trigger many different and conflicting feelings. Therapy can be helpful to process these feelings and find resolution. Family members may desire a safe space individually to explore their conscious and unconscious biases without judgment. They may have had past experiences that they feel they need to process in order to be more supportive of their loved one. Feelings may arise at different life transitions that look different than was once expected, and therapy can assist in working through these feelings and finding joy in the new reality before them.

Family Members of LGBTQIA+ Individuals in Family Therapy

Families may choose to meet together for family therapy to explore and communicate feelings together, and to discuss positive changes that can be made to current practices to be more supportive and inclusive in their relationships. Family members of LGBTQIA+ individuals may have the best intention of being supportive of their loved one, but not know how to communicate this with words or behavior.

Family Members of LGBTQIA+ Individuals in Couples Therapy

Couples may choose to attend therapy together to promote healthy communication as one partner may have opened up about how they identify. Therapy can serve as a safe space for family members and partners to explore and process their emotions as well.

Online LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy in NY

Online therapy in NY can be a beneficial alternative to in office therapy appointments. Online therapy in NY can help you to conveniently fit in therapy amongst the other things going on in life. Your online therapist can meet with you during your lunch break at work. They can meet with you after you finish your homework or tasks in the late evening. They can meet with you in a private room in your college library or your dorm room. The convenience of being able to attend therapy online helps therapy work into your schedule instead of you having to work your schedule around therapy.

How does Healing & Growth Counseling promote LGBTQIA+ affirming care?

Healing & Growth Counseling as an organization is committed to providing LGBTQIA+ affirming care. At Healing & Growth Counseling, we promote and encourage ongoing education about the LGBTQIA+ community. Staff participate in continuing education related to mental health and the LGBTQIA+ community. All therapists have pledged to promoting LGBTQIA+ affirming care. As an organization, we support LGBTQIA+ affirming care through our policies and practices, including but not limited to, all gender bathrooms, use of preferred pronouns in language and paperwork, and confidentiality practices. We strive, as a group, to continue to develop LGBTQIA+ affirming practices and care.

Questions about LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy?

If you have questions about our services about LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy or online therapy in NY that is LGBTQIA+ affirming, call us at (516) 406-8991. Speak with a therapist to answer your questions.

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