Each person’s focus in counseling will be different based on the severity and diversity of their presenting issues. I working with LGBTQIA+ persons in therapy, there are some distinctive tasks, however.
• Exploration of one’s gender and sexual orientation with sensitivity and validation
• Process shame
• Challenge negative, internalized beliefs about oneself
• Learn self-love and acceptance
• Explore coming out to one’s family and community
• Process family and community rejection
• Cope with past and current bullying, prejudice, and oppression
• Support connection with the LGBTQIA+ community