Counseling for LGBTQIA+
Why it's important to have specialized counseling for the LGBTQIA+ Community:
The LGBTQIA+ community faces a variety of challenges unseen by their cisgender and straight peers. Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ have generalized stressors relating to self-acceptance, religion/spirituality, discrimination, among other more individualized problems which could include mental health conditions, trauma, physical health, poverty, etc. What people may overlook, is that the LGBTQIA+ community is made up of individuals who belong to other groups based on their race, ethnicity, class, age, gender, sex, ability, etc. Having open and affirming professionals who are skilled in working with a marginalized group of people make them more likely to understand the various subcultures and identities that have an effect on the types of situations an individual may seek services for.
How we work with LGBTQIA+ Clients at Restorative pathways counseling:
As therapists, we strive to take an open-minded approach to working with a variety of clients from all walks of life. In the field of health sciences, everything comes back to diagnosis and what the science say a person must present to receive care, as well as dictating the ‘appropriate’ care for the client. When possible, we seek to place LGBTQIA+ clients with therapists whose experiences and backgrounds as queer individuals will help them provide understanding and excellent care. Our therapists listen to their clients to see how their mental health is being impacted by the systems governing them. Through working cooperatively with our clients, we explore solutions and techniques to help them get to a better state than they were in prior to working with us. We also work to help our clients dismantle systems that otherwise may further hurt the client and other marginalized folx.
“The richness, beauty and depths of love can only be fully experienced in a climate of complete openness, honesty and vulnerability.”
How is Therapy for the LGBTQIA+ Community Helpful?
While we believe that therapy is good for everyone, we feel even more strongly that anyone belonging to a marginalized group like the LGBTIQA+ community would see a great benefit to their mental health by engaging in therapy. By meeting with an affirming counselor, clients who identify as LGBTIQA+ can feel a greater sense of belonging, purpose, and mental health understanding. Clients can work towards improving or dissolving harmful relationships with those important to them. By engaging in counseling, clients will have a safe place to talk with someone who will hear them, work towards goals with them, and understand the complexities of how the identities of marginalized folx play a factor in their mental health journey, without shoving them into a box or erasing what makes their experiences their own.
Clinicians with this Area of Focus
My name is Vy (they/them) and I’m a Remote Therapist here at Restorative Pathways! I worked in Community Mental Health and Social Services for 3 years, working with families, youth, and the LGBTQ+ community. After graduating with my Master’s in Social Work, I noticed a need for counselors who break the mold for what traditional therapy makes you think it has to be. My goal in providing therapy is to help people who feel that mainstream and normalized systems don’t work for them. I want to help them find a place where they can be heard, validated, and develop a greater sense of self-worth going out into the world.
My particular style of therapy is rooted in talk therapy, but I put up very few walls between myself and my clients, as I want them to enjoy coming into sessions and feel like they are truly connected with me in their treatment. I offer a judgment-free space for people to be themselves with goals set less on “curing” and “fixing” what’s wrong, but instead on learning how to live healthy lives and be okay with not being okay.
I’d love to get to know you and help you in your journey! If you would like me to be your therapist, you can schedule an appointment or a free 15 minute consultation today by calling us at 740-214-6443 or online below.
More About rESTORATIVE pATHWAYS
Restorative Pathways provides mental health services in a safe, healing, and hope-filled environment.
Our practice is designed to meet the needs of everyone in our community by offering a variety of clinicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties. Our clinicians vary in their experience and expertise, working with clients across the lifespan with a wide range of issues and it is our goal to find the therapist that is the right fit for you and your loved ones. We are constantly growing our specialties through education and supervision so that we can continue to help our clients and provide therapy for the whole family.