LGBTQIA+ affirming psychotherapy

Gender & sexual orientation

Although sexual orientation or gender identity might not be a source of distress, many people do find that the social stigma of living as a minority can increase stress, worry, and trauma responses. Some people discover internalized negative messages. The internalization of fear and negative judgment can amplify and reinforce external social pressures, creating intense suffering. Our gender affirming therapists work with many individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and are experienced in providing educated support, safe spaces and gender sensitive counseling to work through gender and sexuality-related experiences, in addition to aiding those who have suffered comorbid trauma.

Some common experiences include:

• Experiences of micro-aggression, discrimination and/or violence.

• Feelings of isolation, particularly in cis-het spaces

• Intense oscillation between self affirmation and severe self-loathing 

• Confusion and frustration with regards to dating

• Experiences of bi-erasure

• A legitimate fear of being misunderstood or silently judged by helping professionals

• Frustration and anger with lack of education about issues pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community

• Self-doubt and shame regarding the “right way” to come out, transition, dress, participate in the queer community. or establish your identity as LGBTQ+

• Ambivalence and uncertainty regarding big choices like coming out, pronoun/name changes, or considering hormones or surgery.

On a symptom level, you might feel:

• Low self-esteem, loss of motivation, frequent fatigue, and lack of energy

• Social withdrawal or self-isolation
• Decreased sex drive
• Substance use
• Worry or rumination
• Chronic stress
• Complicated feelings about (and brought on by) hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other potential physical changes

In close relationships, you might find:

• Difficulty communicating needs and expectations effectively.
• Repetitive arguments without much resolution or clarification
• Feelings of interpersonal distance (even when you and your partner together)
• A decrease in physical or emotional intimacy
• Persistent feelings of anger or resentment
• Feelings of being deeply misunderstood

How can psychotherapy help with experiences related to gender & sexual orientation?

The first step, from a therapeutic perspective, is to create a non-judgmental space in which to explore your internal world. The overarching goal, in our approach, is freedom of expression. This might mean the freedom to explore questions around sexual and romantic relationships. It might mean the freedom to explore your internal sense of gender. It might mean the freedom to explore how you perform your gendered self-presentation. It might mean the freedom to work through your relationship to the LGBTQ+ community. It might mean a safe space to begin to understand body dysmorphic feelings. It might also mean the freedom to explore other issues, which do not arise directly from gender or sexual orientation, but which affect and are affected by them.

From this point forward, psychotherapy encourages a journey of self-reflection, vulnerability, and growth, including in areas of worry or trauma related to gender or sexual orientation. When the process is working, you will feel a sense of acceptance, collaboration and open-mindedness. Each of our clinicians is experienced in helping individuals and partners of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations feel safe and respected in exploring their internal worlds.

How can Depth Counseling help?

The clinicians at Depth Counseling have unique training and experience in counseling for the LGBTQ+ community. They go beneath surface-level symptoms to uncover and work through the deeper sources of emotional suffering. Your LGBTQ+ affirming therapist will encourage you to explore the personal qualities that ground you and the private fears that hold you back and keep you from a more integrated and authentic experience of yourself. As the work progresses, you will deepen your emotional awareness, strengthen your creativity, and bolster your courage to face new challenges.

As you work with one of the clinicians at Depth Counseling, you will notice:

• Increased empathy for self and others
• Increased insight and self-acceptance
• Increased resilience
• Expanded emotional awareness
• Enhanced creativity
• More effective communication with partner or partners
• Expanded feelings of connectedness with self and others

Each therapist is dedicated to providing a safe space for people who identify as LGBTQ+ to express and overcome their struggles. We are passionate about serving our community through specialized treatment and diagnosis, empathic understanding, and client-centered care. We also offer LGBTQ+ couples counseling.

If you are having difficulties with issues related to gender and/or sexuality, Depth Counseling can help with LGBTQ+ friendly therapy in Chicago. Do not just wait for things to get better — contact us today.