Therapy can be a scary concept—especially for those who identify with one or more marginalized communities.
When any part of your identity, whether it be your race, sexuality, or gender identity, is rooted in a marginalized group, it can be hard. At Wisdom Within Counseling, the marriage and family therapists are LGBTQIA+ affirming. So, we understand that finding the right therapist and right kind of therapy is crucial for your overall mental well-being. Also, LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT is a unique specialty when it comes to children, teens, adults, and couples. At Wisdom Within Counseling, the therapists love working with gay, bisexual, bi-gender, queer, straight, lesbian, homosexual, heterosexual, transgender, polyamorus, and monogomous people.
Therapy is more than sitting on a couch talking to a stranger.
Overall, LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT should be a place where you can express your authentic self!
Going to therapy that’s not tailored for you is like non-owner car insurance on a friend’s car because although you may be present and navigating the conversation, if you’re withholding aspects of yourself, the therapy and advice you receive won’t be for you.
If you’re not out yet, don’t worry about therapy exposing you before you’re ready. Intersectionality counselling can be beneficial for everyone, and no matter how you identify, it should help broaden your perspective of the world along with your place in it.
How to Find What You Need
Needing therapy doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. Searching for what’s best for you is a sign of great clarity and accountability. Often when seeking help, we’re too busy seeing ourselves as the ones in need that anyone with their arm reached out seems like a blessing, but not all help is good help.
Slow down the racing thoughts and use these tips as a checklist to help you on your journey.
Get an Accountability Partner
It helps to have someone supporting you when looking for therapy. If you haven’t mentioned to anyone that you’re thinking of starting therapy you should think of who in your life you’re comfortable enough to talk to about it. Essentially, LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT is your safe place to build a calm, confident, and healthy life. In counseling at Wisdom Within, you can pick from expressive arts as well as walking outdoors. In addition to traditional talk therapy, trauma sensitive yoga therapy is also available.
Think of the reasons why you want to go to therapy and whether there is anyone in your life that would be happy for your growth. Maybe, your best friend would be up for texting you and encouraging you. To note, going to therapy for the first time can be intimidating. But, parents can be great supporters before and during therapy too.
To learn more about LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT, call or text 860-451-9364.
If not a family member, a friend or mentor are two other wonderful options that you should share some of your goals with. Ask them for help finding a program, or just to listen to your journey while searching. Perhaps, you and a friend can call counselors together. Or, you can look up each counselor’s specialities to see if they would be a fit for you. Remember, not all therapists specialize in LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT. Also, see if the counselor you want to work with has a You Tube video. Instead, a counselor may focus more on an issue like trauma therapy, grief therapy, or child therapy. At Wisdom Within Counseling, all of the therapists are offer transgender affirming, LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT.
Be Picky
Finding a therapy and program for you can take time, and even after you start with one you might realize it’s not for you. So, that’s okay. Taking your time to find out what’s not for you is just as productive as finding what or who is. Essentially, it is okay to not like your first counselor. For one, you can try out three therapists by meeting them all once. That way, you can learn which therapist would be able to offer you LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT. Also, you want your therapist to have past LGBTQIA+ experience in helping others reach goals you are looking to achieve.
Ask Questions When Seeking LGBTQIA+ Counseling in CT
Just because you may not know what you need doesn’t mean you don’t know what you don’t. You are more than your sexuality and gender identity. And, once you get into counseling, you may talk about everything, from work to gender. At times, fears of rejection, anxieties, and worries come up. Lastly, in LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT, you can explore how to share these parts of yourself with others. So, ask your potential therapist questions that will help you gauge if they will be good for your specific needs.
Utilize Technology
Where you live matters when looking for therapy that will accurately serve you as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you’re searching for counseling in Southeastern Connecticut, you’re in luck! You came to the right place.
But, sadly finding the help you need isn’t as easy in some parts of the country.
Unfortunately, conversion therapy isn’t completely in the past. And, though the signs of ignorance may not be that blunt, opening up to someone who is indifferent to your sexuality or gender identity hinders your process. So, it is very important that you don’t go to a conversation therapist. In general, you never want your therapist to make you feel like you have to change. At Wisdom Within Counseling, LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT is about acceptance and loving yourself as you are.
With apps and virtual therapy on the rise, it’s easier than ever to find an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who can speak to your unique life experience. And, at Wisdom Within Counseling, the therapists offer insight that comes from a place of personal understanding and professional experience.
Get Insured
Do you already have health insurance? If you’re covered by either a parent or your job, your insurance could offer assistance or even full coverage. Before getting overwhelmed by therapy costs, call your insurance provider.
Even if you are a dependent and not the policyholder, you can still find out what your insurance plan offers for therapy options. The amount of your coverage will likely vary by the state you’re in.
For example, the minimum coverage for anxiety counseling in East Lyme, CT will be different than if your coverage is for anxiety counseling in Fresno, CA.
After double-checking with your insurance, see if any of the programs you’ve found give any discounts for you if you’re active military, veteran, disabled, a senior, or if you have anything in your medical history. Therapy only works when you can afford to keep going.
Equal but Not the Same
The fight for equality is never over, but knowing what makes us different isn’t something to ignore. Whether you’re seeking personal growth in Wichita, KS, marriage counseling in Mystic, CT, or exploring your feelings on your sexuality or gender identity, always think about therapy to help you move forward.
If you’re questioning your place on the autism spectrum, you should seek a therapy program that also specializes in LGBTQIA+ autism counseling. Autism can hinder social connections. Anxiety is common, but when it is layered with autism and gender and sexuality, you need a specialist. So, if you have fears that could potentially change how people treat you, call us 860-451-9364. Now, the team at Wisdom Within Counseling are happy to help with a combination of autism, social aspects, sexuality, and gender in LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT.
The benefit of therapy is to learn about ourselves and how to navigate our self-awareness to better balance everyday problems. Your problems aren’t cookie cutter and deserve the insight and attention of their level of uniqueness.
Set the Flow For LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT
To add, life can feel like it’s sweeping you away. But, you have the power to turn the tides in whatever direction you choose! And, therapy is just one way to harness that power within you.
LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT can help you realize your personal power, inner peace, and build a self-care toolbox.
A therapist’s office shouldn’t feel like a place where you wear your public mask. Instead, it should be a place where you’re comfortable being not only maskless, but completely transparent.
Confidence and clarity are goals from LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT.
Also, finding a therapist you’re comfortable with doesn’t mean they have to be just like you. But, knowing that they are an ally or can empathize with your life keeps you from having to expel energy explaining things. At Wisdom Within Counseling, LGBTQIA+ counseling in CT supports your name, preferred pronouns, gender identify, and sexual exploration.
When you’re balancing all of the given struggles of life, you don’t need another place where you feel like you need to hide your true self.
Therapy is for everyone. Love is for everyone. Authenticity is for everyone. Call 860-451-9364 to begin in counseling today!
Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. Danielle was raised in the LGBTQIA+ community and is a proud ally and activist today. She believes that through therapy is for everyone finding intersectional and inclusive therapy should be a value of every city and the health care system.
