LGBTQIA Issues Help for LGBTQIA Issues at Lukin Center Expert LGBTQIA-Affirming Therapy in Northern New Jersey While lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex or asexual (LGBTQIA) people enter therapy for the same reasons as their non-LGBTQIA counterparts, the LGBTQIA community also experiences specific stressors and challenges related to sexual and gender identity. While social attitudes are becoming more accepting and protective of the LGBTQIA community, social rejection, harassment, discrimination, and stigma still exist– even within family, co-worker, and friend relationships. You might also be dealing with past emotional trauma, or a lifetime of oppression due to your sexuality. Because of pressures like these, people who identify as LGBTQIA are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and other mental health issues. Fortunately, the LGBTQIA community seeks mental health support more frequently than other groups. LGBTQIA Issues at a Glance LGBTQIA stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ questioning, intersex or asexual” The LGBTQIA community seeks therapy for the same reasons as non-LGBTQIA people, but experience a unique set of social challenges and stigma The LGBTQIA community is more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. An LGBTQIA-affirming therapist is specially qualified to help you navigate life’s challenges. LGBTQIA individuals face a unique set of emotional and social challenges. A qualified therapist can help you navigate them. It’s also common for LGBTQIA individuals to have a negative past experience with therapy. At Lukin Center, our LGBTQIA-affirming therapists are here to help you work through your life challenges with a compassionate understanding of LGBTQIA issues. What are Some Common LGBTQIA Issues? As an LGBTQIA individual, the issues and daily stressors you’re bringing to therapy are likely the same issues others are working through. However, you might feel more comfortable working with a Lukin Center therapist who has experience working through LGBTQIA issues as well. LGBTQIA issues in therapy can include: Addiction Anxiety Bullying or victimization Coming out at home or at work Couples issues Depression Exploring gender identity or expression Gender confirmation surgery preparation Gender dysphoria (gender identity and expression does not match with gender assigned at birth) HIV/ AIDs counseling Low self-esteem Mood swings Relationship issues Self-harm Sexual identity issues Spirituality Suicidal ideation Workplace concerns How can Lukin Center Help Me with LGBTQIA Issues? Lukin Center is an LGBTQIA-affirming provider, meaning that our therapists respect LGBTQIA identities as valid, respect the LGBTQIA community’s lived experience, and treat our LGBTQIA patients without cultural bias. We recognize the negative effects that issues such as homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism can have on an LGBTQIA person’s life, past and present. If you or your loved one are experiencing LGBTQIA issues, or just want to work with an LGBTQIA-affirming provider, we’re here to help. Lukin Center clinicians must maintain the highest possible degrees and certifications in their fields, including best practices for LBGTQIA issues. As one of the largest mental health therapy practices in Northern New Jersey, Lukin Center gives you access to more highly trained therapists and a broader range of specialties, so you can get exactly the help you need. We’ll help you connect with the right mental health professional to get the results you want.
