While a person’s sexual or romantic orientation or gender expression may not be a source of distress, many have found that social stigma attached to their personal identity can cause psychological stress that they feel the need to seek treatment for. Our goal at Whitestar Wellness, S.C. is to ensure all people feel heard, seen, and accepted.
Possible LGBTQ+ concerns for therapy
The LGBTQ+ community face a unique set of obstacles that can negatively impact their psychological wellbeing.
According to Goodtherapy, “Despite rapidly growing cultural acceptance of diverse sexual and romantic orientations and gender identifications, oppression, discrimination, and marginalization of LGBTQ people persists. Coping with discrimination and oppression, coming out to one’s family, and sorting out an “authentic” sense of self in the face of social expectations and pressures can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health concerns for LGBTQ people.
Research shows that youth who identify as LGBTQ are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm, particularly when they also experience discrimination based on their sexual or gender identity. According to a 2007 survey, students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender were almost ten times as likely to have experienced bullying and victimization at school and more than twice as likely to have considered suicide as their heterosexual, non-transgender classmates within the previous year.
Discrimination may take several forms, including social rejection, verbal and physical bullying, and sexual assault, and repeated episodes will likely lead to chronic stress and diminished mental health. Perceived discrimination—the expectation of discrimination—may also lead to diminished mental health. LGBTQ adults, too, may be subject to similar forms of harassment, as well as discrimination with regards to housing, employment, education, and basic human rights.”
If you are seeking therapy support for LGBTQ+ concerns we are here to help. We will utilize integrative, individualized treatment to best address the concerns at hand and work together to help open the gates to freedom for authentic self-expression.
Call (414) 552-8242 or email us at info@whitestar-wellness.com to speak to any of our office staff to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Brochures
Please feel free to review these downloadable brochures from accredited organizations.