“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” – George Takei-
Here at Evolve Therapy Group we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Our team of highly trained therapists specializes in working with LGBTQ+ clients, understanding the unique challenges and experiences they may face. At Evolve Therapy Group, we believe in the power of therapy to support and empower individuals on their personal journeys. Whether you are questioning your identity, struggling with coming out, navigating relationships, or facing mental health concerns, our therapists are here to help.
Sexuality can be a spectrum. Although our society likes to create labels, sexuality often doesn’t fall neatly into a category.
At Evolve Therapy Group, it is important to balance recognition that the issues faced by the gay community are no different than the issues of anyone else seeking therapy, while simultaneously never failing to appreciate the unique difficulties, conflicts, and struggles of being LGBTQ+ in a heterosexist world.
Often, it can be difficult for some to talk about mental health or know how to go about seeking help and support.
No matter the challenges or concerns you are facing, we are here to help you gain clarity about your values, who you are, and how you relate to your sexuality with acceptance, understanding, and patience.
We want you to feel seen and heard and go at a pace that is comfortable for you.
We are extremely passionate about working with those who self-identify as LGBTQ+, with those who are trying to understand their sexuality and gender identity, and with those who are questioning their sexuality entirely.
GAY IN A HETERO-SEXIST SOCIETY
Sometimes it can be difficult to address the constant social stigma of being gay, bi, or trans in a heteronormative and gender binary culture.
Facing unique challenges such as social expectations surrounding relationships and coming out to one’s family or friends is complicated and can be challenging to go through on your own.
Experiencing bullying, familial rejection, or even hate crimes can lead to a greater likelihood of developing mental health issues among the LGBTQ+ community higher than the rest of the population.
Situations like these can often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, addiction, and other mental health conditions in some individuals.
Often times, it may not be safe to come out to homophobic or transphobic friends and family out of fear for your physical or emotional health, or fear that you will lose those close to you if they don’t accept you.
When we choose to hide our sexuality for too long, it can lead to us feeling numb to ourselves and disconnected from others.
And it’s hard to create meaningful relationships when we leave vital parts of ourselves at the door.
Sexual identity refers to the emotions, thoughts, feelings, and fantasies that contribute to a person’s attraction to another person.
When you’re questioning your sexuality and you don’t fall neatly into any one category, it can be a delicate thing to tease out and begin to see clearly.
In a survey, LGBTQ+ students showed that they were 10 times more likely to be bullied, and twice as more likely to consider suicide compared to their cis and straight friends and family.
Bullying can take the form of verbal attacks, physical assault, and sexual harassment.
If you are experiencing depression, confusion, anxiety or just need help finding more clarity and peace, our trained LGBTQ+ therapy here at Evolve Therapy Group are here to help.
TRANSGENDER IDENTITY
Just like sexuality, gender is a spectrum as well.
When you feel like your sex assigned at birth doesn’t match up with your gender identify, it can create a great deal of discomfort, alienation, anxiety, confusion, and distress.
While we don’t see trans issues as a problem or as pathological, the DSM defines “Gender Dysphoria as:
- A notable conflict between your gender identity or expression and the gender you were assigned at birth that persists for at least six months.
- Measurable impairment or distress in routine functions, such as social or professional, as a result of the condition.
Other people may identify as non-binary or “two-spirit,” which means they identify as being both male and female at the same time. Others feel their experience of their gender may change from day to day.
As trans and non-binary issues are little understood by the general population, it can be challenging to find understanding and trust our own experiences regarding our gender identity.
No matter the challenges or concerns you are facing, it’s always beneficial to seek help from a trained professional.
We will be sure to take into consideration your unique identity, values, and challenges and as we guide you in therapy and help you face and overcome your mental health challenges.
We will do everything that we can to help you feel welcome and accepted.
We provide extensive support for but are not limited to :
- Gender dysphoria: According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), gender dysphoria is a psychological condition experienced by individuals whose gender identity and expression does not match with the gender assigned at birth. Gender Dysphoria can cause significant distress and affect a person’s overall mental wellbeing, and it’s important to seek support from professionals alongside family and friends. Examples of Gender Dysphoria include but are not limited to: transgender, genderfluid, and non-binary individuals.
- Sexual identity issues: Sexual identity issues can refer to numerous concerns regarding an individual’s sexual preference. Sexual identity (or sexual orientation) refers to the emotions, thoughts, feelings, and fantasies that contribute to a person’s sexual or romantic attraction to another person. LGBTQ+ individuals often go through periods of questioning their sexual identity, which can cause confusion and stress. Also pertinent to the LGBTQ+ community and sexual identity issues is the “coming out” process, and coping with the reactions of friends and family, especially when the reaction is expected to be negative.
Our LGBTQ+ specialty services include:
- Gender Identity Exploration: We provide a supportive environment for individuals exploring their gender identity, including transgender and non-binary individuals. Our therapists can help you navigate the process of self-discovery, understanding your identity, and finding ways to live authentically.
- Coming Out Support: Coming out can be a challenging and emotional process. Our therapists offer a safe space to explore your feelings, fears, and hopes, as well as provide guidance and support throughout your coming out journey.
- Relationship and Family Counseling: We understand the unique dynamics and challenges that can arise in LGBTQ+ relationships and families. Our therapists are experienced in working with couples, families, and chosen families to address communication issues, navigate conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
- Mental Health Support: LGBTQ+ individuals may face higher rates of mental health concerns due to societal pressures, discrimination, and stigma. Our therapists are trained to address a range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem, providing compassionate and evidence-based support.
We are extremely passionate about working with those who identify as LGBTQ+, with those who are trying to understand their sexuality and gender identity, and with those who are questioning their sexuality entirely.
We have training and a unique sensitivity to the varied issues that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people face, and we strive to provide a safe space that is free from stigma.
We will integrate evidence-based therapy modalities that are personalized to your specific needs and work on empowering you in your personal life with practical skills as well as help you explore and integrate the deeper aspects of your unconscious and your past wounds and trauma.
We are here to support you every step of the way.
OUR THERAPY METHODS FOR LGBTQ+
Therapy can improve your life by minimizing the anxiety in your life, identifying, and changing underlying thought and behavioral patterns that contribute to your struggles, and providing you with strategies to decrease discomfort while restoring an overall sense of peace.
To experience true and lasting joy in our life, we must face and conquer our pain by healing our underlying trauma and confronting our fears.
Our evidence-based, scientifically proven interventions are demonstrated by research to be effective in addressing mental health issues commonly faced by the LGBTQ+ community including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
