OUTober or OUT-tober is the annual celebration for LGBTQ+ history. October 11th is National Coming Out Day. October 8th is National Lesbians’ Day. Here at Human Kind Mental Health, we support and validate all identities which is why we offer LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy.
What is LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy?
A type of therapy that is directed towards individuals in the LGBTQ+ community with the intention of empowering, supporting and validating their experiences and identities. This is achieved within a framework of acceptance and respect.
LGBTQ+ friendly is not the same as LGBTQ+ affirming. LGBTQ+ friendly is respectful and safe whereas LGBTQ+ affirming therapy is culturally competent and intentional.
Key Differences between LGBTQ+ Friendly Therapy and LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy:
LGBTQ+ Friendly Therapy
accepts LGBTQ+ identities
provides respectful care
uses inclusive language
limited LGBTQ+ knowledge
focuses on general counseling
avoids or disregards discrimination
LGBTQ+ Affirming
supports, validates and celebrates all LGBTQ+ identities
provides identity-affirming and culturally competent care
uses appropriate and inclusive language and terminology
has extensive knowledge of LGBTQ+ mental health
integrates LGBTQ+ experiences into treatment
understands and addresses minority stress, identity-related stressors, stigma and discrimination
Qualities of LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
- Reduce minority stress
Reflect in therapy and learn coping strategies to deal with discrimination and prejudice
- Helps clients achieve self-acceptance and increase self-confidence
Encourages individuals to unapologetically accept themselves
- Identity exploration
A space to explore and figure out identity without the pressure of a label immediately
- Does not make heteronormative assumptions
No assumptions about gender, pronouns, relationship structure, or sexuality
An affirming therapist will ask open questions, use inclusive language, and respect the client’s identity
- Integrates identity into the therapeutic relationship
Celebrates authentic identity and addresses identity
- Heal from trauma
Trauma-informed affirming therapy
- Improve relationships
Strengthen communication, develop healthy boundaries and healthy relationships
LGBTQ+ Affirming Services at Human Kind Mental Health
Call at 989.249.3671 or visit https://humankindsaginaw.com/contact-us/ to get scheduled with one of our LGBTQ+ affirming therapists. 🙂
