Bad habits are so hard to break. I was a smoker for about 30 years and couldn't seem to break the habit no matter what I tried. Every now and then, I was able to quite for a few weeks, but then, when I started smoking again, I smoked far more than I did before I quit. It wasn't until I accepted the fact that my smoking was a real problem and reached out for professional help with quitting. I started going to counseling and learned a lot about my bad habits and why it was so hard for me to give them up. This blog is all about counseling to break bad habits.
Talk therapy is an effective way to resolve a number of mental health issues. It can help people overcome difficult situations, understand themselves better, and learn how to move forward in their lives. LGBTQ people can take advantage of therapy geared specifically toward them. LGBTQ support therapy can help members of a vulnerable community find their strength and pride. Here are four things you can consider when looking for this type of therapy:
1. Is your therapist's identity important to you?
LGBTQ therapy can be offered by therapists who are not part of the LGBTQ community. This can be very helpful, especially if the therapist in question has extensive experience working with LGBTQ people. However, some patients find it important to share the experience of being LGBTQ with their therapist. If talking to another LGBTQ person is important to you, you can look for therapists who advertise their LGBTQ status. You can also ask potential therapists about their LGBTQ status directly during your first session.
2. Do you prefer a therapist of a particular gender?
Some patients feel more comfortable speaking to a therapist of a certain gender. If you prefer talking to a man, woman, or nonbinary therapist, you can direct your search accordingly. Speaking to a therapist of a particular gender can help you if you have suffered past trauma; some people feel uncomfortable speaking to therapists who remind them of their past abusers, which makes sorting therapists by gender helpful.
3. What type of therapist would you prefer to talk to?
Many different mental health care professionals offer psychotherapy. You may have a preference for the type of therapist that you talk to. You can seek LGBTQ therapy from a licensed clinical social worker, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. Each of these professionals has different levels of education and training. Additionally, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, which other practitioners cannot do. Figuring out what type of therapy you want will help you choose a therapist.
4. Are you interested in group therapy?
Many people begin their therapy journey with individual therapy. Individual therapy can allow you to tackle your issues in a private and supportive environment. However, some people can also benefit from group therapy. Group therapy will give you the opportunity to bounce ideas off other LGBTQ people. It will also give you the chance to make connections with other people, which can help people who feel isolated. Contact a group like Encircle in your area.
Share29 October 2021
