LGBTQ Expertise
When providing psychological therapy and counseling, we focus on refining the client’s coping mechanism for dealing with emotional, behavioural and psychological difficulties provoked by a sexual orientation. We have helped many members of the LGBTQQIAP2S community and their families to find a way to cope with the realities dictated by the society they live in. Throughout the whole process, we embrace a positive view on members of the LGBTQQIAP2S community by treating each of my clients with the dignity, respect and affirmation they deserve.
Nevertheless, the stigmatisation in the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people still exists, although it manifests differently depending on an individual’s cultural and social environment. Prejudice, marginalisation, discrimination, oppression and even violence are direct effects of stigmatisation. All of which can result in serious psychological dysfunctions. LGBTQQIAP2S people and their families are thus still in need of psychological support. Stress, anxiety and depression are only some of the most common problems I have met in my practice.
Mental health issues of sexual minority people are not necessarily connected to Internalised Homonegativity (IH). The LGBTQQIAP2S population still has far higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use and suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. It is thus of primary importance to understand fully the impact of social stigma and treat mental health issues from a non-pathological view.
An affirmative approach in psychotherapy means that LGBTQQIAP2S clients are met with openness and advocacy regarding their sexual and gender orientation. Affirmation goes beyond tolerance and focuses on helping the client find an authentic and unconditional way to connect to others and themselves. In my services, I systematically avoid heteronormative assumptions and accept clients regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Apart from having the necessary empathy and compassion for the LGBTQQIAP2S community, my work is based on expert knowledge and understanding of psychological, social and cultural problems related to LGBTQQIAP2S.