Queer Informed Therapy Edmonton
Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ sometimes face a unique set of challenges that can include trauma that impacts their mental health and well being. If you identify as a sexual minority, you are at greater risk of experiencing social rejection from loved ones or classmates in school, discrimination, verbal abuse, physical abuse, and sexual assault.
Other challenges 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can face include difficulty accepting and exploring their sexual identity. If you are struggling and could use support to help navigate challenges or trauma related to your sexual orientation or gender expression, know that professional and experienced therapists may be able to help.
It is deeply unfortunate that some individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ experience feelings of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, guilt and shame related to their sexual orientation and gender identity. If this sounds like you, know that you are not alone, and that it is possible to live an empowered life as your authentic self. There are a variety of therapies that can help you move through stuck feelings, impact of past traumas, or experiences cultural or self-sharming….and move on to live your best queer life! With help from a professional counselor or therapist, you can explore the right therapy path for you. Although there are many paths to healing available you may consider an option or combination of options below:
What Should Consider Queer Therapy?
Queer therapy for children
According to survey research, children who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ are nearly ten times more likely to experience bullying and victimization at school and more than twice as likely to have considered suicide as their non-identifying peers.
Therapy can be a critical support for children who are facing challenges with their mental health and are struggling to understand and accept their sexual orientation and gender identity. Social discrimination can cast a dark shadow for kids, causing feelings of shame, loneliness, and self-doubt. It’s important, as a community, that we stand behind our kids and help them access the support they need to feel safe and confident in knowing that they are awesome!
Queer therapy before and after transition
Exploring your emotions and learning to manage your thoughts, stress levels and anxiety as you begin and continue through your gender transition journey can be important. In many cases, therapy may be a requirement for sex affirmation surgery or gender confirmation surgery. It is important to take care of your mental well being as you explore a physical transition to become your most authentic self.
Queer therapy for individuals
It can be common to experience anxiety about coming out to your friends, family and colleagues. You may fear the reaction you’ll receive when you share your sexual orientation or gender identity with people who are closest to you. It can be a challenging step to overcome. Counseling and therapy can help prepare you, build your confidence and equip you with the tools you need.
Queer therapy for couples and families
Individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ experience, at times, unique conflicts, challenges, and/or traumas with their partners and family members. Couples and family therapy can be a way to move forward in a life journey and help resolve negative emotions.
Recommended Reading For Those Who Identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
Reading For Children
Reading For Young Adults
Reading For Adults
Seeking Support
Finding a qualified mental health professional who has experience and familiarity with the challenges members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community often face can be critical to a successful outcome.
At Equinox Therapeutic we have several Edmonton psychologists and counselors who are familiar with these challenges and we are passionate about supporting individuals in their healing journey. If you’d like to set up a consultation to find out more about your options, visit our contact page.
Empower yourself!
Find out more information about our services.
To figure out if therapy is right for you, talk to one of our registered psychologists or counsellors.