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How Talk Therapy Can Be Helpful for Your LGBTQ Teen

For many LGBTQ teens, feeling safe and open to discussing their often conflicting feelings is difficult. Mental illness affects teens in the LGBTQ community at a much higher rate than their cisgender, heterosexual peers; LGBTQ teens are six times more likely to experience depression and four times more likely to have thoughts about suicide or self-harm. The most concerning statistic is for those whose families reject their identity. LGBTQ teens from non-supportive families are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those whose families are accepting of their identities.

You only want what’s best for your child, but you may not know how to handle their emotions and unique experiences as an LGBTQ individual. Whether they are questioning their gender or sexuality, recently came out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, it’s critical for them to feel like they are loved, supported and whole exactly as they are, no matter who they love, what their pronouns are or who they wish to become in the future.

Talk therapy for LGBTQ teens takes both age and experience into account. The mental health of teenagers is already characterized by unique challenges, including struggles with body image, self-esteem and identity. When a teenager is also facing other challenges related to their sexuality or gender, it can have a compounding effect on their mental health. In therapy, they will be able to gain support, guidance and acceptance while learning how to cope with any underlying mental health issues they are experiencing.

Cope With Prejudice and Bullying

LGBTQ teens are twice as likely as their peers to experience bullying, violence and sexual assault. Learning how to recognize the warning signs of an abusive relationship, setting boundaries and building resilience are all topics that can be covered in therapy. Some teens may feel more comfortable discussing situations with a third party than with their parents. Rather than forcing them to open up about experiences with their family, a therapist allows them to work through feelings in a safe space and reveal things on their own terms.

Build a Good Self-Esteem

When a teenager feels like their sexuality or gender is different than what they consider “normal,” they’re more likely to suffer from low self-esteem. They might feel like they are broken or damaged because of who they are attracted to or how they see themselves. In transgender teens, body dysphoria can also trigger depression and self-loathing.

Part of a therapist’s job is to help every client see the inherent value in themselves regardless of where they currently are in life or what struggles they are facing. For an LGBTQ teen, this means building a solid foundation of positive self-talk and personal regard that they can rely on as they grow.

Treat Mental Health Issues

Because LGBTQ youth are more likely to experience mental illness, therapy is always beneficial to assess their current mental health. Most mental illnesses present themselves before age 14, but far too few are ever addressed during adolescence. By participating in talk therapy, your teen can get help for any psychological symptoms they’re experiencing and prevent them from worsening in the future.

Therapy helps teens let go of judgement and recognize the value in their identity. Different forms of talk therapy can be used depending on their needs, including cognitive-behavioral, emotionally-focused, and body-centered approaches. If you are interested in learning more about our services or scheduling a virtual or in-person counseling appointment for your teen, contact Caring Heart Counseling or request an appointment today.

7 Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ Teens

Coming out as LGBTQ is a life-changing moment, but not everyone experiences the same sense of liberation and acceptance. Many teens can’t come out because they know they’ll face serious backlash from their families or communities. Even after you come out, your mental health struggles don’t magically disappear.

It’s okay to be scared and wondering whether it’s even a good idea to let others know who you are. While you figure out the right time to open up to your friends and family, Caring Heart Counseling is here to provide you with resources to get the support you need and deserve.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that offers 24-hour crisis counseling for LGBTQ+ teens. In addition to a list of resources, they also provide telephone counseling and a chat that you can connect with anytime.

LGBT National Youth Talkline

The LGBT National Youth Talkline is available to anyone 25 and younger who needs someone to talk to. You can reach them at 800.246.7743 for 100-percent free and confidential support. You’ll have a safe space to talk with someone about issues including sexuality, gender, anxiety, problems with school, family troubles and relationships. You can also call simply to vent and be reminded that someone out there cares and you’re never truly alone.

Love Is Respect

When you’re new to relationships, it’s hard to know what’s healthy and what’s a red flag. If you aren’t out yet, you might find yourself trapped in a bad situation and not even able to get help from family or friends. Love Is Respect offers information on sex health, dating and support for victims of abuse. You can read their site or call them at 1.866.331.9474.

National Runaway Safeline

If you aren’t safe at home or are thinking of running away, call 1-800 RUNAWAY (1.800.786.2929) to speak with a trained responder who can help you figure out what to do and how to stay safe. You can also chat or use the forums to talk to others in similar situations. It’s always better to reach out, explain what you’re going through and receive help rather than put yourself in danger.

Help Guide

Help Guide published a variety of articles on topics ranging from a teenager’s guide to depression to eating disorders and suicide prevention. If you want a one-stop source to learn all the basics about a variety of mental health subjects, this is a fantastic place to start.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI dedicates itself to offering help and resources to LGBTQ teens, regardless of whether they’ve figured out their own identity yet. Here, you can learn about important LGBTQ statistics and learn how to find a good mental health professional who treats LGBTQ teens.

Caring Heart Counseling

Our Denver, Colorado theapists offer LGBTQ and gender identity counseling. Whether you need someone you can confide in or help dealing with problems like stress, anxiety or depression, we’re here to listen. Our therapy sessions are confidential, and we can help you work through your problems in a safe, non-judgemental space.

Contact Caring Heart Counseling for more information about counseling for LGBTQ individuals or request an appointment.

What You Need to Know About Substance Abuse in the LGBTQ Community

Being a part of the LGBTQ community, openly or not, has a significant impact on how you see yourself and place in society. Those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning might feel pressured to join the community when they just want to live their life without being impacted by their sexual orientation or gender identity. Given the significant challenges people who identify as LGBTQ face, they are more likely to suffer from mental disorders like depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

LGBTQ Substance Abuse Statistics

The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual (LGB) Adults shows that LGB adults have a higher substance abuse rate than the national average. They are also less likely to receive treatment.

Individuals who identify as transgender are also more likely to experience mental health problems and struggle with substance abuse at a mucher higher rate than the rest of the population. Discrimination, social stigma, personal psychological struggles and abuse all place transgender people at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder or misusing drugs and alcohol.

Unforuntately, there are still no national studies from accredited organizations that track substance abuse among the transgender population. Although they are substantially more likely to suffer from poor mental health, the transgender community remains largely underserved and misrepresented in the media.

Causes of LGBTQ Substance Abuse

Heteronormative cultural standards have made it difficult for an LGBTQ person to feel accepted and included in their daily lives. Even within their own families, someone who comes out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender can face serious criticism and even become subject to physical, verbal and emotional abuse. Lack of social support, coupled with stigma about what it means to be LGBTQ, causes many individuals to suffer in silence or even deny their identity.

Self-Stigma and Body Dysmorphia

When someone realizes their gender identity or sexual orientation differ from what they see as “normal,” they are often likely to react with feelings of shame, guilt and anger. Rather than celebrating themselves for who they are, most people have some level of internalized stigmas that cause them to judge rather than accept themselves. When they perceive their identity as problematic, they’re more likely to begin struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety. This can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

Many transgender people suffer from body dysmorphia, a condition that causes them to focus on their percieved flaws in their apperance. For someone who does not feel their anatomy matches their gender, this can cause significant distress and emotional grief that they are forced to confront on a daily basis.

Lack of Appropriate Medical Care

Many LGTBQ people have experienced discrimination in the medical field; their sexual health is often judged or condemned, and they have a difficult time finding sensitive practioners who understand their unique needs and challenges. This also persists in the mental health professional. Receiving treatment for a mental health problem, including substance abuse, is not as easy for someone who is LGBTQ as a straight, cis-gender person.

The lack of resources, fear of judgement and discrimination can leave people suffering alone for years.

LGBTQ Therapy in Denver, Colorado

Caring Heart Counseling prides itself on serving the Denver LGBTQ community with compassion, sensitivity and inclusivity. We respect all races, genders and sexualities at our practice and encourage any and everyone who wants to receive counseling to reach out.

We offer substance use support counseling for LGBTQ individuals that’s both accessible and affordable. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment get matched with one of our therapists.

Online Counseling for the LGBTQ+ Community

The LGBTQ+ community experiences mental health problems more frequently than other populations. Anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia and many other symptoms are common, but there is a fear among people who need counseling that their therapist may not understand their experiences or approve of their identity. Online counseling during COVID-19 has made finding professional support easier and more convenient than ever; at Caring Heart Counseling, we offer virtual therapy to everyone, including affirming LGBTQ+ care.

What LGBTQ+ Therapy Looks Like
A therapist must understand that everyone’s culture, background and individualized experiences make their mental health unique. No two people experience depression the same, and it’s especially important for us to recognize the unique factors that impact an LGBTQ+ person’s mental well-being.

There is often what is known as a “dual stigma” among people in the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to being judged for their sexuality and/or gender identity, people also face the fear of ridicule for their mental health struggles. There are numerous challenges and emotionally charged experiences that arise as a LGBTQ+ person comes out to their family and learns to own their identity; online counseling can help you build a support system and begin to find strength as you work through your own difficulties.

Caring Heart Counseling does not see your LGBTQ+ experience as something to gloss over; we want to help you work through your thoughts and emotions surrounding your sexuality, gender and identity. Whether you are questioning or unsure how to accept yourself despite identifying as LGBTQ+, we are here to listen and support you.

Affirming, Non-Judgemental Counseling
Therapy is a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings. It can be especially intimidating for an LGBTQ+ person to reach out because they worry their therapist may not accept them for who they are. This is a valid concern, but we can assure you that every therapist at Caring Heart Counseling accepts, respects and affirms your identity.

It is our job to help you not only work through your unique LGBTQ+ experiences but also cultivate a life you find meaningful. This means finding ways to align your truest self with your highest potential, embracing your strengths, overcoming weaknesses and learning how to take power back from your worst experiences.

Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, body image or just need someone to talk to, we are here to listen. Online therapy means you can access one of our counselors whenever you need them; we can arrange a phone call or set up an appointment via email. Our flexible hours and a variety of platforms make it easy for you to schedule counseling at a time that is most convenient and comfortable for you.

If you would like to learn more, please reach out and contact us today. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have about therapy and our LGBTQ+ counseling services. Together, we can determine whether Caring Heart is right for you and match you with the counselor best suited to your personality and needs.