A person’s sexual/romantic orientation or gender identity should ideally not be a source of distress. However, individuals who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, asexual, questioning, or any other orientation or gender identity frequently experience stress or anxiety when they encounter social stigma because of belonging to and living as part of a minority group.
The acronym LGBTQIA (previously used as LGBT), was broadened to encompass a greater number of such individuals. This acronym expands to represent those individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and asexual.
Heteronormativity is the social and cultural norm of majorities of societies even today. Any individual who does not belong to this group finds themselves alienated and rejected on many occasions. Even their family members, relatives and friends judge them as unworthy.
This stigma and discrimination against LGBTQIA individuals are often observed to be a serious impediment to their normal living and well-being. LGBTQIA counselling can help empower such individuals to manage these challenges effectively.
LGBTQIA Persons and the Issues They Face
LGBTQIA persons growing up in families generally face discrimination and harsh words. At workplaces and in communities, they witness/experience harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, and abusive/life-threatening responses on many occasions.
Repeated traumatic experiences of this nature become internalized which results in them developing different phobias. They also tend to repeat and affirm these stories about themselves resulting in mental, physical and emotional problems.
Coping with the existing discrimination and oppression, coming out to the family, is observed to lead to higher levels of anxiety, depression, substance use, and other mental health issues for LGBTQIA people.
According to research, youth who identify themselves as LGBTQIA are observed to be at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm. They tend to lead double lives, are very shameful, and constantly battle with problems such as self-hatred, paranoia, fear, depression, and low self-esteem.
LGBTQIA adults also face similar forms of harassment and discrimination about education, employment, housing, and basic human rights.
Therapy for LGBTQIA Issues
LGBTQIA people also face the same concerns and life challenges as regular individuals. This is what they bring to the therapy professionals. They argue over things like money, sex, quality time, and the in-laws. They also experience the same stresses of daily life: workplace concerns, lack of money, low self-esteem, family issues, mood swings, etc.
When LGBTQIA people seek therapy, whether it is for gender identity or sexual/romantic concerns, they must speak to a qualified LGBTQIA therapist/mental health professional who has both familiarities with the challenges and who has sufficient experience. This plays a critical part in directing successful outcomes for the therapy.
Those LGBTQIA individuals who are contemplating gender confirmation surgery are required to seek therapy before seeking the services of a qualified surgeon.
LGBTQIA counselling is designed to help such individuals accept their sexual orientation, behaviour and gender identity as natural. Counsellors and therapists are qualified to provide support to those individuals who have suffered trauma for a long period because of issues related to sexual orientation/gender identity/behaviour.
How We Help
In addition to providing a non-judgmental, affirming, and confidential environment to LGBTQIA individuals who are experiencing everyday distress because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, our counselling centers in Calicut provide the latest therapy treatment forms that can be personalized according to each individual’s specific requirements.
Our LGBTQIA counsellors are qualified, trained and have the expertise to help individuals who are victims of bullying, social discrimination, isolation, depression, anxiety, and rejection from their family or friends or at school or work.
We teach our clients new coping skills which will help them to manage stressful situations in a better manner. We teach them to process their feelings and perspectives in a manner that doesn’t cause them much pain. This helps them positively handle their thought patterns and accept and love themselves and others better.
LGBTQIA Issues
Our LGBTQIA-friendly therapists are qualified to serve those who seek our help and they will be in a position to decide which type of treatment is best for you. We provide counselling issues for several LGBTQIA issues such as:
• Self-identity
• Depression, Anxiety, Fears
• Anger, Social isolation, Bullying, Discrimination, Rejection From Family, Friends, Or Community, Institutionalized Prejudices
• Sexual Health
• Sexuality
• Sex and the Dynamics of romance
• Dating and relationships
• Suicidal thoughts, Self-harm
• Self-expression/Communication
• Self-esteem and Self-confidence
• Major Life Changes
• Substance Use/Alcoholism
• Domestic Violence, Fear
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (Prep), HIV, STD
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Gender Affirming Surgery
• Other Concerns Relevant To LGBTQIA Community
Our treatment method for each of the issues is scientific specific and is designed to help you cope with the specific problem that you currently have.
Our treatments include contemporary methodologies such as Attachment-based Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Therapy, Psycho-Analytic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Systemic Therapy.
All these methods are research- and evidence-based models that are proven to result in more successful outcomes. Individuals who undergo treatment feel more connected to themselves and others at the end of the therapy sessions.
Our sex therapists in Calicut will teach you to love and accept everything about yourself, including your identity, sexuality, and gender. We will help you to gain new skills and resources that will help you cope with everyday experiences and feelings in a much better and healthier way, allowing you to live a more fulfilled life.