LGBTQIA Online Therapy Specialist in Roswell, GA

LGBTQIA is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/agender. We have broken down these terminologies below:  

• Lesbian. Women who are attracted to other women. 
• Gay. This typically refers to men who are attracted to other men, though it also sometimes is used as a broader umbrella term for same-sex partnerships.  
• Bisexual. Attraction to more than one gender. 
• Transgender. This refers to people whose gender identity is different from the biological sex that they were assigned at birth.  
• Queer/Questioning. Queer is a broad and nuanced term that typically indicates that someone is not straight or that their sexuality or gender identity is fluid. Questioning typically refers to someone that is exploring their sexuality and/or gender. 
• Intersex. This refers to someone who is born with sex characteristics (sex organs, chromosomes, and/or external genitalia) that don’t fall into the traditional male or female categories. 
• Asexual. Also sometimes referred to as “ace”, asexuality refers to someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction to others. 

Those in the LGBTQIA community encounter many of the same struggles as heterosexuals, however, they also have the additional stress of navigating issues specifically related to their sexuality, gender identity, and attractions. This includes: 

• Finding a supportive community. 
• Dealing with bigotry and discrimination on a personal and/or professional level. 
• Dealing with homophobia and/or transphobia. 
• Coming out to their friends and family. 
• Understanding their sexuality and identity. 
• Worrying about how others will react to them coming out.  
• Tension in personal relationships, most often with family.  
• Navigating how to find and engage in romantic or sexual relationships. 
• Dealing with internalized oppression. 
• Feelings of loneliness and/or isolation. 
• Feeling like they don’t belong or that something is wrong with them. 
• Utilizing unhealthy coping strategies. 

LGBTQIA therapy is specifically designed to support the unique needs and problems faced by those in the LGBTQIA community. Marginalized groups face concerns that may not be apparent to those outside of those groups, such as the process of coming out or experiencing gender dysphoria, so it’s important to consult with an LGBTQIA counselor who is well-versed in those issues and can understand where you’re coming from. 

A specializing counselor ensures a safe place for a member of the LGBTQIA community to talk, address their issues, and express how they’re feeling without judgment, discrimination, or misunderstanding. With LGBTQIA therapy, trust, acceptance, and informed care is non-negotiable and leads to overall more effective care. 

If you’re part of the LGBTQIA community and are in need of mental and emotional support, then an LGBTQIA counselor can help to provide the informed care that you’re looking for. They can help you navigate distressing thoughts and feelings, societal obstacles, discrimination, marginalization, and stigmas while also aiding in the development of healthy communication and coping strategies.  

Although a person’s sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity may not be a source of distress, it’s always important to seek guidance from a medical practitioner that will address your unique concerns in an inclusive and thoughtful way. It can be difficult to find healthcare providers that understand the nuances of the LGBTQIA community which is why so many clients find it helpful to seek help from a mental health therapist who specializes.
  
At PersonALL Counseling, we recognize and understand the unique challenges that are faced by the LGBTQIA community. Our team of knowledgeable and experienced LGBTQIA counselors offers the insightful and informed care that you need to help bolster your mental health. Contact us today for more information about our services or book an appointment online if you’re ready to meet with one of our specialists. We serve clients from Roswell GA, Mountain Park GA, Dunwoody GA, Sandy Springs GA,
Alpharetta GA, and surrounding areas.