Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Counselling in Halifax
Halifax Psychologist is LGBT friendly
Struggled with issues related to being gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans?
Help is available in Nova Scotia.
Problems such as depression, stress, difficult family relationships, and poor self-esteem are issues that can affect anyone. However, for those who identify as being gay, lesbian, or bisexual these emotional and mental health problems may be even more common.
Understanding one’s sexuality, dealing with insensitivity and discrimination, and being rejected by family members are issues that many in LGBT community must face. If left unaddressed, these issues can cause great distress, emotional turmoil, and can significantly interfere with relationships, academic success, career decisions, and life goals. Not surprisingly, this can have serious consequences for personal happiness, self confidence, and overall life satisfaction.
Help is available in Nova Scotia.
Problems such as depression, stress, difficult family relationships, and poor self-esteem are issues that can affect anyone. However, for those who identify as being gay, lesbian, or bisexual these emotional and mental health problems may be even more common.
Understanding one’s sexuality, dealing with insensitivity and discrimination, and being rejected by family members are issues that many in LGBT community must face. If left unaddressed, these issues can cause great distress, emotional turmoil, and can significantly interfere with relationships, academic success, career decisions, and life goals. Not surprisingly, this can have serious consequences for personal happiness, self confidence, and overall life satisfaction.
Counselling for gay, lesbian, and bisexual issues
For those who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual it can sometimes feel as if support and understanding is hard to find. It may be difficult to know who
you can trust, who will be supportive, and who will listen without judging. Talking about problems in a safe and supportive counselling setting can be very helpful for individuals who wish to explore issues related to sexuality and how it may impact their relationships, mood, self-concept, and self-esteem.
you can trust, who will be supportive, and who will listen without judging. Talking about problems in a safe and supportive counselling setting can be very helpful for individuals who wish to explore issues related to sexuality and how it may impact their relationships, mood, self-concept, and self-esteem.
What therapy can do…and what it will not do
Therapy can help you address difficult personal problems, identify challenges or obstacles to happiness, explore issues related to identity, and learn effective coping strategies to deal with problems as they arise. Although the topic of sexual orientation (especially for those who are questioning their orientation) is obviously an important topic for therapy, it is important to note that the goal of counselling is never to convince you that your sexual identity is “abnormal”, “fix or correct” your orientation, or “turn you straight” (sorry about all of the quotes by the way). Other than to promote insight, self-care, and personal satisfaction, there is no agenda.
How counselling can be helpful for issues related to sexual orientation
Therapy and counselling has proven to be effective for many personal issues and it may be especially helpful for those experiencing difficulties related to sexual orientation. For example:
● It allows you to discuss topics related to sex, relationships, and other personal issues in a very safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment
● It can simultaneously address issues such as depression, stress, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem
● It can be very helpful during the sometimes difficult process of “coming out” to family and friends
● It can help you develop coping strategies and healthier approaches to dealing with homophobia, anger, or disapproval from family
● It allows you to discuss topics related to sex, relationships, and other personal issues in a very safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment
● It can simultaneously address issues such as depression, stress, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem
● It can be very helpful during the sometimes difficult process of “coming out” to family and friends
● It can help you develop coping strategies and healthier approaches to dealing with homophobia, anger, or disapproval from family
Bisexual, Lesbian, and Gay Counselling in Halifax, Nova Scotia
If you would like to receive help for issues related to sexual orientation or other concerns (and live in the areas of Halifax, Bedford, or Dartmouth) please read more about therapy and counselling, how to choose a psychologist, my treatment approach, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to set up an initial consultation.
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