Couples Counseling: How to Find a LGBTQ+ Therapist Near Me & Online

Sex therapy differs from other modes of therapy in that sessions are focused around resolving sexual difficulties. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ bring unique experiences to therapy, largely as a result of societal factors such as discrimination. LGBTQ+ therapists are knowledgeable about the community and understand their therapeutic needs.

Finding a therapist that is right for you depends on multiple factors, and these may differ if you identify as LGBTQ+. Nowadays, it is worth considering LGBTQ+ therapy online such as Pride Counseling.

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What is sex therapy?

Generally, therapy is becoming more recognised as a means to effectively improve mental health. This recognition has allowed for therapy to be less of a taboo topic. However, sex therapy and counselling are lesser known. Sex Therapy or Sexology is a kind of counselling available for individuals as well as couples to resolve sexual difficulties.

These experiences are varied and multi-faceted; anxieties related to sexual performance and relationships are common reasons for individuals seeking sex therapy. This kind of therapy remains an important method to ease mental health concerns and therefore deserves further attention.

What does sex therapy entail? 

As sex therapy can be helpful, it is worth understanding the complexities of sex and topics relating to sexuality. Sex therapists apply therapeutic tools from principles across psychological theories to help resolve any thoughts and feelings concerning particular sexual difficulties, such as:

• Intimacy
• Arousal and sexual desire
• Sexual orientation
• Problems with intercourse
• Trauma related to sexual experiences

The above is by no means an extensive list of what sex therapists are familiar with, including gay sex therapists and lesbian sex therapist. Therapists offer guidance according to an individual’s, or couple’s, particular concern or experience, no matter the level of complexity or severity.

Mental health and the LGBTQ+ community

Individuals who identify with the LGBTQ+ community suffer from particular stressors and anxieties relating to their sexual orientation. It is important to note that these stressors are not directly due to a person’s sexual orientation or gender dysphoria, but rather are additional causes of stress because of social stigma. Such stigma stems from heteronormative beliefs that sexual orientation should be limited to heterosexuality. Although this is not necessarily true, people who identify as LGBTQ+ still face discrimination relating to these standards.

Research has explored the complex experiences belonging to the LGBTQ+ community in order to call for supportive societal practices. Although many countries have made tremendous effort to support LGBTQ+ rights, there is still a lot of work to be done. Studies have consistently found these individuals have increased prevalence of depression and anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, when compared to individuals who identify as heterosexual (Russell & Fish, 2016). Further research continues to be warranted to especially include transgender experiences, in order to direct measures of prevention, intervention, and appropriate treatment.

Additionally, it is worth noting that experiences pertaining to minority groups are more complex than stated here. Individuals seeking LGBTQ+ therapy and online counselling for issues regarding their sexual, romantic, or gender identity, can search for a gay sex therapist knowledgeable about the community and the complex issues they experience. This is important for successful therapy outcomes.

LGBT couple counseling therapy online

Depending on the circumstance and the individual, members of the LGBTQ+ community may feel more comfortable with a gay sex therapist knowledgeable and experienced about the community. This is a matter of preference rather than to differentiate between the quality of other therapists. Such therapists may not necessarily be readily available in the same area as you, or ‘near me’; however, many therapists are providing their services through online platforms such as Pride Counselling. This is worth considering if a person knows the specific kind of therapist they are looking for. As it may help broaden their search for the right therapist and online LGBTQ+ counselling.

Sex therapy can help individuals from the LGBTQ+ community explore and understand their experiences and identities. Individuals are able to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings, in a safe and collaborative environment. Therapists help explore issues in a non-judgemental manner, which is important especially if an individual has experienced prejudice and discrimination in their lives. At the end of the day, therapy is an investment into your wellbeing and mental health, regardless of your sexual orientation.

The right therapist for you

With the above in mind, it can feel overwhelming to seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Individuals may feel a sense of guilt, shame, and fear judgement from sex therapists. It can also be difficult to disclose personal information to a therapist when it has previously been kept secret. Therapy can help resolve these feelings and online LGBTQ+ counselling can be the platform to support an accepting and brighter future.