Gay ? Lesbian ? Bisexual ? LGBT ?Homosexual ? ……….
Each person reaches a point in their life where they begin to experience their sexual development. For many this occurs at puberty, generally from the age of around 11. The vast majority of people will experience predominant attraction towards the opposite gender, usually identifying as heterosexual or ‘straight’. For a small minority, roughly 5% of men and 3% of women, the natural attraction will be predominantly towards the same sex. There are many ways of describing or experiencing this orientation or sexual identity, including terms like homosexual, gay, lesbian, LGBT, LGBTQI, or queer. Some may experience bisexual attraction towards both genders.
This attraction is determined by many factors which are not fully understood, but is part of nature and not within our control. We know that factors such as genetics, hormonal balances, birth order, etc. all seem to play some part, yet none are a complete explanation in themselves. We also know that environmental and cultural factors can play a role in helping or deterring a person to identify and express their sexuality and sexual orientation.
Issues affecting many LGBT / Gay clients
For many gay and lesbian youth the teenage years are a very difficult period in their lives. Feelings of shame are not unusual as homosexuality is still often negatively portrayed in our society. Many issues can arise such as loneliness, isolation, depression, low self-esteem, suicide, addictive behaviours, and self-harm. During this period the teenager and young adult often struggles to ‘come out’, or in other words to come to terms with accepting their sexual orientation. This process can continue throughout life as many layers are encountered in personal, family, work, social, and public spheres. The negative stereotyping and lack of positive reinforcing images of homosexuality has led to widespread homophobia in our society, much of which has been internalised by the young gay or lesbian.
How Counselling and Psychotherapy can Help LGBT clients
Counselling and psychotherapy can help gay and lesbian clients to explore these issues, many of which can present at any stage in life. They may prevent happier and more fulfilling relationships from developing as well as place obstacles in the way towards living a happier, more fulfilling life.
There has been much misunderstanding of homosexuality in the medical, psychiatric and psychological professions in the past and it is important that therapists themselves are properly trained in this field. Lesbian and gay clients should ensure that the therapist they choose is affirmative of gay and lesbian sexuality and lifestyle. It can be extremely damaging in therapy if a therapist works from a model of sexuality that is outdated or that subscribes to viewpoints that suggest sexuality can be reorientated through therapy. It is therefore recommended that you ask the therapist if they have done relevant training in this area before you commence therapy.
We have many therapists who are very experienced in working with LGBT clients and are listed below. We are also very happy to assist you in the process of identifying a suitable therapist if you would like to contact us directly.
