#lgbtq+ counseling

[bpoqe]

Counseling for Positive Self-Exploration

Our LGBTQ+ therapists support mental health within the family and work to improve relationships between individuals. Contact us now!

[asking-jude]

Do you want free mental help? What about remote, pay-what-you-want counselling? Visit askingjude.org.

[bl-bam-beyond]

My Three Sons LGBTQ+ Edition

FISH UPON THE SKY (2021, THAILAND)

A family awaits their oldest son's visit after quite awhile. And he's bringing a date to this family dinner. Wan (Guest Star PHROMPHIRIYA THONGPUTTARUK aka Papang) arrives, his family meeting him at the door. They mistakenly thinks Wan has brought home a older woman as his date. No, he says this way and up walks a male visitor. Shocking everyone.

So Pi (PHUWIN TANGSAKYUEN) is crushing on Muang Nan while fighting feelings for Mork. And Duean (TRAI NIMTAWAT aka NEO) has taken a shine to Mork's younger brother Meen. And now Wan brings home a boyfriend.

Wan, Duean and Pi.

[ace-and-ink]

i’ve been haunted since i was a child

by the spirit of the darkness from the corners of my mind

she lingers at night

feeds on my insomniac fears

i swear i feel my mind withering away beneath her

she traces the veins in my wrists

pricks her nails along my ankles

brings my head oh so close to the water

but she leaves just before she breaks the skin

just before i’m submerged

i’d like to think the last bit of my sanity drives her away

but i can’t be sure of much anymore

she leaves me so cold when she’s gone

she leaves me shivering

she leaves me trembling

i’m terrified by her visits

only in hindsight

i don’t feel anything at night

i can see my dead eyes in the blades and the glass

my hollowed cheeks in the empty plates

my red cheeks in the overflowing sink

the terror comes from the fact she visits so frequently

as a concept i can bear her

but i’m terrified by how familiar we’ve become

///

she met me again tonight

like meeting an old friend for dinner

lingering on the balcony

illuminated by the twinkling city lights

looking half like an angel

already prepared to whisk me away

to take me back to my mother

we skip formalities as i join her

feeling only the freezing night air

pretending that’s the only thing raising the goosebumps on my arms

and the hair on the back of my neck

i don’t even know what she’s saying to me

it’s the same message

the same tape on repeat

drilled in my brain over and over again

and i follow her eyes to the street down below

looking at the asphalt glistening

i always loved the way it felt

rough on the skin

road scrapes always felt so satisfying

i shouldn’t love the sting of fragments in the cut

as much as i do

i’d sit and lay in an empty road if i could

felt more therapeutic than grass

but now she points to the ground far below

leaning almost too far over the edge

i’ve always blamed that one florence song

for making me curious

if when i’m falling i’m really at peace

and it’s only when i hit the ground that it causes all the grief

///

i can hear you call my name

just barely over the noise in my head

all the words and urges and cars and sirens

you call for me again before i turn around

hands still gripping the railing

like i’ll fall through if i don’t remind myself it’s there

you voice is soft i think

you sound gentle

at least in comparison to my thoughts

it’s time to go to bed you say

you don’t seem angry

perhaps i’ve helped you come back to bed before

“i can’t,” i say

“i can’t sleep tonight”

you don’t have to sleep you promise

but i’d feel better if you’re in my arms

i don’t know if that’s for your comfort or mine

“the neon gravestones are out,” i tell you

it’s impossible to make out your face

against the harsh city lights

against my harsh thoughts

they’ll seem dull in the morning light you remind me

just come back to bed love and you’ll see

i can feel myself cracking beneath your gentle gaze

i can’t even tell the color of your eyes but i can say that i love them

“i am not a perfect man,”

and you say neither was god

and now the fear is confusion as i tilt my head

“yes he was,” i counter “that was kind of his whole thing”

if he was so perfect you explain

he wouldn’t have left man here alone

left to their own devices

left to their own minds

i don’t notice until now how loose my grip has become

or the tears stinging my dry eyes

come back to bed you repeat

come back to me and my arms is what i know you mean

and i listen

i leave the balcony behind

and the glistening street

i leave her behind

and i leave the terror at the door

for the comfort of a lover

i never know if i’ll know

but as i cry myself to sleep

i can feel the ghost of her hands

brushing my cheeks

until i can feel another body in my bed

— i don’t know you // you’re saving my life

[insight-therapy-solutions-2023]

Vanessa Martinez is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who brings a wealth of experience and a warm understanding to her practice. As a graduate of UNLV, Vanessa holds a Master’s degree and comes from a military family background, instilling in her a strong sense of discipline, empathy, and resilience. With four years of experience working with diverse populations, Vanessa has honed her skills in assisting adolescents, adults, and seniors in navigating their day-to-day experiences. She understands that life can sometimes be complex and confusing, and she is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for her clients to explore their challenges and find meaningful solutions.

[parameddic]

hums!! ❤

[joe-england]

BetterHelp Shares Your Data With Facebook

[izzy-b-hands]

"Aye," Buttons nods. "Livy will help them figure things out."

"Aww," Frenchie smiles and hands him a cup of water. "Like they could pass notes to each other and talk it all out? And she'll deliver each note back and forth?"

Buttons takes the cup, sips, and shakes his head.

"Ow? Ow! Olivia, this isn't like y-OW!"

"That's Stede in place," Buttons remarks as they watch Olivia peck and swoop at Stede until he's sat in front of them on the deck. "Hello, Captain."

"Did I do something wrong?" Stede asks nervously, scooting closer to everyone's legs. "She seems angry, Buttons."

"Not angry," Buttons replies. "Hang on."

"Well I'm certainly not going to stand up and be pecked to death again," Stede rolls his eyes.

"Hey, Livy! Where's our bird g-Hey!"

"Ed," Stede says softly. "Wait, is she-"

"We'll go in the galley and give you two some room to talk," Buttons interrupts. "You'll need the space, plus I will eat someone if I'm made to wait any longer for food."

"I feel like you'd potentially eat someone regardless," Olu says. "But I am starving, so I'm not gonna worry about that for now."

"You need food and a bath," Jim notes, arms wrapped around Olu tight. "I'll help with both."

"Look, you're Buttons' bird and-fine! Fine, you are your own bird and Buttons' FRIEND, but if I didn't know you personally Olivia," Ed says, darting around the corner on his knees. "Then you would be so stabbed right now! So sta-sorry! Sorry, please stop with the pecking!"

She perches on Buttons' head as Ed crawls near Stede, her job done.

"Good luck on the relationship talk," Buttons says. "We'll all be hoping for the best, whatever that means for you two. I'll save you some of The Swede once we're done with him."

"We aren't eating you," Olu leans back to find the The Swede. "I promise."

"Yet," Buttons adds.

"No, not at all," Olu says. "Come on, let's give the lovebirds some privacy."

"I am NOT a lovebird," Ed scoffs. "And neither is he."

"Lovebird thinking about kissing Stede Bonnet says what?"

"What?" Ed perks up, then scowls. "Olu. That was cold."

"Nah, that was necessary," Olu smiles. "Frenchie, is there food available that tastes as good as this water?"

"This water is weeks old and kind of warm," Frenchie says. "So yes!"

"It's better than it sounds," Jim murmurs. "Izzy and I helped cook."

"That doesn't actually make me feel better," Olu murmurs back as they trail away.

For a moment, it's just Ed and Stede and the sound of the sea.

Then, Olivia, with a few final pecks before either of them can try to crawl away from the conversation.

[insignae]

Logo Identity and outdoor sign developed for Austin Counseling Collective - an LGBTQ inclusive and multi-cultural counseling collective of Therapists and Counselors.

[thepsychologytemple]

Transgender people shouldn't be forced to see a psychologist/therapist/counsellor

So at the core of transgenderism there is, essentially, a hatred for your body. A feeling that is not the way it should be, that something's wrong with it, much like it happens to people who feel they're not skinny enough, fat enough, don't like their nose, don't like their toes... and hurt themselves in an effort to change it. Sometimes with self-harm, sometimes starving themselves, sometimes with plastic surgery. You might think, how can you possibly compare a trans person with someone who doesn't like their nose? well, they actually have a lot in common in the end. Hatred towards the own body or parts of it. And that's a huge problem.

But it isn't necessarily a problem a psychologist, therapist or a counsellor should be first to assess. From my studies of psychology, I've come to understand that those of us who have studied it, we don't generally know that much about the biology of the brain or other organs for that matter. Unless a psychologist has gone on to study medicine, we don't actually know a lot about medicine. We know enough science to diagnose a disorder such as anorexia, bipolar disorder, depression... and to treat it. And even then, very often we're limited to just diagnosing and doing a non-medical treatment, but if we feel you need medicines, we'll refer you to a doctor, as we cannot provide them. But if the cause of your problem is a medical issue, we're not your people. A doctor is.

So when politicians debate about whether a person who hates the body they were born in, or parts of it, should be seeing a therapist or not... my answer is neither. What I think transgender people, and anyone who cannot stop having cosmetic surgery, or who suffers from any kind of hatred towards parts of their body, should always be forced to see before undergoing any "solutions" is a psychiatrist.

Psychiatrists are the only ones who are trained in both psychology and medicine. If there is a medical problem with you, a tumour, an illness, a malformation... you name it. They'll know. They know huge amounts of stuff about the brain. So before you go and have a surgery that has no going back, I'd always recommend seeing one. Always. If then they think what you've got can just be treated by a psychologist, perfect. But don't come with a problem as tremendous as feeling so much hatred for a part of your body that you'd chop it off, to a psychologist, because psychology looks at behaviour, society, environment... not at medicine. And problems that big need to be assessed first and foremost by someone who does it all, a psychiatrist.

And don't fucking self-diagnose. I know psychiatry and psychologists are really expensive and the access very difficult (even more so in certain countries), but so is surgery, and in the countries where the surgery is free normally so is going to a psychiatrist and both have about as long waiting lists. So please, please, don't let the internet tell you if you feel something's wrong with you. Go to a professional, but go to the right one. Know who they are.

[asking-jude]

Do you want free mental help? What about remote, pay-what-you-want counselling? Visit askingjude.org.

[a-better-life-treatment]

Alcohol and Drug Evaluation in Marietta, GA

With over 25 years of expertise, A Better Life Treatment Centers specializes in compassionate and skilled care that is tailored specifically to aiding those in our community who are suffering from substance use disorders and lowering recidivism.

[respectissexy]

Tumblr is currently serving me an ad for "Voda, the LGBTQ mental health app" offering "daily meditations, self-care and AI advice" and as a therapist I am begging you not to download an app where an AI tries to help you with your mental health. Please do not. They tried to have an AI chatbot counsel eating disorder patients and it told them to diet. That shit is not safe. Do not talk to an AI about your mental health please. You don't need to talk to a professional but talk to a PERSON. Edited to add: OK, it's been a long day and I wrote this when I only had the information that was in the ad. It looks like they may not actually have a chatbot, but something that just... churns out pre-programmed advice? That's genuinely a lot safer! But calling it "AI advice" feels a little misleading. This app may be perfectly fine and safe to use, but should probably stick to the fundamentals that people want from a mental health app and not try to use AI hype to market, since the intersection of AI and mental health support is VERY DICEY and bad shit has happened there before. And you should probably do further research on how they are using your data, since that is also an area where mental health support apps have gone bad before.

[pvdpsychological]

LGBT Couples Counseling in Providence

For LGBT couples, counseling often goes beyond the scope of “traditional” couples therapy. Here’s everything you need to know.

Finding a couples counselor who understands the unique needs of a gay or lesbian relationship can be challenging. Many marriage difficulties are universal, but there are some unique features of same-sex relationships that require LGBT couples counseling.

[lovehealgrow]

How To Support A Friend Who Revealed Their Sexual Identity

Sharing your sexual identity with somebody is always nerve-wracking. Even if you know that the person will love and support you unconditionally, it can still be a challenge to bring up. If you’re a good friend, you want to be there for your friends, no matter what their orientation might be– but nobody’s born with the innate ability to be the best ally possible. It’s important to understand that when somebody chooses to tell you about their sexual orientation, they’re doing it because they trust you and want you to share in this important part of their life. Sharing their sexual identity is a significant moment in your friend’s life, and how you respond can have a profound impact on their well-being and sense of acceptance. So how can you show your support? Here are some things to keep in mind.

Listen with an Open Heart and Mind

When your friend confides in you about their sexual identity, it’s crucial to listen attentively and without judgment. Create a safe and supportive space where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Instead, let them know that you are there to listen and support them unconditionally.

Validate Their Feelings

It takes courage for someone to come out and share their sexual identity with others. Validate your friend’s feelings by acknowledging the significance of their disclosure and expressing your support and acceptance. Let them know that you value and respect their honesty, and that their identity is valid and deserving of respect.

Educate Yourself

Take the initiative to educate yourself about different sexual orientations and identities. Familiarize yourself with terminology, resources, and organizations that support LGBTQIA+ individuals. This knowledge will help you better understand your friend’s experiences. For basic things, it’s easy to find great resources; GLAAD maintains an excellent list. But make sure to pay attention to your friend’s lived experiences. No sexual identity is a monolith, and your friend’s experiences are just as unique and special as they are.

Respect Their Privacy

Coming outis a deeply personal decision, and your friend may not be ready to share their sexual identity with everyone in their life. Respect their privacy and confidentiality by not disclosing this information to others without their consent. Let your friend take the lead in deciding who else they want to confide in and when they are ready to do so.

Offer Your Support

Let your friend know that you are there for them and ready to offer support in any way they need. This may involve providing emotional support, accompanying them to LGBTQIA+ events or support groups, or simply being a shoulder to lean on during difficult times. Ask them how you can best support them and be responsive to their needs.

Challenge Homophobia and Discrimination

As a friend, it’s essential to challenge homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination whenever you encounter it. Speak out against derogatory comments or discriminatory behavior, whether it’s in your personal interactions or in larger social contexts. Be an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality, and use your voice to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for your friend and others in the community.

But also, make sure that you’re doing advocacy the right way. If you dive headfirst into allyship without putting in the time and doing the research to educate yourself, it can come off as shallow and uninformed. Supporting your friend is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to continue learning and growing. Stay informed about LGBTQIA+ issues and experiences, seek out opportunities for education and advocacy, and be open to feedback. And don’t forget your friend in all of this! You should be taking cues from them to find out what they want and what type of support is actually helpful for them.

Celebrate Their Identity… And Follow Their Lead!

You probably want to celebrate your friend’s sexual identity and embrace their uniqueness. Your friend has trusted you with something that can be very sensitive, and while some people are ready for pride parades and glitter bombs right away, not everybody who comes out wants that kind of enthusiasm. Remember to keep things centered around your friend and let them lead. Be enthusiastic, but always let them take the lead. Maybe they want to go to all of the events! Maybe they don’t! Every person in the LGBTQIA+ community is different, so listen to your friend and don’t overstep their boundaries. By showing your support openly and proudly, you affirm their sense of belonging and acceptance– whatever that support might look like.

Be Mindful of Language

Pay attention to the language you use when talking about your friend’s sexual identity. Avoid making assumptions or using language that is insensitive or offensive. Use inclusive language that respects and affirms their identity, and be open to learning and correcting yourself if you make mistakes. And when you do make mistakes– it happens!– the best thing to do is apologize sincerely and strive to do better in the future. Don’t make a big production out of the apology; drawing it out can make a newly-out person more uncomfortable than the mistake did!

Encourage Self-Care

Coming out can be an emotionally draining experience, and your friend may need extra support and self-care during this time. Encourage them to prioritize self-care activities that help them recharge and maintain their well-being, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities they enjoy.

Be Patient and Understanding

Remember that coming out is a journey, and your friend may be navigating complex emotions and experiences as they embrace their identity. Be patient and understanding as they navigate this process, and avoid imposing your own timeline or expectations on their journey. Offer your unwavering support and understanding, even if you don’t fully understand their experiences.

Respect Their Boundaries

Your friend’s comfort level and boundaries may evolve over time, and it’s essential to respect their boundaries and preferences. If they express discomfort or hesitation about discussing certain topics or participating in certain activities, honor their boundaries and avoid pressuring them to do otherwise. Respect their autonomy and agency in navigating their identity journey.

Keep Your Fears To Yourself

It’s not a secret that there are immense challenges to anybody under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella today. In the US, LGBTQIA+ human rights are under attack in many states, and you may be fearful for your friend if they live in a place or have a family situation that isn’t supportive of their identity. But their coming-out moment is not the time to express this. Trust us: Your friend knows. But they’ve chosen to come out because they need to feel like their true selves, and they chose to tell you because they feel like you’re a safe person who they can trust. Let them know that you’re there to support them, and in the moment, that’s all that matters.

Remember that at the end of the day, your friend trusting you with their sexual identity is an act of love. If you or they need additional support, reach out to the therapy team at Love Heal Grow. Our therapy team is LGBTQIA+ friendly– in fact, some of us are part of that community, too– and we’re happy to help you with any questions you may have.

[smiling-rainbow-lgbtq-helpl-blog]

How All-Inclusive Weekend Trip Programs For The LGBTQ Can Be Helpful?

Around the world, one of the most common hobbies for the majority is traveling. It’s true for almost everyone. Despite this, if you calculate carefully, you will generally notice we cancel most of our travel plans. We do that primarily for two reasons; firstly, solo traveling is quite expensive and, secondly, the lack of suitable travel buddies. Often we cancel plans because we prefer to travel…