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Maternal Mental Health

Specialties

LGBTQIA+ & Trans Care

Inclusive and affirming mental health care is crucial for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Recognizing the unique challenges and experiences faced by this community, counseling professionals play a vital role in providing support, validation, and empowerment. LGBTQIA+ individuals often encounter discrimination, stigma, harassment, and marginalization, leading to increased rates of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidality. Understanding the specific challenges faced by this community is essential for counselors to provide effective support and create a safe, affirming, and inclusive therapeutic environment that respects each client as an individual.

 

Affirming and inclusive counseling practices involves creating an environment that respects, supports, and validates diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. This includes using appropriate language (i.e., pronouns, preferred name), demonstrating cultural competence, and addressing any biases or assumptions that may result in inequality of care. By fostering a safe and accepting space, counselors can facilitate the healing process and empower LGBTQIA+ individuals to explore their identities and address mental health concerns.

 

Counselors specializing in LGBTQIA+ care undergo training and education to enhance their cultural competence and knowledge base. They familiarize themselves with the unique experiences, challenges, and systemic issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and convey respect and compassion to each individual. Specialized counseling for LGBTQIA+ individuals creates space for exploration and understanding of gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and attraction. Counselors help clients navigate questions, doubts, and conflicts related to their identity, facilitating a process of self-discovery and self-acceptance. They provide support during the disclosure (also referred to as “coming-out”) process and assist clients in building resilience in navigating the social and familial aspects of their identities.

 

LGBTQIA+ individuals frequently face minority stress, which stems from societal stigma, discrimination, and prejudice. Specialized counseling at Sunglow Counseling acknowledges and addresses the impact of this stress on mental health; including the impact on medical care and physical health and distress that may arise in seeking care. Counselors work with clients to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and heal from any trauma related to their identities and experiences.

 

Resources for LGTBIA+ Folks and Allies

 

The Trevor Project:

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The Trevor Project is a leading organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth. They offer resources for counselors, including educational materials, training programs, and a 24/7 helpline. Collaborating with organizations like The Trevor Project equips counselors with the knowledge and tools to effectively support LGBTQIA+ individuals in crisis.

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Site: The Trevor Project

 

WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health):

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WPATH is a global organization dedicated to promoting evidence-based care, research, education, and advocacy for transgender and gender diverse individuals. Their Standards of Care outline best practices for providing affirming care to transgender and gender nonconforming people, including mental health support. Counselors can refer to these guidelines to ensure they are offering appropriate and informed care to transgender and gender nonconforming clients.

 

Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and GLAAD:

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These organizations advocate for the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including transgender and non-binary individuals. Counselors can access their resources and educational materials to enhance their understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues, stay updated on current best practices, and advocate for the needs of their clients.


GLMA:


GLMA is a national organization committed to ensuring health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities and equality for LGBTQ+ health professionals in their work and learning environments. Counselors can utilize GLMA for resources to educate and empower LGBTQ+ patients. 

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Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming

 

The journey of self-discovery, gender identity affirmation, and societal acceptance can be challenging for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, often giving rise to unique mental health concerns. Counselors, such as those at Sunglow Counseling and specifically Tabitha Giaquinto, Board Certified Transcare Specialist, are well-versed in transgender issues and understand that the groundwork of trust and open communication with transgender clients begins with a safe, including, and affirming environment that is free of judgment and discrimination. Counseling can provide an avenue for discussing feelings, exploring identity, and educational resources, and developing effective coping mechanisms. Additionally, counseling can aid in building a strong foundation for self-acceptance, empowering individuals to navigate their authentic lives with confidence. Counselors, such as Tabitha, who specialize in transgender care stay up to date with the latest research, terminology, legislation, and best practices to offer the most inclusive and evidence-based support. 

 

Transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals often face a host of challenges, from navigating societal prejudices and discrimination to navigating gender dysphoria and accessing gender-affirming care. Stigma, discrimination, societal marginalization, lack of acceptance, exclusion and isolation, lack of understanding, and lack of knowledgeable and accessible professionals can exacerbate and complicate mental health concerns. According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People, 64% of transgender and nonbinary young people reported that they have felt discriminated against in the past year due to their gender identity. Research consistently shows that transgender individuals are at a higher risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Nearly half of transgender and nonbinary individuals will seriously consider or attempt suicide. Affirming gender identity among transgender and nonbinary young people is consistently associated with lower rates of attempting suicide. Providing adequate mental health support in an affirming, safe, and inclusive environment is a necessity for overall health and quality of life.

 

Empowering transgender clients to advocate for themselves and build resilience is a vital aspect of therapy. Tabitha Giaquinto can help clients develop effective communication skills, set boundaries, and navigate systems that may not be inherently inclusive. Understanding and exploring one's gender identity can be a complex and sometimes confusing process. Tabitha can provide guidance and a supportive framework for clients as they explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to their gender.

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