Therapy for Young People identifying as LGBT+
As a qualified integrative counsellor, I have long felt that more needs to be said about working with clients identifying as LGBT+. My passion for work with this client group has grown since training and delivering services to LGBT+ communities within an organisation which had set up to meet the needs of this specific group. In all respects, no group in society is immune to the impact of emotional challenges and mental health – and these challenges affect us all in unique ways. However, we are increasingly becoming aware of what LGBT+ communities have to confront within their homes, work settings and social circles, which needs an additional level of understanding.
To illustrate, a 2016 study by the NIESR reviewed evidence of inequalities facing LGBT+ communities in the UK. The study, which dealt with almost 110,000 respondents, revealed
greater experiences of hate crime, discrimination and bullying for LGBT+ communities.
3% of individuals surveyed had not been open about being LGBT+ with their friends
24% had not been able to share this information with any family members.
higher rates of attempted suicide, self-harm, anxiety and depression
difficulties in accessing mental health services
So, it isn’t easy – the same, and additional challenges have to be managed if you’re a young person and LGBT+.
Stigma and Shame
I have found with a number of my LGBT+ clients that when they arrive for counselling, this is the often first time they have talked about their thoughts and feelings around their sexuality or gender identity. For something they live with each day of their lives, I always find this astounding.
Where the stigma of accessing emotional support for the wider population has got less in recent decades, I have seen there can still be a lot of shame involved in reaching out for support if you identify as LGBT+. It’s so important that shame or embarrassment does not obstruct access to services – I would always encourage LGBT+ communities to reach out for therapy, just like anyone else would.
Building Trust in the Therapeutic Relationship
I believe that the relationship between the client and the therapist is a fundamental part of the work, whatever the context or needs of the client. Providing an environment in the room where the client can feel accepted, safe and not judged is key to overcoming initial nerves and hesitations. Such unconditional positive regard and listening opens space within which exploration of feelings and challenges becomes possible, and shame can be replaced with possibility and growth. That's one important way counselling can help.
Transgender Issues & Families
As a parent of a transgender young person, I know how difficult things can feel. I use this personal experience at home when supporting other parents who want to learn how to respond to their young person when they come out as transgender. Whilst no parent has exactly the same issues to contend with, some insight on the part of the counsellor into the way it might be feeling for these young people and their parents or siblings can help a great deal. It allows recognition of what thoughts may be running through the mind of young people, and how it feels. This can be a great starting point.
Supporting parents is an area I feel is too often overlooked. Providing support for parents and siblings, is a fundamental part of supporting the whole family system. Helping and encouraging parents to understand what’s at stake, and how best to respond, can in turn make life so much easier for the young person, as they make their journey into adulthood.
Mental Health Needs and Barriers to Help Seeking - What Studies Show
The Trevor Project 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health examined some of the barriers that prevent LGBT+ clients reaching out for help. It showed that of 34,000 youth surveyed (between the age of 13-24yrs) over 80% wanted to access mental health support, but 60% of these individuals were not able to get it. The survey also demonstrated that rates of suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBT+ young people over a three year period. This graphic shows how worrying the issue is;
As you can see from these figures, the fear of discussing mental health concerns, or not being understood or taken seriously, are key obstructions to seeking appropriate help and support. Now that can’t be a safe foundation for counselling to begin and becomes a primary port of intervention.
Overcoming Barriers
I feel as an LGBT+ affirmative counsellor, all services should create an environment that is safe, informed and non-judgemental. Where we walk alongside our clients on their journey, counsellors and therapists need to be receptive about who the person before them is, how they wish to live and express themselves, and listen actively to what will help achieve the most fulfilling life they wish to have.
Making Progress
Some of the client’s I have worked see progress from the very 1st session – that’s how powerful a safe reflective space can be. Others may need a few sessions to settle in. The difference counselling can make is such a privilege to see. I’ve watched as individuals struggle to open up about their gender, to eventually feeling more comfortable in showing up to sessions without having to hide or cover over their sense of authentic self. The liberation that brings, is indescribable. The Counselling space may be the first time the client has been able to be who they are.
I’ve seen clients come in wearing what they want to for the very first time - the expression on their faces speaks a thousand words, communicating just what that means to them. Clients have commented on how they feel happier and more enabled than they’ve ever felt before. I believe that the non-judgemental space and the therapeutic relationship we build up together makes this possible. There really is a future where LGBT+ clients can be who they are and feel at ease with this. It’s otherwise very difficult to gain any sense of self-actualisation or build a sense of self-worth and hope. Everybody deserves that chance.
Further Help
I encourage anyone reading this to reach out for support if you need it. Let’s normalise therapy for this, and all client groups, within an inclusive and accepting frame. Let’s work to give LGBT+ clients the confidence and trust that is a pre-requisite to seeking out mental health support.
If you need more information, do look at charities such as;
Birmingham LGBT - can be accessed at www.blgbt.org - this organisation aims to raise awareness of the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Birmingham and beyond, whilst also advocating for their needs.
You can also look for support groups through organisations such as Wolverhampton LGBT+ (formally known at Wolverhampton LGBT+ Alliance) which was established to facilitate greater inclusion for members of the LGBT+ community within Wolverhampton and the Black Country – see www.wolverhamptonlgbt.org
Parents can access information to support their trans youth via www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
Hayley Clayton / Counsellor
Hayley is a qualified integrative counsellor, offering services at Solihull Well Being Clinic. She draws on different types of therapy styles to tailor an approach specifically for her clients, mainly based on person-centered, CBT and psychodynamic modalities. She has a special interest and experience in working with clients from LGBT+ communities, especially when they are young people.
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