Children, teens, young adults, and adults of any age can use support when facing questions related to sexuality, gender identity, developing a healthy and positive sense of self, and increasing resilience in the face of unsupportive people in the community, schools, the workplace, or in their own families. Trouble can arise when an individual feels they are alone and do not know who to trust with these questions or struggles. It is important that they know LGBTQIA-Affirmative therapists are here to support them. It is important that they know they can find a therapist whom they do not have to fully educate about their experiences, educate about pronouns or terms, or educate about issues of coming out or transitioning.
Do not hesitate to seek help from a trusted therapist to help with symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, or substance abuse as you face the challenges of living in a society which unfortunately continues to support prejudice, stigma, and situations where you feel you must hide your authentic self. We are lucky to live where support and acceptance are more common than other parts of the country, but that does not mean that prejudice does not exist here -- unfortunately LGBTQIA individuals and families are still experiencing these things at a local level.
Family members may also need support from someone who has the personal experience as a family member of a queer/trans young adult and who also has years of experience and training related to working with LGBTQIA individuals. They need a safe space to talk about their worries, their struggles, and to build up their resources to provide the best support they can to their LGBTQIA family member. I am here to provide that support and I do not shy away from any questions or any topics.
I am a referral partner with the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and the San Diego LGBT Community Center. I got my start as an intern at the San Diego LGBT Community Center working with HIV+ individuals and couples in the mid-1990's. Since that time, I have worked with many individuals, couples, and families of all ages seeking support related to their sexuality, gender identity, coming out, transitioning, developing healthy relationships and a healthy sense of self, as well as providing support to family members of those coming out and transitioning. I regularly attend trainings in the areas of working with LGBTQIA children, adolescents, and adults to expand my knowledge and keep it up to date.