Counseling & Support for the LGBTQ+IA Community

Mental health is one of the most essential parts of being healthy. It can drive much of our daily life. At Well Life Therapy, we understand and acknowledge that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+IA) community faces these challenges just like everyone else. But they may experience even more hurdles to caring for their mental health. This is usually related to prejudices that exist today.

LGBTQ+IA individuals are likelier to experience a mental illness like depression or anxiety. And the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses can keep people from seeking help. A recent study found 61% have depression, 45% have PTSD, and 36% have an anxiety disorder. Additionally, 40 percent of transgender individuals have attempted suicide in their lifetime. This is nearly 9 times the overall rate in the United States.

We need to live as we identify and be loved as we are. When we have these things, we experience less stress and increased self-esteem. The research studies done on identity show that when we can accept our identity, we feel whole. This allows us to feel more confident about who we are.

Well Life Therapy clinicians are committed allies. We have created a positive space both in our offices as well as via telehealth. We understand that this requires multiple layers of action that demonstrate to the LGBTQ+IA community that their identity and concerns are important and normalized as part of the diversity within all client populations.

How do we create an LGBTQ+IA-positive space in a healthcare setting?

  • Use of inclusive language in our assessment process and intake paperwork.

  • Reflect back our clients’ language, including their names and personal pronouns.

  • We will not make assumptions about a client’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

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  • We will display posters, pamphlets and/or signs that are inclusive of the LGBTQ+IA community.

  • We will offer gender-inclusive bathrooms.

  • We will post a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

  • We will accept and celebrate diversity.

How will we be supportive to the LGBTQ+IA community and maintain our allyship?

  • We will consistently reflect on our own reactions and feelings while creating a safe place for our clinical staff to share, grow and learn together.

  • We will examine our own language use.

  • We will speak up when we hear and see discrimination, insensitivity, and gaps in knowledge.

  • We will lift others by advocating.

  • We will advocate for policy changes that are LGBTQ-affirmative.

  • We will include gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in a zero-tolerance discrimination policy.

  • We will recognize systematic inequalities and realize the impact of micro-aggressions.

  • We will believe underrepresented people’s experiences.

  • Most importantly – We will listen, support, self-reflect & change.

Mental Health Counseling in East Berlin, CT

Well Life Therapy provides individual psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, stress, and more in East Berlin, CT. We also serve Portland, Cromwell, East Hampton, Durham, Meriden, Rocky Hill, Newington, Wethersfield, Southington, New Britain, Wesleyan University, and the surrounding areas.