Counseling for the LGBTQIA+ Community
at Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids
All of the therapists and counselors at Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids and The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids are affirming and supportive of our LGBTQIA+ community and have and will continue to provide excellent therapeutic services to people of all backgrounds, sexual, and gender identities. Health for Life Grands Rapids offers LGBTQ counseling
What does the acronym LGBTQIA+ stand for?
Why is it helpful to work with an LGBTQIA affirming therapist?
Although a person’s sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity may not be a source of distress, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, or any other orientation or gender identity may find that the social stigma of living as a minority is a source of stress or anxiety. Despite rapidly growing cultural acceptance of diverse sexual and romantic orientations and gender identifications, oppression, discrimination, and marginalization of LGBTQIA people persists.
Coping with discrimination and oppression, coming out to one’s family, and sorting out an “authentic” sense of self in the face of social expectations and pressures can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health concerns for LGBTQIA people. For example, research shows that youth who identify as LGBTQIA are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm, particularly when they also experience discrimination based on their sexual or gender identity.
Counseling for LGBTQIA+ Community
Margie Muñoz
Trauma Informed Counseling, Mindfulness-Based, and EMDR Therapy for Children, Teens, and Adults
Melissa Wade
Strengths-Based, Solution Focused, and Resilience Therapies for Families, Children, Teens, and Individuals
Nicole Cass
Creative Solutions and Trauma-Informed Counseling for Couples, Adults, Children, and Teens
Jennifer McKinstry
Counseling and EMDR Therapy for Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, and Spiritual Issues
Katy Jaramillo
Counseling and Art Therapy for Adults and Teens: Empowerment and Healing from Medical and Neurological Trauma + Existential Concerns
Brittani Decess
Counseling through a trauma-informed, inclusive, and equitable lens for individuals, relationships, and families.
Kathryn Barcelona
Therapy for adults and families struggling with depression, anxiety, issues, substance use recovery, etc.
LGBTQ Counseling
LGBTQIA persons seeking individual, couples or family therapy often bring concerns and life challenges that are common among all people. For example, all couples argue over many of the same things—money, sex, the in-laws, too little quality time – and all people are subject to the same kinds of daily stressors, such as mood swings, workplace stress, or low self-esteem. LGBTQ counseling understands that these common issues may be heightened for LGBTQIA clients due to the societal marginalization they experience as LGBTQIA people.
LGBTQ Counseling
An LGBTQIA affirming therapist also has experience and familiarity with helping clients address issues and concerns specifically related to sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ counseling assures that a client can engage in the therapeutic process related to these specific issues in a safe, affirming, non-judgmental environment.
When should someone see an LGBTQIA affirming therapist?
- Like all clients, LGBTQIA clients may choose an LGBTQIA therapist to address a variety of issues for which people seek individual, couples or family therapy. They also may seek help with issues specifically related to sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity, including but not limited to:
- anxiety or depression related to interactions with society, family, friends, coworkers or others regarding sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity
- questioning one’s identity and sense of self
- coming out to family, friends, or at work
- coping with discrimination, bullying, harassment or oppression
- substance abuse
- gender dysphoria
- relationship issues when one or both partners is “closeted”
