When you are experiencing mental health issues, it is crucial to find the right professional who will understand your personal needs. The decision to seek help from a therapist is personal, especially for lesbian and gay people. The therapy process itself is personal which is why you should select someone you can easily relate to and understand your personal experience. Below are things to keep in mind when choosing an LGBT psychotherapist Brooklyn.
First, look for someone who understands and can relate to your life experience. A gay therapist is the best choice because he or she is going to make you feel comfortable. Such people are likely to open up about their sexual orientation. If they can do that, it means they will also be willing to listen and openly discuss your sexual life. Therefore, look for a gay therapist since they will create a safe environment where you can talk about issues that are facing you without fear.
Although psychotherapists who are members of the gay community are good, make sure they have the education and training in various issues that you are experiencing. Get someone who is certified and licensed in issues of sexuality, HIV/AIDS, self-destructive behavior and depression. The person should also have a reference list to prove that they have experience treating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Get some competent to help you with your needs.
The next step is to be aware of people who promise to fix you. Many homosexual people do not want to accept their condition and find comfort in it. They prefer psychologists who promise to fix or cure homosexuality. However, they end up disappointed after waiting for months without experiencing any change. This makes their condition worse, which is why the best therapist is the one who guides you in accepting who you are and making peace with yourself.
Before you can choose an expert, arrange an interview and find out if they will be willing to talk openly about sex and intimacy issues that affect LGBT people. It is not necessarily you select someone who is gay. However, he or she must be willing to discuss your intimacy issues as a client. If he is gay affirmative, he might not be willing to do it so look for someone who is friendly to people like you.
In addition, remember boundaries are very essential especially in the topic of sex. Although you and the psychotherapist are allowed to share about intimacy issues, be careful especially if your therapist is gay. No sexual behavior is allowed. It will be tempting but ensure to set clear boundaries since any sexual behavior or relation is a malpractice.
Asking around for recommendations from friends, relatives, or LGBT centers is another step towards finding a psychotherapist. You are not the first gay person in your area, so, talk to people with your condition and get suggestions for therapists you can visit. Word of mouth is a great source of information.
Finally, if you commit to therapy, you will find personal comfort and learn to live a safe and healthy life. But you must keep in mind the knowledge of the above points since it is only when you find the right person you will enjoy the outcome of therapy.
First, look for someone who understands and can relate to your life experience. A gay therapist is the best choice because he or she is going to make you feel comfortable. Such people are likely to open up about their sexual orientation. If they can do that, it means they will also be willing to listen and openly discuss your sexual life. Therefore, look for a gay therapist since they will create a safe environment where you can talk about issues that are facing you without fear.
Although psychotherapists who are members of the gay community are good, make sure they have the education and training in various issues that you are experiencing. Get someone who is certified and licensed in issues of sexuality, HIV/AIDS, self-destructive behavior and depression. The person should also have a reference list to prove that they have experience treating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Get some competent to help you with your needs.
The next step is to be aware of people who promise to fix you. Many homosexual people do not want to accept their condition and find comfort in it. They prefer psychologists who promise to fix or cure homosexuality. However, they end up disappointed after waiting for months without experiencing any change. This makes their condition worse, which is why the best therapist is the one who guides you in accepting who you are and making peace with yourself.
Before you can choose an expert, arrange an interview and find out if they will be willing to talk openly about sex and intimacy issues that affect LGBT people. It is not necessarily you select someone who is gay. However, he or she must be willing to discuss your intimacy issues as a client. If he is gay affirmative, he might not be willing to do it so look for someone who is friendly to people like you.
In addition, remember boundaries are very essential especially in the topic of sex. Although you and the psychotherapist are allowed to share about intimacy issues, be careful especially if your therapist is gay. No sexual behavior is allowed. It will be tempting but ensure to set clear boundaries since any sexual behavior or relation is a malpractice.
Asking around for recommendations from friends, relatives, or LGBT centers is another step towards finding a psychotherapist. You are not the first gay person in your area, so, talk to people with your condition and get suggestions for therapists you can visit. Word of mouth is a great source of information.
Finally, if you commit to therapy, you will find personal comfort and learn to live a safe and healthy life. But you must keep in mind the knowledge of the above points since it is only when you find the right person you will enjoy the outcome of therapy.
About the Author:
You can get valuable tips on how to pick a psychotherapist and more information about an experienced LGBT psychotherapist Brooklyn area at http://www.andrewrgottlieb.com now.