AFFIRMING/LGBTQIA+ THERAPY

 Support for LGBTQ+ Identity, Relationships, and Mental Health LGBTQIA Therapy in Skokie and Northfield, Illinois and Virtually

Online in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, D.C., Utah, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, and Iowa.

Like all of us, do you want to feel understood?

Do you want to talk about who you are in a safe place?

Do you feel stigmatized, devalued, isolated or disconnected from others?

Regardless of where you are in your process, we get it and we will help you not only make sense of it, but help you embrace what makes sense to you.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "LGBTQIA individuals may experience additional stressors related to their minority status and may be at higher risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse."

It's estimated that members of the LGBTQIA community  are more likely to experience mental health issues due to societal stigma, discrimination, and lack of support.  We get it!

 

Common Reasons for Therapy

Like anyone there are a range of symptoms that can affect you day to day, some of the most common ones for LGBTQIA are:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Substance abuse
  • Internalized stigma due to societal discrimination, rejection, and identity-related stress

How Therapy can help --- LGBTQIA+

  • The struggle for acceptance and understanding can take a heavy toll on your mental health. It can cause feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. It may have even led you to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or self-harm.
  • As an LGBTQIA individual, you may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations or hide your true identity in order to fit in.
  • The fear of rejection or discrimination can be overwhelming, and it can be easy to feel like you're alone in your struggles.

 

How we can help -- LGBTQIA

We offer a range of therapeutic styles, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and self-acceptance techniques. Each approach is designed to support your emotional well-being and personal growth. We’ll work together to find the best fit for you.

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

Through EFT we help clients identify, process, and regulate the complex emotions that may arise from experiences of discrimination, rejection, or internalized shame. EFT allows individuals to explore their feelings deeply, uncovering the root causes of their emotional struggles and guiding them toward healing by reconnecting with their authentic selves. By creating a space where emotions are acknowledged without judgment, we empower clients to feel seen and understood. This process fosters emotional resilience, helping individuals transform their painful experiences into sources of strength and growth.

Self Acceptance

Self-acceptance is an essential part of the therapeutic process, especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating identity-related challenges. We work collaboratively with clients to challenge negative self-beliefs and foster a more compassionate, authentic relationship with themselves. Through this approach, clients learn to embrace their true identity and develop the inner strength to face challenges without harsh self-judgment. As clients build greater self-compassion, they begin to recognize and celebrate their unique identity, free from the pressures of societal expectations. This journey toward self-acceptance promotes a deeper sense of peace and confidence, empowering LGBTQIA+ clients to live authentically and embrace their full potential in a world that may not always be supportive.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is an effective therapeutic approach for helping LGBTQIA+ individuals address negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be rooted in discrimination, rejection, or self-doubt. In CBT, we work with clients to identify distorted thinking, challenge harmful beliefs, and replace them with healthier, more realistic perspectives. By breaking the cycle of negative self-talk and maladaptive behaviors, clients can gain greater control over their emotional responses and build more adaptive coping strategies. This approach helps individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges while empowering them to develop a more positive self-image. Through CBT, LGBTQIA+ clients can strengthen their emotional resilience, improve their overall mental well-being, and navigate life with greater confidence and self-acceptance.

You deserve therapy that affirms who you are. Let’s begin.

  • If you're ready to take the first step towards fixing or amending your relationship, reach out today about LBGTQIA counseling.
  • With the help of a trained professional, you can learn the skills and strategies you need to thrive and be happy. Don't wait any longer to get the support you or your child deserves.
  • Contact me today to learn more about how LGBTQIA counseling can help you.

Ready to Begin Therapy in Skokie or Northfield?

Counseling Services at Lynn Zakeri LCSW and Associates

We offer Online Therapy, In-Person Therapy, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,  LGBTQ+, EMDR Therapy, Young Adult/College Transitions Marriage/Family/Divorce/Couples, Anxiety, Parenting, Self-Esteem and more!

Other Ways to See Lynn Zakeri!

Follow me on Tik Tok, Instagram, and Youtube @lynnzakerilcsw, where I post videos about my style and other strategies and  tips for therapy!

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