I'm gay and been to counseling. The big one I can think of is just reassuring clients that you're an ally. That may depend where you practice, but it really matters in conservative areas like mine where that can't just be assumed.
And I've also had a couple counselors who seemed really fixated on heteronormative/cisnormative gender roles, so probably avoid that (although the fact that you made this post leads me to believe you already know this)
I appreciate you sharing your perspective.
I am currently living in a Midwest city. Since it's a big college town, it has a mix of support and hate... The surrounding countryside is certainly intolerant. I was originally going to include that in the text body, but didn't want to make it too long.
I definitely plan on being up front about being an ally in my bio once I'm practicing. I plan on getting involved with a local LGBTQ+ youth organization downtown as well.
As for gender roles, I don't really support them. I believe in egalitarian relationships and gender fluidity.
The best counseling I got was from a hospital therapist when I was just coming out. Or coming to terms with it. He was straight, religious, mid-60s, married. He helped me realize that society really wouldn't see me differently and that my life and dreams weren't going to be different just because I was also falling in love with men. But he still offered me the choice or going back if that was what I was most comfortable with.
In the end, I think I had already made my mind up before that counselor even saw me. But him being a reassuring presence in a very vulnerable and stressful moment meant a lot to me. His help made me advise other friends and family going through similar struggles to get counseling, and it's totally changed their lives for the better, too. Having outside help, free from the potential conflicts of interest with getting similar help from friends and family, is really nice.
If you want to become a better resource, I'd start by making more LGBT+ friends. It will give you better insight into people's lives and struggles. But it's also just healthy to have a diverse mix of friends. Broadens your horizons. :)
If you want to become a better resource, I'd start by making more LGBT+ friends.
I absolutely agree with you and I'm hoping to do just that. I have trouble making/keeping friends in general due to life's inherent chaos. The older I get, the harder it seems to be to make new friends. In undergrad, I'd make good friends for that semester, and then slowly lose touch after the semester ended.
Being naturally introverted makes it a bit of a challenge too. I've thought about going to a local bar that isn't exclusively a gay bar, but it is very inclusive and popular with the local LGBTQ+ community. There's also a really great support organization downtown that welcomes volunteers, and I plan to pursue that for sure.
I'm gay, but I don't really have much of an input in this. I've only had one therapist n she's been amazing.
I just wanted to say thank you for being such a cool person. I so so wish the world had more people like you. I'm sure you'll be a great therapist/councillor!!!
Thanks for the encouragement!
I had such bad imposter syndrome as a caseworker, so I know I'm going to have it as a counselor as well haha.
I want to be as prepared as I can be.
Be accepting of plural and otherkin patients.
I fully believe in non-judgmental care. I'm not going to judge someone for their identity.
And as far as I'm aware, the general modern consensus in psychology is not to pathologize such identities as the medical model likes to do.
That's not to say that counselors don't bring their own implicit biases into practice though....
Hey, I'm a queer counsellor, and I run training seminars on gender and sexual diversity.
Nothing you can't learn online, I'd be happy to share the resources I use on those days anyway. PM your email if you want.
Just sent you a PM, thanks!
I think it's funny but I feel like PM vs DM demonstrates age range. I also say PM, but most people seem to say DM now.