What Exactly Is Queer Affirming Therapy? A Guide From a Denver LGBTQ+ Therapist
At CZ Therapy Group, we've seen firsthand how hard it is for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to find therapists who understand their unique situations and needs. So if you’ve stumbled upon this, you may be wondering: What does queer-affirming therapy actually mean? Or you’re looking for resources to help you navigate your mental health journey as a queer person. Whatever it is, we’re here for you!
Let’s answer these questions not only for those seeking this type of support but also to raise awareness about the importance of providing queer-affirming therapy to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
This blog was written by a queer person and mental health advocate to directly amplify the voices and needs of the queer community.
What Is Queer Affirming Therapy?
Queer-affirming therapy in Denver, CO focuses on supporting and advocating for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. It should feel like a safe and welcoming place. Where queer people can talk about their experiences, problems, and unique points of view without worrying about being judged or treated unfairly because of their sexuality or gender. At its core, queer-affirming therapy takes into account the problems that LGBTQ+ people face. Like discrimination, stigma, and being left out. It also helps seek to validate and affirm their identities and experiences in a comfortable atmosphere to support healing.
Why is Queer Affirming Therapy in Denver, CO Essential?
In a world where laws are being passed to strip away the rights of queer people and erase their very existence from history, the nuances of the queer experience - let alone queer mental health - are often not given the attention it deserves. It's a harsh reality that the very essence of LGBTQ+ individuals is under attack. Yet, amidst all the adversity, queer affirming therapy stands as a beacon of hope. Providing a safe space where the struggles and experiences of the community are not only acknowledged but celebrated. It's a powerful tool that validates the lives and experiences of those who have been marginalized for far too long. Offering a chance for healing and growth and a healthy space of exploration for queer people.
For Providers Offering Queer Affirming Therapy in Denver, CO
Queer-affirming mental health professionals who want to open up their practice to this community should be, at a bare minimum, aware of and sensitive to the needs of the community for those reasons alone. For example, research from organizations like Mental Health America has shown that LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk of mental health issues. Issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide due to societal stigma and discrimination. This makes it even more important for mental health professionals to make sure the LGBTQIA+ community has a safe place to be seen.
Questions to Ask to Make Sure You’re Working With a Queer-Affirming Therapist
So to aid you in your journey of finding a queer-affirming therapist, here are some questions you can ask to get a sense of their understanding of and capacity to provide a safe space for queer identities.
How do you create a safe and inclusive environment in your practice?
Are you familiar with LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and challenges?
How do you recognize and address your own biases?
What is your understanding of systemic oppression and identity-based trauma?
How do you understand intersectionality and avoid making assumptions?
What It Means to be a Queer Affirming Therapist - The Basics
If you’re reading this from the point of view of someone who is seeking to open up their practice to support queer clients, here are some suggestions that may help.
1. Use Inclusive Language
It’s important to use inclusive language when working with LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes using gender-neutral language when working with clients who are non-binary, using correct pronouns for clients, asking clients about their identities from the start, and sharing your own identities with clients. This will help avoid assumptions about a client's sexuality or gender identity and will help create an atmosphere where the client can fully express who they are.
2. Provide a Safe and Inclusive Environment
The success of queer-affirming therapy depends on creating a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people from all walks of life. This may include ensuring that the physical space is welcoming and accessible for people of all body sizes and disabilities, using inclusive forms and intake processes that include gender-inclusive language, and displaying affirming symbols and resources around the space.
3. Understand Intersectionality
LGBTQ+ people have different experiences and identities. It's important to understand how these experiences interact with other parts of their identities. Like race, ethnicity, and religion. Therapists must recognize the complexity of LGBTQ+ experiences and avoid making one-off assumptions. Part of the beauty of the LGBTQ+ community is in its diversity. Therapists should aid in amplifying the beauty of these experiences.
A great resource for understanding intersectionality is looking into the work of people like Angela Davis. She has been a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalized communities for decades. Her writings on the interconnected nature of oppression and the need for solidarity among various movements have inspired generations of activists to push for a more just and equitable world.
4. Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights
By being a queer-affirming therapist, you are also an advocate for the mental health of queer people. This must include awareness of political issues and advocacy for policies that help fight against discrimination. As well as supporting LGBTQ+ groups and projects, and fighting for everyone to have equal access to mental health care.
Queer Affirming Therapy in Denver, CO
By seeking out queer-affirming therapy you are taking a bold and vibrant step in your mental health journey. At CZ Therapy Group, our team of queer and queer-affirming therapists understands the unique experiences and challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face. As well as the importance of providing a safe and inclusive space for them.
If you’re seeking support in finding a queer or queer-affirming therapist in the Denver, Colorado area or virtually, feel free to reach out for a consultation. We’re here for you.
Ready to Start Gender Affirming Therapy or LGBTQ+ Therapy in Denver, CO?
LGBTQ+ therapy in Denver, CO can provide a safe space for you to explore your identity, navigate relationships, and address mental health concerns. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards meeting one of our qualified LGBTQ+ therapists at CZ Therapy Group, who can provide the support and guidance you need to thrive.
1. Reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consult call.
2. Connect with the CZTG therapist of your choice via a phone consult.
3. Begin overcoming the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face in a healthy way!