If you’re looking for new LGBTQ-friendly counseling in an area like Lehi, Utah, then there are a few things you should consider when making a decision. It’s important to find a counselor who has experience in the areas you feel you need help, like LGBTQ-related issues. If you’re struggling from depression, anxiety, loneliness, acceptance, or any other identity-related struggles, you want whichever counselor you entrust with your concerns to be competent and capable of handling them. You don’t want to get to your session and realize this therapist has no LGBTQ counseling experience, or specializes only in one type of practice. So before you have a real session, a consultation can help determine if an LGBTQ-friendly counselor will be the right choice for you. At this consultation, there are a few questions you should ask:
“Have you worked with individuals experiencing similar concerns and issues as me?” This is a great question to ask to help determine right off the bat if this therapist has the knowledge to treat you. Clinical support for LGBTQ-related struggles can require certain skill sets that other treatment types don’t require.
“How do you think therapy can help me?” You don’t want to go into counseling without understanding what you’re going to gain from it. Although you may not know exactly when the techniques your therapist uses are occurring, it is important for you to have a general understanding of how LGBTQ counseling will be helpful.
“Can you tell me about your approach?” There are so many different schools of thought and techniques that counselors utilize in their practices, and there is no one correct way to do things. However, you want to make sure a therapist’s approach is a style that works for you, and won’t hinder your progress.
“Do you think I should consider medication?” Although medication may not be the right plan for everyone, this is a good topic to discuss with your counselor. Even though therapists typically do not prescribe medication, they are trained in recognizing when someone may need to pursue both treatment options. Typically, the school of thought here is that you don’t always need medication with counseling, but you should never have medication without counseling.
Now that you are armed with some questions to ask a prospective LGBTQ-friendly counselor, you’re ready to go to a counseling consultation. Hopefully, with these ideas in mind, you’ll be able to find a mental health professional who is compassionate, capable, and has the knowledge to get you the help you need. If you’re looking for counseling that is LGBTQ-friendly in Lehi, Utah, then Little Peace of Hafen can help. Give us a call today. We serve Lehi and surrounding areas.
Little Peace of Hafen offers compassionate mental health counseling for a variety of struggles. If you’re looking for LGBTQ-friendly counseling in Lehi or other Utah areas, Little Peace of Hafen can help.
