Empowering Trans Youth: LGBTQ Therapists and Their Impact on Mental Health
As a society, we have a responsibility to ensure that all children are supported and empowered. For trans youth, this is especially important. These children are disproportionately vulnerable to discrimination and mistreatment. Which often leaves them facing mental health challenges as a result. They are made to feel like the other when they are just a part of the diversity of life.
As a parent, you want to understand and support your child while they are navigating their identity and facing the criticism of society. That's why it is important to build a support system around them, and LGBTQIA+ therapists can play an essential part in that. LGBTQIA+ therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space for trans youth to explore their identity without fear of criticism or shame.
In this blog, we will explore how LGBTQIA+ therapists can help trans youth feel seen, accepted, and empowered. But especially, how they can take a lead role in promoting positive mental health.
Challenges Faced By Trans Youth
Transgender children, and teens (and even adults!) face many unique struggles that those who are not a part of the LGBTQIA+ community do not. Trans youth are disproportionately more likely to face bullying, exclusion, and discrimination in comparison with their cisgender peers. You may have heard from your child that they feel excluded, that others verbally attack them, or that they do not feel safe at school. Which can lead them to experience anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, and a fear of “not belonging.”
Other challenges include:
Navigating their identity in a world that doesn’t yet understand or accept them
Facing prejudice and discrimination (especially in social settings, such as school)
Finding a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable and affirming of their identity\
Dealing with feelings of guilt and shame associated with their identity
Additionally, These Challenges and Feelings Can Come From a Lack of Support From Those Around Them.
From them feeling like they need to hide their true selves, or from the lack of understanding in society. For example, when your trans child came to you with their true gender identity, it can be a struggle to know how to respond and show your support. This is valid but it can cause your child anxiety as they feel like their identity isn’t validated. It can be scary to come out and share something so personal, only to be met with responses that are unsupportive or dismissive.
How LGBTQ Therapists Can Help
You may be wondering how this specific type of therapist can support your child in such a unique situation. LGBTQIA+ therapists are specialized in working with trans youth, and they understand the particular struggles this community faces. They are also specifically trained to provide a safe and affirming space for people from the LGBTQIA+ community. The therapists understand the unique experiences trans youth face in their everyday lives, in society, and in themselves. They can provide support through understanding, acceptance, and compassion.
An LGBTQ therapist in San Antonio, TX, for example, can provide your child with a safe space for trans youth so they can express themselves authentically and freely. This is crucial for trans children and teens as they are often met with judgmental and invalidating responses from people they know. Even family and friends. By helping them seek an affirming LGBTQIA+ therapist, you are showing your child that they have an ally in the exploration and acceptance of their true gender identity. Not only in their therapist but in you as well.
Benefits of Working With an LGBTQ Therapist
Trans children and teens need a support system to help them navigate the challenges they face in their lives along with celebrate the wins! You supporting your child’s identity is an essential part of this, but LGBTQIA+ therapists can play a significant role in positive mental health. Working with an LGBTQ therapist can provide them with many benefits, such as a sense of acceptance and understanding as they explore their true selves.
Other benefits can include:
Increased feelings of belonging and acceptance
Gaining insight into feelings and thoughts related to their identity
Developing positive coping skills to help them manage distress
Empowerment of expressing themselves authentically
Feeling supported and understood in their identity
Connecting with others in the LGBTQIA+ community
These are all benefits that your child can receive by working with a therapist that understands the stigmas your child faces. However, they also know what milestones in their transition are worth celebrating and supporting. You being a supportive, understanding parent or guardian, combined with the help of an affirming therapist, can be a powerful combination to create meaningful change and growth in your child.
Help Empower Your Trans Youth in LGBTQ Counseling in San Antonio, TX
It can be hard to understand as a parent or guardian how to help your child as they explore their gender identity. But supporting and affirming your child in their transition is an important aspect of empowering them. One way to do this is by helping them find an LGBTQ therapist in San Antonio, TX that can provide additional support and understanding that your child may need during their transition journey. At Monarch Behavioral Health, we know you are seeking to understand and support your child in the best way possible. That’s why we offer LGBTQ Counseling to help empower trans youth in a safe and affirming environment. If you are seeking understanding and support, you can follow these steps:
Contact our therapy office and learn more about our services
Meet with one of our play therapists
Help your child find a safe and affirming space to explore themselves!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Monarch Behavioral Health
Our therapists at Monarch Behavioral Health in Texas understand that you and your child may have more aspects of mental health to explore. This is why we offer a variety of services to help those in need. Our therapy services include Anxiety Treatment, Depression Treatment, Trauma Therapy, Autism Therapy, Child Counseling, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing support for any struggle you and your family may be facing. Our therapists also offer therapy for children, teens, and adults of all ages. If you or a member of your family have any questions, feel welcome to reach out to our office.
