Identity House Groups And LGBTQ Counseling NY

By James Jones


There are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered health centers and there are community centers. When it comes to LGBTQ Counseling NY, there are independent counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists and there is Identity House. Identity House is a community center which offers LGBTQ individuals peer counseling on an appointment and walk-in basis. Although, if an individual is having thoughts of suicide, it is often advised that one call 911 and go to an emergency room and seek assistance.

In some regards the LGBTQ community has made a lot of progress when it comes to acceptance and equality. Whereas, in other ways it seems the community is moving backward in time. For example, the removal of transgendered individuals from military service represents some of this backtracking with regard to equal rights. Whereas, in other areas, such as with bisexual men, negative press tends to hamper any potential progress.

One place of safety which offers these services is that of Identity House. Identity house offers appointments or sees walk-ins on multiple nights. With most sessions lasting two to four hours, individuals are provided with peer-to-peer counseling by others in the community.As the organization is run by an in-house staff along with a number of volunteers, many of the volunteers also see counselors at the center. As a result, many of these individuals have a greater understanding when it comes to the needs of community members.

While the walk-in center offers peer counseling and referrals, there are also support groups which individuals can attend on a regular basis. Whether Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay or Transgendered, all are welcome. For, the goal of the peer counselors is to prove a safe and secure place for people in the community to vent. In fact, the theme of the walk-in center is you talk, we listen.

Aging in the community is something that has rarely been addressed in the past. Although, as many members of the LGBTQ community are now approaching senior status, it is one that has become of interest as of late. As such, seniors in the community often meet at the center to discuss various issues related to the aging process.

As volunteers often track issues related to the LGBTQ community in the news, the center tends to offer support groups related to gender, orientation and health issues throughout the course of the year. In addition, there are often themed groups related to specific issues related to various groups under the LGBTQ umbrella.

The Identity House Coming Out support group is often one of the most popular and ongoing groups. For, there are always people discovering personal gender identities and sexual orientation or coming out of the closet. As such, this particular support group is often one that is held on a regular basis. There are other groups which assist those going through the sex change process and others with issues related to aging, overall health and well being.

In addition to the groups which meet on a regular basis, there are also a number of workshops and other events offered on an annual or semi-annual basis. Whereas, there are also workshops and events which can range from a weekend to a few weeks in length which are a one time happening. As such, the center also provides a great deal of knowledge, wisdom and entertainment to those whom frequent the center.




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