A lot of people think that psychotherapy is only for the people dealing with depression, anxiety, and other life issues. Talking about your thoughts and desires to someone who is nonjudgmental is beneficial especially for lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender people. These people often have a problem deciding the type of psychologist to see. However, the decision should be personal and nobody should be coerced to do it. Here are the tips for choosing an LGBT psychotherapist Brooklyn.
First, find someone who is open to discussing any gay topic and issues that face these people. Spare your time to speak to a few therapists till you find one who is warm and accepting. The person should respect your background and personality without any judgment. Such people will create an environment where you can speak about your sexuality. They should also openly discuss their sexuality but only if they are gay or gay-friendly.
Also, keep in mind that you should not overemphasize on the sexual orientation of the expert. Inquire about the background education, training, and experience. The person should not necessarily have all the knowledge in issues that affect LGBT persons. However, they should have knowledge and experience in the problems you are facing like guilt, depression and other sexuality issues.
Again, remember to stay away from anyone who promises to cure homosexuality. Majority of clients are desperate and want to be like straight people. Some experts take advantage of this and promise to fix the problem but it never succeeds. Situations like these are damaging and lead to further depression and low self confidence. Some people even take their lives when they fail to be fixed. Look for a person who only promises to help you find comfort in yourself.
Not every gay expert wants to talk about their sex life and others challenges they deal with. But it is only when the expert talks about issues like these freely that clients are able to open up about theirs too. So, you can call the person and or visit their office and see if their approach includes discussing issues regarding intimacy. If not, look elsewhere because you might not make any progress.
Additionally, be sure that boundaries are set. Although the person is open to talking about sex and intimacy issues, the expert should have limits or boundaries when talking about personal experiences. Sexual relationships with the expert will be a malpractice, and so there should be no sexual contact between you and the professional.
Moreover, get recommendations from the local gay and lesbian center. It is easy to find centers like these. They often know of a few psychotherapists who counsel LGBT people. Talk to these centers and get a few names and addresses. You friends also can be a trustworthy source of referrals.
Finally, if you commit to therapy, you will find personal comfort and learn to live a safe and healthy life. But you must keep in mind the knowledge of the above points since it is only when you find the right person you will enjoy the outcome of therapy.
First, find someone who is open to discussing any gay topic and issues that face these people. Spare your time to speak to a few therapists till you find one who is warm and accepting. The person should respect your background and personality without any judgment. Such people will create an environment where you can speak about your sexuality. They should also openly discuss their sexuality but only if they are gay or gay-friendly.
Also, keep in mind that you should not overemphasize on the sexual orientation of the expert. Inquire about the background education, training, and experience. The person should not necessarily have all the knowledge in issues that affect LGBT persons. However, they should have knowledge and experience in the problems you are facing like guilt, depression and other sexuality issues.
Again, remember to stay away from anyone who promises to cure homosexuality. Majority of clients are desperate and want to be like straight people. Some experts take advantage of this and promise to fix the problem but it never succeeds. Situations like these are damaging and lead to further depression and low self confidence. Some people even take their lives when they fail to be fixed. Look for a person who only promises to help you find comfort in yourself.
Not every gay expert wants to talk about their sex life and others challenges they deal with. But it is only when the expert talks about issues like these freely that clients are able to open up about theirs too. So, you can call the person and or visit their office and see if their approach includes discussing issues regarding intimacy. If not, look elsewhere because you might not make any progress.
Additionally, be sure that boundaries are set. Although the person is open to talking about sex and intimacy issues, the expert should have limits or boundaries when talking about personal experiences. Sexual relationships with the expert will be a malpractice, and so there should be no sexual contact between you and the professional.
Moreover, get recommendations from the local gay and lesbian center. It is easy to find centers like these. They often know of a few psychotherapists who counsel LGBT people. Talk to these centers and get a few names and addresses. You friends also can be a trustworthy source of referrals.
Finally, if you commit to therapy, you will find personal comfort and learn to live a safe and healthy life. But you must keep in mind the knowledge of the above points since it is only when you find the right person you will enjoy the outcome of therapy.
About the Author:
You can get valuable tips on how to pick a psychotherapist and more information about an experienced LGBT psychotherapist Brooklyn area at http://www.andrewrgottlieb.com now.
