Family Counseling for Families of LGBTQ+ Youth
The challenges that LGBTQ+ youth often face - mental health, self esteem, societal and social, and more - can affect not only them, but can also have an impact on family members. Parents and siblings often worry about their well being, or may not know how to best support and affirm them. Siblings may become jealous of the attention focused on their LGBTQ+ sibling. Without support, family members may not understand their identity or may have questions that they don’t know how to ask. LGBTQ+ youth can be hurt or angered by this, which can lead to tension or conflict in the household. There is an enormous weight to be shouldered, just trying to keep the family together. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Envision that weight being lifted when your family is able to communicate openly, understand each other better and know how to best support and validate one another. The tension is gone, and in its place is a feeling of connectedness and security. Everyone feels heard, loved, respected and safe. There is less fighting, worry and isolation. When there is conflict, you are confident in your family’s ability to resolve it. Your family is a united front, validating and celebrating your LGBTQ+ child’s authentic self, and your child is so much happier and healthier because of this.
Through Family Counseling sessions, I will help your family learn to communicate in more effective ways, listen to and understand each other better and support one another so that each individual can thrive. Whether the session is with parent(s) only, parent(s) and child, siblings, the whole family, or any other combination, I will meet your family where you are on your journey and help you to move forward in a healthier, more balanced way. I offer in-person and telehealth sessions using Simple Practice's secure Client Portal.
Get the support you and your family need by calling or emailing today. You don't have to do this alone!