|
For Clients and Consumers
The Guild is dedicated to increasing the mental health and well being of Utah's sexual and gender minority population. Part of this is helping LGBTQ individuals find and connect with similar others and access quality services.
What does it mean to be LGBTQ affirming? Affirmative therapy for LGBTQ individuals is based on the premise that LGBTQ and heterosexual identities are equally valid. An LGBTQ affirmative counselor has particular knowledge, awareness (specifically self-awareness), and skills specific to competent counseling for LGBTQ individuals. While maintaining a broad view of acceptable lifestyles, LGBTQ-affirmative therapy challenges oppressive stereotypes and systems of thought, and celebrates and advocates for LGBTQ people and their relationships.*
Here is more links to helpful information:
*From Morrow, S. L., & Beckstead, A. L. (2004). Conversion therapies for same-sex attracted clients in religious conflict: Context, predisposing factors, experiences, and implications for therapy. The Counseling Psychologist, 32, 641 – 650. How Do I Find The Therapist Who Is Right For Me? Choosing the right therapist can seem difficult. It doesn't have to be. Keep in mind that the best therapist for you is one with whom you feel comfortable. You will be spending time over a period of weeks or months talking with this person and sharing personal information. It is important that you find a professional with whom you can develop a trusting, therapeutic relationship. Talking with a prospective therapist for a few minutes on the phone should give you a feel for whether or not this person will be a good match for you. It is likely that you already have some questions that you would want to know about their practice. Or, you might choose some questions from the following:
Again, finding the right therapist does not have to be difficult. Making a few phone calls and asking questions can help you with this process. Remember, the right therapist for you is the one with whom you feel comfortable. Good luck. For specific therapist information, check out the Directory page. Thank you for being willing to check out other options, information, and resources beside harming yourself or another. There are people who can help you through this crisis. If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, call these Salt Lake City resources:
If you are not located near these resources, still call one of them and they can locate resources near you. If none of these actions are helpful or if these resources are unavailable, take yourself to the nearest hospital Emergency Room. If none of these feels like a good option for you, consider speaking with a trained professional via a hotline: The Trevor Project is specifically for gay youth who are considering suicide. This website has lots of helpful information and a hotline with knowledgeable people who can talk with you. You can also call the National Hotline where a trained counselor is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. The service is free and confidential. The Gay And Lesbian National Hotline Here's another website with helpful information and options: The Gay And Lesbian National Hotline has counselors trained in LGBTQ emergency issues: http://www.glnh.org/ Please, reach out to somebody: to these crisis workers, a counselor near you or one listed in our Directory of LGBTQ-Affirmative Psychotherapists, an old friend, a family member, a minister, to somebody nearby. You may not believe it, but there are many people who genuinely want to help you feel better. Copyright Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning- Affirmative
Therapist Guild of Utah, Salt Lake City
Page Last Modified December 10, 2009. Contact Lee Beckstead for Web comments and info.
|