New articles posted on dealing with anti-LGBT marriage legislature.
The Guild is dedicated to increasing the mental health and well being of Utah's sexual and gender minority population. Part of this is finding and connecting with similar others and accessing quality services.
What does it mean to be LGBTQ affirming?
Affirmative therapy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning individuals is based on the premise that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning (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.*
The American Psychological Association has published the Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Clients. You can find a copy of the guidelines here.
Click here for the “What a Competent Counselor Will Do” guidelines created by the Association for Gay, Lesbian, & Bisexual Issues in Counseling.
For more information, check out the American Psychological Association’s Division 44, The Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues. This professional organization focuses on the diversity of human sexual orientations by supporting research, promoting relevant education, and affecting professional and public policy.
*
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.
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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:
- What is your view of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and their relationships?
- How do you generally work with LGBTQ people?
- Do you see individuals? Couples? Families? Groups?
- What’s your experience with treating other people with problems similar to mine?
- What type of professional education do you have?
- What kind of training have you had in working with the LGBTQ population?
- How do you describe your professional orientation to therapy?
- How long have you been in practice?
- Where is your office located?
- What are your usual office hours?
- What are your fees?
- Are you able to accept my insurance?
- Do you have a sliding fee scale? How does it work?
- How soon would you be able to see me?
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.
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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:
- Crisis Worker at the University of Utah at Neuropsychiatric Unit (24 hours)
(801) 583-2500
- Crisis Worker at Valley Mental Health
(801) 261-1442
- Crisis Worker at University Hospital
(801) 581-2121
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.
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
Monday - Friday 6pm-10pm and
Saturday noon-5pm EST.
National toll-free number
1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)
Here's another website with helpful information and options:
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
Consider calling The Gay And Lesbian National Hotline to speak with a counselor 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