When your teen has come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, or has another gender or sexual identity they prefer, you may hear them refer to themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community. This is a community of people who identify in a certain way and seek acceptance, understanding, and reassurance as well as just plain socialization.

Your teen may benefit from LGBTQ+ therapy sessions, and you can, too, even if the entire family is fully accepting of your teen's lifestyle and natural ways. A gender-affirming therapist can guide certain therapy sessions that can be beneficial in more ways than one. Here are a few reasons why your teen would want to consider therapy sessions like this.

They can meet other people

Therapy doesn't always have to be about discussing problems or issues. Often, therapy is just about opening up to a group of people who all have something in common. Your teen can meet a bunch of people they can relate to in LGBTQ+ therapy sessions, especially if they live in a smaller town or don't know many people like themselves. Your teen can go to group or individualized therapy; they can meet people either way.

They can fully express themselves

Part of what makes a group therapy or traditional therapy session successful is how people learn to fully express themselves. Your teen can learn new ways to bring out their feelings, concerns, anger, or even confusion in a healthy way so you and others can both understand and help them. You can also learn new ways to relate to your teen if you take similar sessions yourself.

They can address underlying issues

With any self-discovery comes doubt, fear, and other issues. You want to give your teen the opportunity to express how they feel in a way where they can address their emotions more readily and can prepare themselves mentally for some challenges they may face ahead. Perhaps your teen is still confused or concerned about their sexuality, or they don't fully trust you or another family member to be unbiased and not judgemental. Whatever your teen's concerns are, they can address them by working with a gender-affirming therapist and going to LGBTQ+ therapy sessions.

You can go to the first session with your teen if they want you to. Let your teenager go to therapy at their own pace so they feel more in control and are able to get the most out of their experience. For more information about LGTBQ+ therapy sessions, contact a local service.

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