LGTBQ Counseling in Stoughton

What if you were told there were only two colors- blue and red. How would you respond?

Probably like most people- with a confused laugh and glance around at all the beautiful shades of color we see every day. The notion that there are only a set number of colors isn’t going to hold up, there’s too much every day proof to show otherwise.

But when that same idea is applied to gender and sexuality, the response changes. LGBTQ rights have come a long way in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go. LGTBQ individuals are still subject to injustice, distress and pain. If this is you, Stoughton Counseling would like to welcome you to our community of support, self-growth, and healing. You should never be put down just because you see a wider array of colors.

What does LGTBQ Counseling look like?
Before growth, there has to be healing. A counselor’s first goal will be to heal any wounds you might already have. Society can wear down the soul and mind of individuals who identify with the LGTBQ community. Anxiety, depression and drug use is more prominent in LGTBQ individuals then heterosexual individuals. It is especially bad in youth, with 42% of LGTBQ youth having seriously contemplated suicide. These are worrying statistics, but we can change them, one person at a time.

Some common difficulties we talk with LGBTQ individuals include:

• Social anxiety

• Self-harm

• Depression

• Past abuse

• Eating disorders

• Family concerns

• Self esteem

• Issues in School or work

The specificities of why you are seeking help can be as wide as the gender spectrum. Our counselors are here to support you no matter what your goals are.

However, Stoughton Counseling understands that just because there isn’t something actively holding you back, doesn’t mean the climb to where you want to be will be any less difficult. Being functionable, and truly living are two very different concepts. We want to help you truly live and grow into the best person you can be.

That’s oftentimes the second goal of LGBTQ therapy. Questioning and then accepting your gender and sexuality can be a hard process, and a lot of who you think you are can shift. An outsider’s perspective on your growth and a gentle hand that can nudge you in the right direction may be what is needed when everything is spinning around us. That’s why in addition to addressing the painful experiences common among LGBTQ individuals, we can help you focus on the most important part of counseling- you!

How you identify with your gender and sexuality is a big part of who you are, but not all of it. What gets you up in the morning? What are your strengths? Your weakness? Someone (sources disagree who exactly) once said:

“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.”

Before anything, you are a human soul. A one-of-a-kind and amazing one. How do you want to present yourself to the world? What parts do you wish to strengthen? Stoughton counselors can help you with your transition to a different gender or a different mindset.

The final step is to home in on your goals for life specifically. Are you trying to ‘come out’ to your friends and family? Perhaps you want to start your own business but are apprehensive for how customers will react? Is your aim college, but are unsure how to present yourself? Stoughton Counseling is here to guide you towards your goals and away from your fears.

A counseling session with Stoughton Counseling will look differently depending on your goals and where you are in your mental health. Our counselors will meet you where you are and walk with you until we reach where you want to be. It can be hard living in a society that doesn’t see as many colors as you, but it can also be beautiful.