Exploring your sexuality can bring questions about identity, relationships and where you fit. Having a supportive and non-judgemental space to talk openly can help you understand yourself and feel more comfortable with who you are.
Sexuality is a complex journey for any person and can be confusing at many times. The LGBTQIA+ community is a spectrum of sexuality, romantic and gender identities that aren’t cisgender (the gender you were assigned at birth) and heterosexual, ranging from the following and more: lesbian (L), gay (G), bisexual (B), transgender (T), queer (Q), intersex (I), asexual (A), pansexual, aromantic, nonbinary or gender non-conforming, and more. Though there are many labels a person may identify as these are the most common identities people may come across.
Choosing to seek support during this time is a wonderful step. Whether you are struggling to come to terms with your sexuality, or are concerned about what effect this might have on your relationships, it may be a challenging time. Things may feel different, but it’s important to recognise that nothing about yourself has changed except for your realisation of a part of yourself. Our team understands that this can be a frightening, uneasy and sometimes un-safe experience.
As an LGBTQIA+ or questioning person, you do not need to be “fixed” or “healed”: your sexuality is a part of you just as it is for heterosexual and cisgender people. There’s no right time or age to be discovering sexuality, and developing romantic preferences or lack thereof is something that happens over time.
We are here to help you during this period of discovery, with empathetic and non-judgemental support and advice. Individual, evidence-based guidance may be given through options like strength-based approaches, stress management, mindfulness, and acceptance commitment, among others. Regardless of what approach you want to take, we’re here to support you. Remember that you are deserving love, support and validation.
Whatever brings you here, we’re here to help you find support that feels right for you. Our experienced team provides thoughtful, evidence-based care for children, teens, adults, couples and families, in-person and via telehealth.