Individual Counseling Supports LGBTQ+ Individuals During Pride Month

Individual counseling can help anyone with difficult situations. With Pride Month, it’s important to remember to take care of your mental health. Although Pride Month often serves as a fun, vibrant celebration, it can also be an opportunity to connect those struggling with mental health to resources they otherwise may not have. Take Charge Inc. offers individual counseling

The LGBTQIA+ community is one group in most need of mental health services. Pride is a celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and self-expression. Between the masses dressed in vibrant rainbow costumes and the parades filled with floats, music, and lively dancing, it can be easy to forget that this celebration draws from pivotal moments of resistance against oppression. Individual counseling is available at Take Charge in Johnson County, KS, for anyone experiencing a mental health condition, no matter how big or small.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to have a mental disorder during their lives due in part to the oppressive social factors that play a role in how they live their lives. Restrictions on people’s rights have contributed to an increase in the need for mental health services, and this need will continue to rise. The overall trend suggests that the community is more likely to experience mental health issues in comparison to their counterparts. For many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, the challenges that begin to impact their mental health start at a young age; bullying at schools to unsupportive household environments, the weight of discrimination and alienation can be felt early. Despite these challenges that are being faced, many LGBTQ+ adults and youth remain strong and cope with mental health challenges.  These are times when it’s important to remember that individual counseling is a helpful tool in healing.

Individual counseling can be highly beneficial during Pride Month for several reasons:

• Exploring identity: Pride Month often prompts individuals to reflect on their identities, including their sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersectional experiences. Individual counseling provides a supportive space for clients to explore and navigate these aspects of themselves, fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• Addressing internalized stigma: LGBTQ+ individuals may internalize societal stigma and experience shame or self-doubt related to their identities. Counseling offers a safe and non-judgmental environment to address these feelings, challenge negative beliefs, and develop healthier perspectives about oneself.
• Navigating relationships: Pride Month can bring complexities in relationships, whether with family members, partners, friends, or coworkers. Counseling can help individuals navigate these relationships, set boundaries, communicate effectively, and build supportive networks.
• Coping with discrimination: LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination, prejudice, and microaggressions in various aspects of their lives. Counseling equips clients with coping strategies to navigate these challenges, build resilience, and advocate for themselves effectively.
• Addressing mental health concerns: Pride Month can be emotionally charged, bringing up feelings of joy and pride but also anxiety, grief, or isolation, especially for those who may not feel entirely accepted or celebrated. Counseling provides a space to process these emotions, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and access support for mental health concerns.
• Setting goals for personal growth: Pride Month can inspire individuals to set goals for personal development, whether related to self-expression, activism, community involvement, or career aspirations. Counseling supports clients in clarifying their goals, overcoming obstacles, and creating action plans to achieve them.
• Celebrating progress and resilience: Pride Month celebrates the resilience, strength, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Counseling can be a place to acknowledge and celebrate personal growth, achievements, and milestones, reinforcing a sense of pride and empowerment.

As a member of the community or as an ally, you can engage in rallies, advocate for the community, vote against restrictive laws, share helpful information, or donate to local organizations. Taking on the challenges of mental health conditions, health coverage, and the stigma of mental illness requires all of us. No one should feel alone or without the support and help they need. For more information about individual counseling in Overland Park, KS, contact Take Charge, Inc. at (913) 239-8255.