At Talking Circles Therapy & Wellness, we approach all counseling services from a positive, strengths-based stance dedicated to creating safe spaces where any person can explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors they experience in order to increase self-awareness, feel greater levels of self-acceptance, and generally lead more fulfilling lives. We understand that there is a lot for those in the LGBTQ+ community to deal with. There are numerous stressors, sources of oppression, and cultural biases that impact your life, and you still come up against the same life stuff as any cisgender/heterosexual. We are here to validate and affirm you for exactly who you are, help you cope and respond to cultural bias in a healthy way, and find the strength to live a life filled with joy and hope. When you’re ready to get started, we hope you’ll reach out to us for LGBTQ+ affirming counseling in Albuquerque, NM. You can learn more about what we offer on this page.
Affirming LGBTQ+ Individuals
It is an unfortunate truth that many in the LGBTQ+ community have a negative point of view when it comes to counseling. In the all too recent past, those who identified as other than heterosexual and cisgender were considered to have a diagnostic disorder and were often presented with therapy to help them change and become more “normal.” At Talking Circles Therapy & Wellness, we are LGBTQ+ affirmative counselors. That means our clinicians are well aware of the possibly negative feelings you have about our profession, but we are passionate about changing that through LGBTQ+ affirming counseling for our Albuquerque community.
Supporting the Needs of Individuals in Transition
In addition to being knowledgeable about general concerns within the LGBTQ+ community, our counselors are also available to offer therapy for those who are navigating a gender transition. We know that most surgeons require a visit with a therapist prior to completing gender confirmation surgeries, but we encourage those who are going through this process with or without surgical confirmation to consider visiting us. It is almost unimaginable for many of us to think of how hard it would be to not see ourselves reflected in the mirror. If you are struggling with identity dysphoria, discrimination, or you just want to gain a greater sense of self-acceptance through your journey, let’s talk.
Therapy Needs Within the LGBTQ+ Community
First and foremost, we are here to remind you that you are more than your gender identity or sexual preferences. These aspects of your personality are important and influential, and we see that. We also see the funny, smart, clever, caring, and adventurous person who is working toward a successful career, taking care of family, and trying to be the most satisfied and fulfilled version of yourself. Even though we take an approach that honors your individuality, we know that discrimination and being grouped with or made to feel “other” by our culture because of how you experience the world has a unique set of difficulties. We work with LGBTQ+ individuals who are dealing with a whole range of disordered moods (anxiety, depression, anger management), trauma (simple, complex, post-traumatic stress disorder), and other concerns. Additionally, we partner with LGBTQ+ individuals to tackle some of the many difficulties that are unique to those in an often marginalized community, including:
- Oppression and discrimination (systemic and personal)
- Bullying, verbal abuse, and violence stemming from bias, ignorance, and prejudice
- Elevated stress or even fear of the unknown as you may receive hatred or discrimination even from individuals who don’t know you
- Rejection by loved ones and communities based entirely on gender identity or sexual orientation
- Gender dysphoria or identity dysphoria
- Chronic stress related to cultural bias
Your Therapy Session
We’re here for you. Some people come into therapy with specific goals, and we can partner with you to create a plan to achieve them. In other cases, you just want help dealing with emotional distress, negative thought patterns, or general overwhelm, and talking through it in therapy can be beneficial for this as well. Your counseling sessions in our office start from a place of positive, acceptance, and generosity of spirit. Our hope for each client is that visiting with us for therapy sessions can help them find a deeper meaning or purpose in their lives, so they can live with more joy.
Get Started Today
Take that first step and contact us to schedule an appointment for counseling in Albuquerque by calling (505) 261-9770 or visit our contact page. There is never an obligation, and if we are not a good match, the Talking Circles Therapy & Wellness team is happy to provide you with a referral.