8 Ways a Therapist Can Help Someone Understand Their Homosexuality
Jun 11, 2009
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A friend of mine was worried about her 16 year old daughter who seemed to be struggling with same sex attractions. She said her daughter seemed to be depressed and was having difficulty in school socially. She didn’t know if this was a phase her daughter was going through or if she was born this way. My friend felt uncomfortable talking to people about this situation for fear her daughter would be judged harshly. She was desperate for some answers but didn’t know where to turn. She thought that seeing a counselor would cause more harm to her daughter because they would try to change her.
Do Genetics Play a Role in Forming Homosexuality?
According to the American Psychological Association, there is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture (the intimacy/relationship with their parents while growing up) both play complex roles.
If a person experiences same sex attraction, they have several options for finding encouragement, acceptance and assistance. Gay and lesbian couples can also receive help. Many people experiencing homosexuality don’t know they have resources at their fingertips to help them on their journey. Seeking a mental health professional is one option that many homosexuals avoid because they fear they will be manipulated to change.
Do Genetics Play a Role in Forming Homosexuality?
According to the American Psychological Association, there is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors. Many think that nature and nurture (the intimacy/relationship with their parents while growing up) both play complex roles.
If a person experiences same sex attraction, they have several options for finding encouragement, acceptance and assistance. Gay and lesbian couples can also receive help. Many people experiencing homosexuality don’t know they have resources at their fingertips to help them on their journey. Seeking a mental health professional is one option that many homosexuals avoid because they fear they will be manipulated to change.
Do Genetics Play a Role in Forming Homosexuality?
According to the American Psychological Association, mental health professionals must respect a person’s right to self determination; be sensitive to the client’s race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, language, and disability status when working with that client; and eliminate biases based on these factors.
If a person finds they want help in understanding their same sex attraction, seeking a mental health professional can help them in many ways. Here are just a few ways a mental health professional can help someone who is experiencing same sex attractions:
8 Ways a Mental Health Professional Can Help
1. They can explore their past and try to understand what factors may exist that might play into the present.
2. They can find a safe place to express themselves and find acceptance in a non judgmental environment.
3. They will develop tools to learn to improve their self-esteem and make changes where they can.
4. They will learn new ways of seeing themselves and have hope for a better future.
5. They will develop tools to find support and encouragement within their environment.
6. They will learn to think differently about themselves.
7. They will learn about their sexuality and where it comes from.
8. They will set goals and objectives for how to improve their quality of life
2. They can find a safe place to express themselves and find acceptance in a non judgmental environment.
3. They will develop tools to learn to improve their self-esteem and make changes where they can.
4. They will learn new ways of seeing themselves and have hope for a better future.
5. They will develop tools to find support and encouragement within their environment.
6. They will learn to think differently about themselves.
7. They will learn about their sexuality and where it comes from.
8. They will set goals and objectives for how to improve their quality of life
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