Nowadays, people are coming out about their sexuality but not everyone has the confidence to do so. Some are discriminated against in school and this leads to low self esteem and guilt that can even lead to suicide. However, you can talk to therapists about your sexual orientation. You need to be careful about the person you select since some are gay affirmative. The following is a guide on how to select an LGBT psychotherapist Brooklyn.
First, find someone who is open to discussing any gay topic and issues that face these people. Spare your time to speak to a few therapists till you find one who is warm and accepting. The person should respect your background and personality without any judgment. Such people will create an environment where you can speak about your sexuality. They should also openly discuss their sexuality but only if they are gay or gay-friendly.
The next tip is checking the training and experience of the expert. Aside from the sexual orientation of the person, he or she must be a professional. Check the background education and training of the person. The person must be licensed and competent in sex therapy and other problems that face LGBT persons like depression, coming out and the diseases that they are likely to face.
Again, remember to stay away from anyone who promises to cure homosexuality. Majority of clients are desperate and want to be like straight people. Some experts take advantage of this and promise to fix the problem but it never succeeds. Situations like these are damaging and lead to further depression and low self confidence. Some people even take their lives when they fail to be fixed. Look for a person who only promises to help you find comfort in yourself.
Not every gay expert wants to talk about their sex life and others challenges they deal with. But it is only when the expert talks about issues like these freely that clients are able to open up about theirs too. So, you can call the person and or visit their office and see if their approach includes discussing issues regarding intimacy. If not, look elsewhere because you might not make any progress.
Additionally, be sure that boundaries are set. Although the person is open to talking about sex and intimacy issues, the expert should have limits or boundaries when talking about personal experiences. Sexual relationships with the expert will be a malpractice, and so there should be no sexual contact between you and the professional.
Moreover, get recommendations from the local gay and lesbian center. It is easy to find centers like these. They often know of a few psychotherapists who counsel LGBT people. Talk to these centers and get a few names and addresses. You friends also can be a trustworthy source of referrals.
Lastly, picking the right person is not very easy. Take your time and do some background checks on the person. Arranging an interview will be wise. Be keen to make some observations during the interview to find the right match.
First, find someone who is open to discussing any gay topic and issues that face these people. Spare your time to speak to a few therapists till you find one who is warm and accepting. The person should respect your background and personality without any judgment. Such people will create an environment where you can speak about your sexuality. They should also openly discuss their sexuality but only if they are gay or gay-friendly.
The next tip is checking the training and experience of the expert. Aside from the sexual orientation of the person, he or she must be a professional. Check the background education and training of the person. The person must be licensed and competent in sex therapy and other problems that face LGBT persons like depression, coming out and the diseases that they are likely to face.
Again, remember to stay away from anyone who promises to cure homosexuality. Majority of clients are desperate and want to be like straight people. Some experts take advantage of this and promise to fix the problem but it never succeeds. Situations like these are damaging and lead to further depression and low self confidence. Some people even take their lives when they fail to be fixed. Look for a person who only promises to help you find comfort in yourself.
Not every gay expert wants to talk about their sex life and others challenges they deal with. But it is only when the expert talks about issues like these freely that clients are able to open up about theirs too. So, you can call the person and or visit their office and see if their approach includes discussing issues regarding intimacy. If not, look elsewhere because you might not make any progress.
Additionally, be sure that boundaries are set. Although the person is open to talking about sex and intimacy issues, the expert should have limits or boundaries when talking about personal experiences. Sexual relationships with the expert will be a malpractice, and so there should be no sexual contact between you and the professional.
Moreover, get recommendations from the local gay and lesbian center. It is easy to find centers like these. They often know of a few psychotherapists who counsel LGBT people. Talk to these centers and get a few names and addresses. You friends also can be a trustworthy source of referrals.
Lastly, picking the right person is not very easy. Take your time and do some background checks on the person. Arranging an interview will be wise. Be keen to make some observations during the interview to find the right match.
About the Author:
You can get valuable tips on how to pick a psychotherapist and more information about an experienced LGBT psychotherapist Brooklyn area at http://www.andrewrgottlieb.com now.