LGBTQIA+ is a term widely used to represent many of the descriptors someone might have for their sexual orientation and gender identity. However, this term is becoming outdated because it is not fully inclusive of many identities. Instead, many psychologists use the term “Sexual and Gender Minority” or “SGM” to describe these identity terms. This “umbrella” term can be broken down into the two separate but distinct parts: sexual minority (sexual orientation) and gender minority (gender identity). Many individuals identify as a sexual minority, a gender minority, or both.
Dr. McDonald has special experience and training that sets him apart from other providers who offer services to the SGM community. He has a great deal of experience in working with youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity, have decided to “come out” to their family and friends, or are actively starting a social or physical gender transition.
Call us today to make an appointment, or continue scrolling to learn how therapy can help you or your child.
Dr. McDonald has special experience and training that sets him apart from other providers who offer services to the SGM community. He has a great deal of experience in working with youth who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity, have decided to “come out” to their family and friends, or are actively starting a social or physical gender transition.
Call us today to make an appointment, or continue scrolling to learn how therapy can help you or your child.
Family Acceptance
One of the major factors determining the future physical and mental health of SGM individuals is the amount of family acceptance that they experience. Unfortunately, many parents find themselves ill-equipped to understand or be supportive of their SGM children. They may feel alone, confused, and very concerned about their child’s future. They may even be going through a grief process where they are mourning the loss of the expectations that they had for their child. This is natural, understandable, and appropriate. However, children need and want their parents’ support, and often want immediate, full acceptance. Finding ways to come together and build on family strengths is critically important in making sure that SGM youth stay happy and healthy. Family Therapy can be a great venue for having these discussions and finding common ground.
Coming Out
“Coming out” can be very difficult, as it can involve conflict with family members, difficulties with friends, and feeling lost in the world. Individual Therapy can offer a judgement-free space where someone is free to explore what it means to be SGM and how they can be true to themselves and their own values. Therapists can also help patients build skills to tolerate adversity.
Minority Stress
Sexual minority individuals face discrimination, non-acceptance, and hatred in many parts of our society. Stress resulting from this situation has been shown to directly impact health. Therapy can help build resilience to the stress and difficulties that SGM adolescents and young adults must sometimes face in their daily lives.
Self-Hatred / Internalized Negativity
Every person is subjected to ideas about themselves that they internalize, whether it’s about what they should look like, or how they should act. For SGM youth, they’re frequently bombarded with messages that they are somehow broken, not good enough, or not valuable as people. Unfortunately, many SGM youth internalize these messages and begin a cycle of internalized hatred for themselves. Therapy offers a chance to change those perceptions and build pride and strength.
Transitioning
Transitioning is the process by which an individual re-invents how they choose to present themselves to the world. It’s an incredibly involved and difficult process, but the result can be a much happier and healthier life when it’s done with care and support. Current WPATH (World Professional Organization for Transgender Health) guidelines recommend having an individual psychotherapist to help you through the process. Your therapist can help you explore who you truly are and understand which aspects of yourself you wish to change while building pride and self-confidence in your identity. In addition, many people find therapists helpful in building skills to tolerate the adversity that they may experience during the transition process.
Dr. McDonald has years of experience working with transgender adolescents and young adults at different parts of their transition. As a result, North Texas Adolescent and Young Adult Psychology does not believe in a “gatekeeper” model of healthcare with regard to gender identity. We can assist you with working with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and other healthcare team members to help you manage the emotional and mental health aspects of your transition process.
Dr. McDonald has years of experience working with transgender adolescents and young adults at different parts of their transition. As a result, North Texas Adolescent and Young Adult Psychology does not believe in a “gatekeeper” model of healthcare with regard to gender identity. We can assist you with working with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and other healthcare team members to help you manage the emotional and mental health aspects of your transition process.
Relationships and Parenting
As SGM youth become SGM adults, they frequently find that there is not a place where they can feel supported as they pursue committed adult relationships and begin to start families. Often, being a sexual or gender minority adds additional complexity and stress to already stressful situations. Individual Therapy can offer you a place to build problem-solving and stress-management skills to be better equipped to manage the difficulties you’re facing: dating, marriage, adoption, surrogacy, or parenting.
