What Does It Mean When a Therapist Is ‘Queer Affirming’?

A therapist that is described as “queer affirming” adopts an approach to therapy wherein they are accepting, supportive, and respectful of individuals with a non-normative sexual or gender identity. The major purpose of this approach to therapy is centred around understanding the impact of intersecting identities on people that do not conform to heteronormative standards of sexuality and gender identity. 

In theory, all therapists have to be accepting and encouraging of people in the LGBTQIA+ community - however, a queer affirmative therapist has the right training and specialisation to help people cope with the challenges of the queer community. 

A queer-affirming therapist recognises that these individuals often face unique challenges and difficulties in their lives, and they are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where they can work through these issues. This type of therapy can especially be helpful for you if you’re trying to understand or learn more about your own sexuality or gender identity, 

How does queer-affirmative therapy work?

The primary goals of queer-affirming therapy are:

Understanding and accepting sexuality and gender identity

 A queer-affirming therapist can help individuals understand and accept their own sexuality and gender identity, especially if they are struggling with internalised homophobia. By working with a queer-affirming therapist, individuals can gain a better understanding of their own thoughts and feelings, and develop a more positive and healthy relationship with themselves.

Navigating challenges and obstacles

Coming out as LGBTQ+ can be met with resistance and hostility from others, which can take a toll on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. A queer-affirming therapist can help individuals navigate these challenges and develop new strategies for coping with stress and difficulties, as well as improve communication skills and build supportive relationships.

Addressing trauma and experiences

Many LGBTQ+ individuals may have experienced trauma, such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence. Queer-affirming therapy provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to process these experiences and work through any lingering emotional and psychological effects. By addressing experiences, individuals can begin to heal and move forward with a greater sense of self-acceptance and resilience.

Understanding systemic forms of oppression

Many LGBTQ+ individuals experience ongoing discrimination and marginalisation due to systemic forms of oppression such as homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. A queer-affirming therapist can help individuals understand these systemic forms of oppression and how they may be affecting their lives, and develop skills and strategies for coping with these challenges and advocating for themselves and others.

Overall, queer-affirming therapy is a critical component of holistic health and well-being for LGBTQIA+ individuals. It provides a safe and supportive space where individuals can work through their experiences and challenges, and develop a more positive and healthy relationship with themselves and others.

If you are an LGBTQIA+ individual looking for a therapist, it's important to find someone who is queer affirming, and who understands and respects your unique experiences and challenges. With the right support and guidance, you can work through any difficulties you may be facing and develop a more positive and fulfilling life.

Find queer-affirming therapists at Amaha. 

Sources: 

Affirmative therapy handout." (n.d.). North Dakota State University. Retrieved from https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/hdfs/documents/misc/Affirmative_therapy_handout.pdf

Wells San Francisco. (n.d.). What is queer-affirmative therapy? [Website]. Retrieved from https://wellsanfrancisco.com/what-is-queer-affirmative-therapy/