Counseling for LGBTQIA ǀ Childers Counseling Service

May 13, 2016 / Articles, LGBTQIA / Comments Off

This is an article I wrote that appeared in the West Plaza Neighborhood Association Newsletter.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA)

LGBTQIA individuals have challenges in the world that those with a heterosexual orientation do not face. Due to societal rejection and internal struggles, transsexuals have a staggering suicide rate of 50%. Further, thousands of youth are homeless because their families reject them.

Since these individuals may struggle more, they are more likely to seek therapy. However, they are less likely to stay in therapy unless they have a LGBTQIA affirming therapist. These individuals can be “allies” – a person who believes non-heterosexual orientations are normal, or who also have a LGBTQIA orientation. Check the LGBT Affirmative Therapist Guild of Greater Kansas City for a list of affirming therapists.

The Kansas City area offers a wide variety of supports for LGBTQIA, as well as their friends and family, that can be found at their website. Find more tips on living on this website, too.

Are you looking for a LGBTQIA therapist? Let's talk.

Please note, this article first appeared in the West Plaza Neighborhood Association Newsletter, May-June 2016 Issue on page 6.

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Author: Martha Childers

Martha Childers, EdS, LPC is a multicultural psychotherapist specializing in couples, grief and caregiver stress. Martha is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri and Kansas. She received her masters and education specialist degrees in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She practiced Zen through a variety of Japanese traditional arts for 3-1/2 years. Since that time, mindfulness has been an integral part of her life. Her interest in human nature, beliefs, and life styles led her to become a counselor.