Our sexuality can form a considerable portion of who we are and our identity. However, those who don’t fit in with the definition of society’s heteronormative ideal can be against constant challenges. People can identify themselves as LGBTQ+, gay, queer, lesbian, pansexual, bisexual, transexual, asexual, non-binary, or some may still be contemplating. Some may perceive them to be ‘different,’ and they continuously face discrimination and get bullied. We will explore sexuality in-depth, find support from a clinical sexuality counsellor or sexuality counselling psychologist in India, and address various concerns.
Though this is changing slowly, we are moving forward in terms of acceptance, but we still have a long way to go. The World Health Organisation removed ‘homosexuality as a formal psychiatric diagnosis in the year 1992 itself.
The bitter fact is that being LGBTQ+ does not cause any mental condition, but dealing with other people’s unfavourable reactions is a huge task. Hence, those who don’t identify themselves as heterosexual are more inclined to experience mental health crises. Therefore, consulting a sexuality counselling psychologist in India is a good option.
Sexuality and mental health
LGBTQ+ people have a higher probability of cultivating a mental health illness than those in the broader population. Well, the justifications for this are complicated and are still not completely understood. However, most of the issues can be connected to homophobia, discrimination, bullying, or transphobia.
If you identify yourself as LGBTQ+ and battling your inner peace, realize that you’re not alone. You can always seek help from a famous psychotherapist. You may be especially prone to:
- Depression – when you feel low for an extended period.
- Anxiety – when you feel anxious or worried for a long time.
- Self-harm – when you hurt yourself deliberately to overcome difficult emotions.
- Suicidal thoughts – when you feel like your death is the ultimate solution to all your problems.
Experiencing rejection from your friends, family, or work colleagues could also trigger emotions. All this can have an enormous impact on your self-worth and your self-confidence. You may often feel the urge to repress this part of yourself, which could be damaging in itself. Some people turn to wrong things like alcohol or drugs to cope with complicated emotions. If you’re nervous about the way you’re utilizing alcohol or drugs, try speaking to your doctor or a famous clinical sexuality counselling psychologist in India.
There are manipulative messages in the media explaining what it means to be ‘normal’ and, at the same time, reinforces that being different is unacceptable. The notion of ‘fitting in’ concerning LGBT communities comes with a lot of pressure. Not everyone in the LGBTQ+ community may experience poor mental health, but it’s significant to know the course of action if you do experience it.
- finding it tough to accept your sexuality
- other people’s negative reactions
- low self-esteem
- low self-confidence
- fear of abuse in public places
- bullying and discrimination
- gender dysphoria
However, talking therapies can always help you overcome or manage your situation if you acquire these health disorders.
Make sure you find a sexuality counsellor or a top sexuality counselling psychologist in Chennai, India, whom you can trust and talk openly about your experiences. You can also research and check if your counsellor has experience working with LGBTQ+ people, which will keep you assured.
If, at any juncture, you feel awkward or uneasy with your sexuality counsellor, remember that you can stop your sessions anytime and find a more acceptable therapist.
Other forms of Sexuality Counselling Support
Besides talking therapy and counselling, several LGBTQ+ people find it positive to connect with others in the same community. They join a support group online or connect with fellow campaigners. Apart from this, there is an abundance of organizations and charities that support LGBTQ+ people.
Discrimination – what’s the law?
Attitudes in India towards the LGBTQ+ community has shown vast improvement. The problem hasn’t been eliminated yet, and there are still some people who discriminate based on their gender or sexuality. We have a law in place, which firmly stands against this discrimination.
This law protects gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans and anyone from discrimination. Your psychologist Chennai can help you know further details or the right place to get them from.
How Does Sexuality Counselling Help in Coming out?
The term ‘coming out’ refers to a condition wherein you tell people about your sexual orientation and your true gender identity. Some people can take a long time to feel comfortable doing this. It’s vital to know that there is no compulsion to come out at a particular time. However, do it when it feels good and right for you.
Well, having these discussions can be tough, and you may witness unpleasant reactions or even rejection. Hence, coming out can be an emotionally striving time. Unfortunately, for many, coming out isn’t a one-time aspect either. At each phase, you meet new people, and you may always need to contemplate how much of your identity as an LGBTQ+ person you want to share.
Remember that every person reacts differently, and therefore many people are even supported and understood by those coming out. Alternatively, hiding who you are can be an adamant thing to do. It can be deteriorating for your mental health as well as your overall well-being.
Telling someone you trust and someone who would be supportive is a promising idea. It could even be a clinical psychologist in India. Always try to keep in mind that this is something you have known about yourself for a long time, but, for others, it is a surprise. Do not take the initial reactions very personally, as they may be laced with shock.
Create a support network, including colleagues, family members, friends, online communities, or professional support because these are the people who will always stick by you.
Please remember you are not alone in this. With greater understanding and kindness, hopefully, society will emerge victorious one day.
What should I be looking for in a Sexuality counsellor or psychotherapist?
Presently, there are no laws or regulations in place that prescribe the training or qualifications required for a psychologist in Chennai dealing with sexuality needs. However, the NHS has created guidelines that render crucial information about the recommended treatments.
Several courses and workshops are accessible to counsellors to expand their knowledge of a particular area and have further training in issues regarding the LGBTQ+ community.
Sexuality Counselling with Praveen Saanker
Counselling services provided by Mr Praveen Saanker are part of our “not-for-profit” activities. We do not charge a consulting fee for these support initiatives since they aim to provide aid and relief for truly deserving individuals who otherwise may not have been able to afford these services.
Mr Praveen Saanker has set aside 12 hours of his professional time every week to provide coaching and counselling services. We provide appointments basis on the unique needs and circumstances of each individual. Please note that we do not have robust CRM platforms or customer support teams to provide instant answers to your queries or replies to your mails. Hence please bear with us for the time we take to get back to you.
What do we expect from you?
When you decide to get associated with us, we expect you to contribute to society in whatever capacity you can. This may mean you are undertaking voluntary work in your domain of expertise and provide empowerment and support to the needy. This can also mean you are giving help and assistance to people who desperately look forward to your aid when they have no one else who can help them. All we want you to do is give back to the universe and your fellow humans in whichever capacity you can.
We are not a registered charitable organisation, and hence we do not accept financial donations or support items in any form. You can get associated with anyone and choose the path you would like to follow in empowering your fellow human beings. But we would like to hear from you on how you intend to contribute back to society shortly when you choose to avail of our services.
How can you avail of our support?
If you believe you require Mr Praveen Saanker’s support and assistance, you can write to us at email@example.com. Please be rest assured, we shall get back to you and be with you during your testing times in whatever capacity we can.
Mr Praveen, the founder of ‘Vedicology,’ is an internationally renowned scholar on Sanatana Dharma recognised for his knowledge and application of Indian Psychology and Spirituality. Praveen is an expert on combining various Indian and Western psychology traits, Vedic Scriptures, Indian Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions, Astrology, Vastu Shastra & Numerology. Aiming to be of the utmost help, Mr Praveen Saanker looks to understand your motivations and aspirations and then provide a solution accordingly. Praveen successfully integrates the principles of Vedas with modern Psychology and Business Management. Mr Praveen Saanker works with family business entrepreneurs and next-generation leaders, advising them on the family constitution and finding a subtle balance between family and business priorities.
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