Living a Heterotypical Life

According to Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Sex Therapist, “Many of the members of LGBTQ communities have naturally internalized the concept that their style of loving is "strange," or outside the (hetero) norm, as queer children growing up in a culture that was mostly not designed with their relationships in mind”. Many of the common cultural representations of love that kids are exposed to, such as Disney movies, gendered toys, presumptive descriptions of young boys as "lady killers," and remarks about young girls like "you best lock her up when she's 16," reinforce this heteronormativity.

Growing up in a society that uses this overt or covert messaging can have the effect of teaching a queer child very early on that there is "wrong" with them.

Queer Affirmative Counselling will undoubtedly be helpful for LGBTQ people because they are more likely to experience stress and traumas that are specifically or partially related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and minority status. LGBTQ people have a history of experiencing stigma (homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia), threats to their bodily and mental well-being, violence, exclusion from public discourse, victimization, prejudice, and invisibility in largely heteronormative societies. These upsetting and traumatic events cause acute anxiety, panic, helplessness, dissociation, bewilderment, and other disruptive feelings that can have a long-lasting negative impact on a person's attitudes, behaviour, and other areas of functioning.

These are just a few of the many causes for needing an LGBTQ mental health counsellor. Queer people who engage in non-traditional romantic or sexual relationships face intolerance, invisibility, and erasure from the heteronormative culture. Finding a therapist who is affirming and recognizes the effects of the dominant heteronormativity and its demands can be challenging for gay couples. Positive queer couple counselling is offered by the TalktoAngel No1 Platform in India for LGBTQ.

It is vital to understand that being LGBTQ does not inherently signal mental illness. However, being a minority group increases the likelihood of mental illness and mental health concerns for LGBTQ persons, and they are more likely to face issues with their mental health such as depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, substance misuse, and PTSD.

Recent studies have revealed a significant disconnect between people's mental health issues and how they seek care. Those who do seek assistance report that they encounter additional prejudice and invalidation of their emotions from mental health professionals, as well as frequent exposure to illegal "conversion therapy" to help them fit back into society's norms, harsh language, and even the erasure of experiences. This typically discourages individuals from getting assistance in the future, which worsens their mental health.

Couples therapy may be beneficial for any relationship, and queer couples are no exception. A qualified Queer Affirmative therapist who understands the similarities and distinctions between heteronormative and queer couples is necessary for Queer Relationship Counselling. Queer Couples Counselling acknowledges that queer couples have different amounts of family support and traditional gender norms. Queer couples therapy supports their non-conventional lifestyles. TalktoAngel is proud to offer online queer affirmative counselling.

Why queer affirmative therapy is needed?

LGBTQ people frequently experience marginalization, injustice, and prejudice. A gay person's sense of self is frequently damaged by the typical social conditioning that rejects and "others" them.

Counseling for LGBTQ people can offer help for sexual orientation, gender identity, and other troubling concerns. LGBTQ counselling requires an understanding that, in addition to everyday difficulties, there are particular life stressors that are exclusive to the community and the individual. The particular difficulties in their lives may result from the prejudice and rejection they experience in practically every aspect of their daily lives.

Positive views of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identities are embraced by the affirmative therapy method.

It enhances relationships and deals with the detrimental effects that heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia have on the lives of LGBTQ clients.

It requires the following to be an affirmative therapist:

1. Self-reflection – consider your own upbringing, attitudes, and

Beliefs, admit privileged regions, and identify bias resulting from being a member of a heteronormative, gender-binarism society.

2. Get active by leading a positive life, learning about the problems, and pursuing social justice and change.

3. Establish a welcoming environment by offering LGBT-friendly reading materials, tools, and terminology; using the client's chosen name; avoiding making assumptions based on heteronormativity; and instead, asking about the client's relationship.

4. Express your willingness to work with any client, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, and provide affirmative therapy.

5. Act as an advocate for cisgender and/or heterosexual clients by criticizing heterosexism and the gender binary.

TalktoAngel, understand the significance of mental health, and strive to make it better for everyone. If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and are stressed, reach out today! Consult with the Best Psychologist in India or an Online Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist to assist you in your journey of life.

Contributed By- Dr. (Prof) R.K. Suri, clinical psychologist & sex therapist, and Ms. Varshini Nayyar, Psychologist