Overcome LGBTQ Concerns with Help from Chapin & Russell Associates
Sexual orientation is just one component of a person’s identity that is influenced by many different factors, including culture, ethnicity, genetics, gender and core personality traits. Chapin & Russell Associates supports the American Counseling Association and National Association of Social Workers’ views by discouraging portrayals of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth and adults as mentally ill because of their sexual orientation. Our practice supports disseminating accurate information about sexual orientation and mental health to counteract bias, abuse and mistreatment of individuals based on their sexual orientation. If you are an individual or family who has been negatively affected by these biased beliefs, contact Chapin & Russell Associates for assistance.
Therapy to Address Gender Dysphoria and Sexual Identity
There are two incredible challenges LGBTQ individuals face when confronting their gender or sexual preferences: self-acceptance and contending with the acceptance (or lack thereof) by others. To address these challenges, Chapin & Russell Associates’ counselors are well-versed in handling gender dysphoria and sexual identity. If dealing with either, we provide guidance and counseling to help you better understand yourself, your preferences, and help you manage the reaction of others in your life.
- Gender Dysphoria – Experiences of gender dysphoria are the most problematic for transgender individuals. Gender dysphoria is the emotional distress that occurs when one’s assigned sex doesn’t match their gender identity. Counseling can help those with gender dysphoria work through confusing thoughts and feelings of fear, anxiety, or shame.
- Sexual Identity Concerns – As you mature, you tend to develop thoughts and feelings that more closely align with your sexual identity and preferences. However, it’s not always easy to come to terms with these feelings, especially if surrounded by friends and family members with differing beliefs. Counseling helps you make sense of and accept your sexual identity.
How Our Counselors Can Help
Whether through affirmative therapy or self-empowerment, Chapin & Russell Associates strives to provide helpful advice, guidance and coping methods to deal with the confusion or stigma that sometimes impacts LGBTQ individuals. In doing so, our counselors assist with:
- Discussions about “coming out”
- Understanding personal sexual preferences
- Coping strategies for overcoming bias and homophobia
- Revaluating close relationships with family and friends
- LGBTQ relationship struggles
- Emotional dysregulation associated with questions over sexual identity
- Acceptance of loved ones coming out as LGBTQ
Contact Us Today
Whether struggling with your sexual identity, experiencing feelings of gender dysphoria, or other LGBTQ concerns, you can find support and guidance at Chapin & Russell Associates. To learn more about our LGBTQ counseling or schedule an appointment, call us today at 309-681-5850. We are located at 3020 W Willow Knolls Dr, Suite 2, Peoria, IL 61614. We offer general counseling services for clients in Peoria, East Peoria, Dunlap, Washington, and communities throughout Central Illinois.
