How Can Trauma Therapy Help LGBTQIA+ Overcome Hurtful Stigma?
Many individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ have experienced some form of trauma in their lifetime. It can be challenging for one to cope with hurtful stigma related to their identity. LGBTQIA+ discrimination often results in barriers to one’s well-being. Although LGBTQIA+ discrimination can impair an individual’s mental health, trauma therapy can help one overcome hurtful stigma. Staying dedicated to trauma therapy at Restoration Recovery can increase an individual’s sense of self-worth for ongoing recovery.
What Does LGBTQIA+ Stand For?
It can be a difficult and long journey to find one’s true identity. The acronym LGBTQIA+ stands for:
- Lesbian
- Gay
- Bi-sexual
- Transgender
- Queer
- Intersex
- Asexual
June is Pride Month. Those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community come together for an entire month to celebrate the history and struggle for equal rights. The rainbow flag proudly honors LGBTQIA+. Many individuals recognize members of LGBTQIA+ as a distinct social group.
Discrimination and Mental Health: How Can Trauma Therapy Help LGBTQIA+ Overcome Hurtful Stigma?
The path to finding one’s true identity can come with many different hurdles. Many individuals part of the LGBTQIA+ community face challenges with hurtful stereotypes, unwanted stigma, and structural and interpersonal discrimination. When someone sees someone or treats someone in a hurtful way, this can make one feel out of place. This can be damaging to an individual’s well-being.
Before becoming a part of the LGBTIQA+ community, it is common for one to feel out of place, lonely, or different from the rest of society. Many individuals tend to internalize hurtful stigma and feel guilty, shameful, or embarrassed for their sexual orientation. In some cases, this can lead to depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation. It is common for some individuals to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in hopes of coping with the sense of disgrace.
The Value of Trauma-Informed Care: How Can Trauma Therapy Help LGBTQIA+ Overcome Hurtful Stigma?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma-informed care can assist health care practitioners in working with those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Unique services can help a client listen openly, make room for opportunities, and take the lead in treatment. Through trauma-informed care, practitioners guide LGBTQIA+ through care by promoting:
- Safety
- Trustworthiness and transparency
- Peer support
- Collaboration and mutuality
- Empowerment voice and choice
- Cultural, historical, and gender issues
Working to Overcome Hurtful Stigma With Trauma Therapy
Knowing a dual diagnosis can be challenging to treat; trauma therapy can be an effective treatment option to help LGBTQIA+ overcome hurtful stigma. This is a treatment intervention that works to simultaneously address both conditions.
Trauma therapy is the preferred method of treatment and is very effective in guiding LGBTQIA+ through certain obstacles in their journey to recovery. LGBTQIA+ discrimination can cause barriers to an individual’s well-being. Trauma therapy is one of Restoration Recovery’s specialized services. Choosing to move forward with our program can provide many advantages to one’s lifestyle.
Benefits of trauma therapy include:
- Reduced trauma symptoms
- Greater self-awareness
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
- Increased sense of self-worth
- Regained control of one’s life
- Newly developed coping skills
- A stronger sense of belonging
Different Types of Trauma Therapy at Restoration Recovery
Restoration Recovery provides its clients with various types of trauma therapy. The type of therapy chosen depends on the severity of an individual’s condition. Not everyone’s treatment path will pan out the same way. The journey to finding the right treatment can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.
Sometimes, mapping out the wrong treatment plan can make one feel painfully discouraged. It can help to speak with a trained specialist so they can determine which type of therapy can effectively address their specific needs. Doing so can save some much-needed time and prevent trial and error. Different trauma therapy services that are effective in helping LGBTQIA+ overcome hurtful stigma include:
- Cognitive processing trauma therapy in California
- Prolonged exposure trauma therapy in California
- EMDR trauma therapy in California
The Importance of Staying Dedicated to Trauma Therapy
It can be difficult for an individual who is LGBTQIA+ to stay dedicated to trauma therapy. Knowing that persistent trauma can have intense effects on an individual’s mental health, some individuals may feel demotivated. For example, trauma can be difficult to talk about. Those who experience deep feelings of shame or humiliation related to their identity may fear judgment even from a therapist.
Not everyone feels comfortable opening up about their past or current trauma, let alone their identity. Therapists who specialize in discussing trauma practice “trauma-informed” care and generally have a passion for helping others. It is important for one to communicate their concerns about their treatment and report any new symptoms. Staying communicative with a chosen therapist can better accommodate an individual’s needs to gain a more pleasant experience.
At Restoration Recovery Center, we believe that unprocessed trauma can be a risk factor and contribute to addiction. Because of this, our California rehab programs offer trauma therapy. Through trauma-informed and evidence-based care, we pride ourselves on our small and intimate facility located in the Foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevadas. Your therapist will help you take into account all the things that were beyond your control, so you can move forward, understanding and accepting that, deep down, the incident that led to the trauma wasn’t your fault. Everyone has the right to choose their own identity. Reach out to learn about our trauma-informed care today. Call Restoration Recovery at (888) 290-0925 for support in overcoming hurtful stigma.
