LGBTQ+

You want to know who you are, and feel confident and connected. You want to have the courage to be seen, to hold your head high, even living in a red state that tries to silence people like us.

The impact of our anti-LGBTQ social environment is felt deeply. As mammals, we are wired to be aware of stigma and our status in the group, and our bodies respond to this feedback. There is healing and grieving needed, before an authentic sense of pride can begin to flow.

There is an abundance of joy and power in being LGBTQ, and at the same time it is tough out here! The journey to understanding and embracing an identity that is anywhere on the LGBTQ+ spectrum takes the chutzpah to move forward on a road less traveled. It can feel lonely, shameful, and confusing. There are a lot of mixed messages in the world, and people ready to tell you that you're doing it all wrong. You want to have what it takes to be proud, free, and happy, but it hasn't all come together for you yet. Without a strong sense of self, it's easy to get lost.

You want to feel like you can start thriving, not just keep hanging on by a thread.

Working with a therapist can create some space to breathe.

Together we can start to untangle all the emotions, desires, and fears that get tied up in our experiences of sexuality and gender identity. As someone who has also walked this path, I have a foundation of lived experience to guide the conversation. This helps me find the right questions, so you can explore your own heart's answers. I'm familiar with the hurt places that go for years, sometimes decades, without ever experiencing the acceptance and validation that we all require in order to be at peace.

Tools I use may include reading books and blogs together, connecting you with local and online LGBTQ+ support groups, art and music based therapies, consciousness-raising work around the many faces of internalized homophobia/transphobia, working with social anxiety, creating vision boards, connecting with LGBTQ ancestors, and guided meditation practices. Collaborating on concrete activities like these brings many benefits, as you seek to nurture your confidence and sense of self. Being in a confidential, structured, and welcoming environment can dispel or reduce the anxiety and awkwardness that prevents you from getting started on your own.

I work with people who identify as asexual, pansexual, non-binary, agender, gender fluid, and/or polyamorous, and many other identities, as well as with people who are not interested in labels at all.

**There is no right or wrong way to be yourself. My goal for those seeking support with LGBTQ+ identities is for you to find your strong center.**

Reach out to Dan

For more information, text me at 615-236-6362, or email me at dan@dandumontlcsw.com. Feel free to ask me any questions you have, tell me times you're available for a free phone call, or if you're feeling ready to schedule an intake appointment.