(LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER & QUEER OR QUESTIONING)
“It is not about who you are but about the challenges that society and others present. It’s also about your journey in being truthful and honest with yourself, and on how to overcome barriers and continue to grow!”
Sexual orientation or gender identify are not is not in itself an issue in need of psychological services. But members of the LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer, or Questioning) often face discrimination, rejection, and marginalization in many ways. Whenever you’re opening to the world, to new frontiers, it can be frustrating and overwhelming at times. This can result in depression, anxiety, undue shame, and self-esteem issues.
Mental Illness in the LGBTQ+ Community
THE FACTS ARE VERY ALARMING
Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk for experiencing mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety disorders. LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition (NAMI).
As per HRC, 28% of LGBTQ youth, including 40 percent of transgender youth, felt depressed most or all of the time. And LGBTQ+ young people are more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and over four times as likely to attempt suicide, compared to heterosexual youth.
NSDUH found that one in three LGBTQ+ adults experienced mental illness, compared with only one in five heterosexual adults.
The sources for experiencing a disproportionate level of mental illness are multiple. And every case for each individual is different and unique. However, regardless of the specifics related to each person, addressing these issues is paramount.
Having the encouragement and assurance of access to the proper supportive and professional guidance is important. It is available! We are here to help you cope and overcome any negative emotional state to help you attain your full potential.
LGBTQ+ Members Common Challenges
Challenges affecting the LGBTQ+ community are numerous and vary according to individual and family, and with the circumstances surrounding the different stages of “becoming”. These issues can affect any individual whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.
Taken on a timeline, the process of awakening to our true self in the midst of a “traditional” family unit, society and community is one of the earliest challenges faced by the individual. This self-discovery process that we all experience in life, challenging by itself, is compounded in the LGBTQ+ community by the ignorance and discrimination that is frequently encountered.
Having a supportive guide throughout this process can make a significant, positive difference in the experience of self-realization. Also, having tools to cope with so many adverse factors is the best way to avoid mental health issues.
As part of this journey, everyone will experience their own individual path that is unique and precious. The goal is to turn it into a self-discovery, positive adventure vs. a shameful, and difficult process. By providing an affirmative psychotherapy approach, I can help you define the best journey in a positive environment geared at your continued growth and self-realization.
The process of self-discovery doesn’t happen in an isolated environment. It’s usually interwound with complex family dynamics. As part of this, most family members have been raised under more traditional norms. And also bring their own set of “what is expected”. Thus, families often lack the understanding, education, empathy and tools when someone close is “different”.
Our journeys often involve our families. And our parents, siblings, children, etc. should understand, support, and embrace the individual’s true self. If not addressed properly, this can easily lead to tension, disrespect, and eventual disruption or distancing with other family members.
However, with the proper guidance from an experienced psychologist, the family journey can evolve in a smoother, more supportive, and effective way. I am here to help not only you but, also, those who are close to reaching a process of mutual respect, understanding, and support.
RELATIONSHIPS & FRIENDSHIPS
Relationships overall are complex and challenging. The dynamics of romantic relationships and friendships are further complicated due to dealing with other individuals with their own set of beliefs, issues, and expectations.
As per the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, approximately 39% of LGBTQ+ men and slightly more than 50% of LGBTQ+ women experience abuse from their partners. Many LGBTQ+ youth face more obstacles than heterosexual couples.
Part of the solution is to recognize how much harder it can be for LGBTQ+ individuals to report abuse. Often, abusive LGBTQ relationships are unreported because of being reluctant to go to the police. One of the obstacles to being more vocal and reporting abuse is the worry that LGBTQ+ dating abuse might not be taken seriously. Or, if abuse is reported, they will have to meet with homophobic counselors or law enforcement representatives.
Another challenge is limited support from family and friends as members of the LGBTQ+ community may not feel comfortable discussing their gender identity openly for fear of rejection or being misunderstood.
Embarking in healthy relationships is necessary. But at the same time, not easy. It is important to have others respect personal limits and incorporate chosen gender pronouns. This together with healthy interactions and communications are part of ensuring desired types of relationships.
As part of working through the complex nature of all relationships, it is crucial to have the right tools, validation, non-judgmental support, and guidance. We are here to provide you with a supportive and constructive environment.
It is very common for couples to want children. For LGBTQ+ this can also be a source of joy and fulfillment. But it also implies, at times, non-traditional procedures such as using third parties for reproduction purposes, whether an egg donor or a gestational surrogate.
These processes require significant support from outside professionals (e.g. physicians, attorneys, etc.). Also, deciding to embark on this journey may require undergoing a psychological evaluation.
This can be a great experience, especially if planned properly and when taking the right steps to ensure a smooth outcome. Having a trusted, qualified psychologist as an integral part of the plan and process can make a significant, positive difference.
SOME GOOD NEWS!
We are here to support your journey so you can live with the pride and with the authenticity that you deserve. We provide LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy where we understand the issues and treat everyone as a person, an individual, a human being. With authenticity and full acceptance of your sexual orientation we provide a supportive and positive approach. The goal is your happiness and the fulfillment of your potential. We are not here to change who you are but to support who you are!
Whether you have some personal issues, relationship challenges, or you’re a family member, our LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy is the right step to help reach your goals.
My Experience with LGBTQ+
Obtaining a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) ensures comprehensive education and training. Being a Licensed Psychologist also adds to the certification of competency. Yes, I have the credentials associated with being a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Psy.D.).
However, having a successful experience with LGBTQ+ members is of utmost value.
- Psychologist of the out-patient LGBTQ+ clinic at the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial
- Adult and adolescent special immunology clinics
- Working almost exclusively with LGBTQ+ members
- Focus on mental health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community
- Strong interaction with the psychiatric & medical staff addressing health issues (e.g. HIV, AIDS, opportunistic diseases).
PRESENTATIONS & AWARDS
- Psychology Division Award for Research & Scholarly Presentation on the topic of PTSD-HIV
- Co-authored a poster for a Canadian conference on PTSD-HIV among adolescents
- Trinidad-Tobago Assoc. presentation on psychological issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community
- Presentations to Univ. of Miami medical and psychological professionals – medication adherence, and suicide assessment & prevention
- Group Facilitator for LGBTQ+ members on life skills sponsored by the NIMH.
I have close family members that are part of the LGBTQ+ community. This has given me an additional, personal perspective. Also, this has provided more insight and I believe it helps me in providing, not just a professional, but also a warm, non-judgmental approach when working with members of the LGBTQ+.
I am here ready to support any of your needs. I answer all my calls directly, no intermediaries!
Let’s find ways to address your concerns. All it takes is for you to call me.
I answer ALL calls myself (no staff, third party, or answering service). Your situation deserves a confidential, caring, and professional discussion to help determine the next steps, set an appointment, and begin a stress-free journey!
(LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER & QUEER OR QUESTIONING) <unk>Si kuhusu wewe ni nani bali kuhusu changamoto ambazo jamii na wengine hutoa. Ni pia kuhusu safari yako katika kuwa wa kweli na mnyoofu na wewe mwenyewe, na juu ya jinsi ya kushinda vizuizi na kuendelea kukua! <unk> Uelekezo wa kijinsia au utambulisho wa jinsia sio sio yenyewe suala linalohitaji huduma za kisaikolojia. Watu wa jamii ya LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer, au Questioning) mara nyingi wanakabiliwa na ubaguzi, kukataliwa, na kutengwa kwa njia nyingi. Wakati wowote unapofungulia ulimwengu, kwa mipaka mipya, inaweza kuwa ya kukatisha tamaa na yenye kulemea wakati mwingine. Hilo laweza kusababisha mshuko wa moyo, wasiwasi, aibu isiyofaa, na matatizo ya kujistahi. Ugonjwa wa akili katika jamii ya LGBTQ + - Ugonjwa wa akili katika jamii ya LGBTQ + - Ugonjwa wa akili katika jamii ya LGBTQ + - Ugonjwa wa akili katika jamii ya LGBTQ + - Ugonjwa wa akili katika jamii ya LGBTQ + - Ugonjwa wa akili katika jamii ya LGBTQ + - Ugonjwa wa akili katika jamii ya LGBTQ +. Watu wazima wa LGBTQ+ wana uwezekano zaidi ya mara mbili kama watu wazima wa jinsia tofauti kupata hali ya afya ya akili (NAMI). Kwa mujibu wa HRC, asilimia 28 ya vijana wa LGBTQ, ikiwa ni pamoja na asilimia 40 ya vijana wa transgender, walijisikia kushuka moyo wakati wote au zaidi. Vijana wa LGBTQ+ wana uwezekano mkubwa wa kujishambulia mara mbili na mara nne zaidi ya kujaribu kujiua ikilinganishwa na vijana wa jinsia tofauti. NSDUH iligundua kwamba mmoja kati ya watu wazima watatu wa LGBTQ + walipata ugonjwa wa akili, ikilinganishwa na mmoja tu kati ya watu wazima watano wa jinsia tofauti. Kuna visababishi vingi vya kuwa na ugonjwa wa akili. Kila kesi ya kila mtu ni tofauti na ya kipekee. Hata hivyo, bila kujali mambo hususa yanayohusiana na kila mtu, kushughulikia masuala haya ni muhimu sana. Kuwa na kutia moyo na uhakika wa upatikanaji wa msaada sahihi na mwongozo wa kitaaluma ni muhimu. Inapatikana! Sisi ni hapa kukusaidia kukabiliana na kushinda hali yoyote hasi ya kihisia ili kukusaidia kufikia uwezo wako kamili. Matatizo yanayoathiri jamii ya LGBTQ+ ni mengi na hutofautiana kulingana na mtu binafsi na familia, na kwa hali zinazozunguka hatua tofauti za "kuwa". Masuala haya yanaweza kuathiri mtu yeyote iwe ni msagaji, mashoga, bisexual, transgender, au queer. Kuchukua juu ya mstari wa muda, mchakato wa kuamka kwa nafsi yetu ya kweli katikati ya kitengo cha familia ya " jadi, jamii na jamii ni moja ya changamoto za mapema zinazokabiliwa na mtu binafsi. Utaratibu huu wa kujigundua ambao sisi sote tunapata maishani, unaojaribu yenyewe, unaongezwa katika jamii ya LGBTQ + na ujinga na ubaguzi ambao hukutana mara nyingi. Kuwa na mwongozo wa kuunga mkono katika mchakato huu kunaweza kufanya tofauti kubwa, chanya katika uzoefu wa kujitambua. Pia, kuwa na vifaa vya kukabiliana na mambo mengi mabaya ni njia bora ya kuepuka matatizo ya afya ya akili. Kama sehemu ya safari hii, kila mtu atapata uzoefu wa njia yake mwenyewe ya kibinafsi ambayo ni ya kipekee na ya thamani. Lengo ni kuigeuza kuwa ugunduzi wa kibinafsi, adventure chanya dhidi ya aibu, na mchakato mgumu. Kwa kutoa mbinu ya matibabu ya kisaikolojia ya uthibitisho, ninaweza kukusaidia kufafanua safari bora katika mazingira mazuri yaliyolenga ukuaji wako wa kuendelea na kujitambua. Utaratibu wa kujigundua haufanyiki katika mazingira ya kutengwa. Kwa kawaida huunganishwa na hali ngumu za familia. Kama sehemu ya hili, washiriki wengi wa familia wamelelewa chini ya kanuni za jadi zaidi. Na pia kuleta seti yao wenyewe ya <unk>ni nini inatarajiwa<unk>. Hivyo, mara nyingi familia hazina uelewa, elimu, hisia-mwenzi na zana wakati mtu wa karibu ni "tofauti". Mara nyingi safari zetu huhusisha familia zetu. Na wazazi wetu, ndugu, watoto, nk. lazima kuelewa, kusaidia, na kukumbatia mtu binafsi's kweli binafsi. Ikiwa jambo hilo halitafutwa kwa njia inayofaa, huenda likasababisha mkazo, ukosefu wa heshima, na hatimaye kuvuruga au kujitenga na washiriki wengine wa familia. Hata hivyo, kwa mwongozo unaofaa kutoka kwa mwanasaikolojia mwenye uzoefu, safari ya familia yaweza kusitawi kwa njia yenye utaratibu zaidi, yenye kutegemeza zaidi, na yenye matokeo zaidi. Mimi niko hapa kukusaidia sio wewe tu bali pia wale ambao wako karibu kufikia mchakato wa kuheshimiana, kuelewa, na kuunga mkono. Mahusiano na urafiki - Kwa ujumla, mahusiano ni magumu na yenye changamoto. Mahusiano ya kimapenzi na ya urafiki ni ngumu zaidi kwa sababu ya kushughulika na watu wengine na seti yao wenyewe ya imani, masuala, na matarajio. Kulingana na Kituo cha Rasilimali cha Kitaifa cha Ukatili wa Nyumbani, karibu 39% ya wanaume LGBTQ + na zaidi ya 50% ya wanawake LGBTQ + wanakabiliwa na unyanyasaji kutoka kwa wenzi wao. Vijana wengi wa LGBTQ+ wanakabiliwa na vizuizi zaidi kuliko wanandoa wa jinsia tofauti. "Hatua ya kwanza ni kutambua jinsi inavyokuwa vigumu kwa watu wa LGBTQ+ kuripoti unyanyasaji.""" Mara nyingi, mahusiano ya unyanyasaji wa LGBTQ hayajaripotiwa kwa sababu ya kukataa kwenda kwa polisi. "Mmoja wa vikwazo vya kuwa sauti zaidi na kuripoti unyanyasaji ni wasiwasi kwamba unyanyasaji wa uchumba wa LGBTQ + hauwezi kuchukuliwa kwa uzito. """ Au, ikiwa unyanyasaji unaripotiwa, watalazimika kukutana na washauri wa chuki ya mashoga au wawakilishi wa utekelezaji wa sheria. "Msaada mdogo kutoka kwa familia na marafiki, kama wanachama wa jamii ya LGBTQ +, wanaweza kuhisi vizuri kujadili utambulisho wao wa kijinsia wazi kwa hofu ya kukataliwa au kueleweka vibaya. """ Ni muhimu kuanzisha mahusiano yenye afya. Lakini wakati huohuo, si rahisi. Ni muhimu kuwafanya wengine waheshimu mipaka ya kibinafsi na kuingiza majina ya jinsia yaliyochaguliwa. Hii pamoja na mwingiliano na mawasiliano yenye afya ni sehemu ya kuhakikisha aina zinazohitajika za mahusiano. Kama sehemu ya kufanya kazi kupitia asili tata ya mahusiano yote, ni muhimu kuwa na zana sahihi, uthibitisho, msaada usio na hukumu, na mwongozo. Tuko hapa kukupa mazingira yenye kuunga mkono na yenye kujenga. Ni jambo la kawaida sana kwa wenzi wa ndoa kutaka kuwa na watoto. Kwa LGBTQ+ hii pia inaweza kuwa chanzo cha furaha na kutimiza. Lakini pia inamaanisha, wakati mwingine, taratibu zisizo za jadi kama vile kutumia watu wa tatu kwa madhumuni ya uzazi, iwe ni mtoaji wa yai au surrogate ya ujauzito. Utaratibu huu unahitaji msaada mkubwa kutoka kwa wataalamu wa nje (kwa mfano madaktari, wanasheria, nk.). Pia, kuamua kuanza safari hiyo huenda kukawa na uhitaji wa kufanyiwa uchunguzi wa kisaikolojia. Hii inaweza kuwa uzoefu mzuri, haswa ikiwa imepangwa vizuri na wakati wa kuchukua hatua sahihi kuhakikisha matokeo laini. Kuwa na mtaalamu wa kisaikolojia anayeheshimiwa na anayehitimu kama sehemu muhimu ya mpango na mchakato inaweza kufanya tofauti kubwa, chanya. HADI ya Habari Nzuri! Tuko hapa kusaidia safari yako ili uweze kuishi kwa kiburi na uhalisi unaostahili. Tunatoa matibabu ya LGBTQ + ambapo tunaelewa masuala na kumtendea kila mtu kama mtu, mtu binafsi, binadamu. Kwa uhalisi na kukubalika kamili kwa mwelekeo wako wa kijinsia tunatoa mbinu ya kuunga mkono na chanya. Lengo ni furaha yako na kutimiza uwezo wako. Hatuko hapa kubadilisha wewe ni nani bali kuunga mkono wewe ni nani! Ikiwa una matatizo ya kibinafsi, changamoto za uhusiano, au wewe ni mwanachama wa familia, Tiba yetu ya Affirmative ya LGBTQ + ni hatua sahihi ya kukusaidia kufikia malengo yako. Uzoefu wangu na LGBTQ + Kupata Shahada ya Daktari katika Saikolojia ya Kliniki (Psy.D.) kuhakikisha elimu ya kina na mafunzo. Kuwa Mtaalamu wa Saikolojia Mwenye Leseni pia huongeza uthibitisho wa uwezo. Ndiyo, nina sifa zinazohusiana na kuwa Mwanasaikolojia wa Kliniki aliye na Leseni (Psy.D.). Hata hivyo, kuwa na uzoefu wa mafanikio na wanachama wa LGBTQ + ni ya thamani zaidi. Mtaalamu wa afya ya akili wa kliniki ya nje ya wagonjwa wa LGBTQ+ katika Chuo Kikuu cha Miami, Jackson Memorial, kliniki maalum ya kinga ya watu wazima na vijana, anafanya kazi karibu peke yake na wanachama wa LGBTQ+ - Kuzingatia masuala ya afya ya akili yanayoathiri jamii ya LGBTQ+ - Maingiliano ya nguvu na wafanyikazi wa kisaikolojia na matibabu wanaoshughulikia masuala ya afya (kwa mfano. HIV, UKIMWI, na magonjwa ya opportunistic. Tuzo ya Utafiti na Uwasilishaji wa Sayansi ya Utafiti na Uwasilishaji wa Wasomi juu ya mada ya PTSD-HIV - Msaidizi wa maandishi ya mkutano wa Canada juu ya PTSD-HIV kati ya vijana - Trinidad na Tobago Assoc. Maonyesho ya Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti wa Utafiti Miami ya wataalamu wa matibabu na kisaikolojia <unk> kufuata dawa, na tathmini ya kujiua na kuzuia - Msaidizi wa Kikundi kwa wanachama wa LGBTQ + juu ya ujuzi wa maisha uliodhaminiwa na NIMH. Kuna watu wa familia yangu ambao ni sehemu ya jamii ya LGBTQ. Jambo hilo limenipa mtazamo wa ziada, wa kibinafsi. "Hii ni moja ya sababu za kuvutia zaidi, na inasaidia sana katika kuandaa ""mtazamo wa joto, usio na hukumu"" wakati wa kufanya kazi na watu wa LGBTQ+." Mimi niko hapa tayari kusaidia mahitaji yako yoyote. Mimi hujibu simu zangu zote moja kwa moja, bila wasimamizi! Hebu tupate njia za kushughulikia wasiwasi wako. Unachohitaji ni kuniita. Mimi kujibu wito wote mwenyewe (hakuna wafanyakazi, mtu wa tatu, au huduma ya kujibu). Hali yako inastahili mazungumzo ya siri, yenye kujali, na ya kitaalamu ili kukusaidia kuamua hatua zifuatazo, kuweka miadi, na kuanza safari isiyo na mkazo!