Research shows that youth who experience discrimination based on their sexual or gender identity are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are ten times as likely to have experienced bullying and victimization at school. Oppression, discrimination, marginalization, coming out to families, and figuring out one’s sense of self are daily concerns the LGBTQ community faces. High levels of depression and anxiety result from going against social norms and expectations. People in the community face shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts, along with a high risk of substance and sexual abuse. Counseling is important for everyone but especially important for LGTBQ people.
LGBTQ people in Lehi who struggle with emotional challenges tend to stem from accepting their sexuality and true selves. As a result, clients feel more comfortable with an LGBTQ+ counselor or a counselor who specializes in or has a great deal of experience with LGBTQ issues. Unfortunately, a therapist or counselor with LGTBQ expertise isn’t available in every community, but more centers provide telehealth options. Since sessions can take place over the phone or through video communication, clients are more likely to find a counselor who can help with their mental health challenges.
The LGBTQ community needs an experienced, effective counselor to help deal with their internal or external issues and accept their true selves. Little Peace of Hafen is a mental health counseling center located in Lehi specializing in counseling the LGBTQ+ community. Jay Hafen is the counselor at the facility. His approach when counseling LGBTQ people is to identify their coping mechanisms, dismantle the unhealthy ones, such as unsafe sex, substance abuse, and pornography, and invest more into healthy coping mechanisms.
Through Hafen’s Lehi practice and LGBTQ counselor services, he understands there are many feelings an individual has, and they struggle with this because their feelings go against the social norms. Many people who experience these feelings of questioning one’s sexuality are likely to share their emotions with others but are met with “fix you” energy. In reality, these people do not need fixing. Instead, they need to feel validated and encouraged to discover their true selves.
Little Peace of Hafen in Lehi has years of experience working with LGBTQ patients. From “out and proud” individuals to closeted teens and transgender individuals, Hafen’s expertise exceeds the communities expectations. Hafen uses research-based methods in his practice, resulting in over 80% of his clients accepting their true happy selves. To schedule an appointment with Little Peace of Hafen, call 385-399-8275 or visit https://littlepeaceofhafen.com/lgbtq-2/ for more information on Jay Hafen’s, the LGBTQ counselor, and the rest of his practice.
Little Peace of Hafen is a mental health counseling center with an LGBTQ counselor in Lehi.