Members of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) community often face unique challenges in their life experiences. Though the sociopolitical climate continues to change, LGBTQ individuals and their families continue to be a socially stigmatized community. LGBTQ individuals experience higher levels of discrimination, interpersonal trauma, and stress than their peers at all stages of life, often resulting in high levels of depression, anxiety, and other physical and mental health risks for members of the LGBTQ community.
ITA promotes a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for persons all along the spectrum of gender and sexual identities to explore issues they might encounter surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and the coming out process, throughout all stages of life. Through engagement with the creative arts therapies, clients can explore ways to cope, grow, and express their authentic selves via story, movement, music, or images. Our creative arts therapists are trained to address many of the areas of need for LGBTQ clients and their families, including:
- Identity exploration and expression
- Coming out process
- Transitioning process
- Relationship issues
- Addressing social stigma
- Stress/depression/anxiety management
Resources:
Coming Out throught Art: A Review of Art Therapy with LGBT Clients