LGBT psychology: what it is, and the benefits of seeing a specialized psychologist

Non-heterosexual and non-cisgender people face specific problems due to stigma.

Homosexual, bisexual and transgendered people have been persecuted, discriminated against, and have been the target of hatred and aggression.and have been the target of hatred and aggression throughout history.

In recent decades, fundamental rights and milestones have been achieved, leading to a more tolerant and plural society. Proof of this is the elimination in 1973 of homosexuality from the "Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and in 1990, the disappearance of homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses of the WHO. But Despite these advances, the LGBT community continues to be the target of hatred, discrimination and aggression today. and aggression today.

Therefore, it is essential to accept the affective-sexual diversity that exists in society. Each person creates his or her own model of relationship, which will help him or her to develop the capacity to love and to live intra- and interpersonal relationships in the best possible way. It can be said that there are as many forms of relationship as there are people.

Difference between sexual orientation, gender identity and Biological sex.

It is essential to know the definition of each of these terms to avoid confusion and to be able to better understand the needs within the group.

Sexual orientation

Refers to the emotional, physical, sexual or romantic attraction that a person has towards another person.. This attraction can be to people of the same sex (homosexual), to people of different sexes (heterosexual) or to being attracted to both sexes (bisexual).

We cannot choose our sexual orientation, therefore the Conversion Therapies used to "cure" homosexuality lack all sense and validity.

Gender Identity

The consciousness of belonging to the masculine or feminine sex.. A person may feel a gender identity different from his or her biological sex; this is what happens to transsexual people.

Biological sex

Corresponds to the sex with which we were born, male or female.

What is Affirmative Psychology?

Affirmative psychology is a specialization within psychology that deals with is in charge of working on the different problems that non-heterosexual or cissexual people (people whose gender identity coincides with their sex) may suffer. (people whose gender identity coincides with their biological sex). The term Affirmative Psychology appeared in 1982 to confront the pathologizing ideas of sexual and gender diversity that existed at that time.

In order for LGBT people to be able to cope with situations that may arise, they are taught certain strategies and useful tools. Thus, each person will be able to come to terms with his or her own sexual orientation and gender identity, each person will be able to come to terms with his or her sexual orientation and gender identity and will develop an active coping style and will develop an active coping style that will help him/her to face social stigma.

From this way of working, the therapist's aim will be to make patients feel that they are coming to a safe environment, where their emotions, feelings, experiences, and behaviors with respect to themselves and the world around them will be validated. It is, therefore, a therapy of sexual diversity and a therapy of sexual and gender diversity based on psychological accompaniment and intervention whose objective is to alleviate the discomfort derived from fear, oppression and discrimination, both familial and social, that they may have suffered.

What are the areas that are worked on?

People who belong to the collective may face different situations than other people. For this reason, require more specific and specialized attention..

The specific areas on which we work are the following:

• Acceptance of one's own sexual and affective orientation both homosexual and bisexual.
• Self-affirmation and visibility of orientation and/or identity.
• Overcoming traumas and sequels derived from LGBTphobic discrimination.
• Assistance to transsexual people during the process of constructing their gender identity.
• Accompaniment for LGBT families.
• Intervention in the process of family acceptance.
• Intervention in couple relationships and bonding.

Conclusion

Being part of the LGBT community does not imply being different when it comes to seeing a psychologist, since each person may have the same symptoms or problems of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress, etc. However, and as reflected in the previous section, there are certain situations or problems that are specific to each person, there are certain situations or problems that are specific within this community.. Therefore, it is advisable to see a psychologist specialized in the problems of the LGBT community.