Why It’s Important for Therapy To Be a Safe Space for Mental Health, LGBTQ+ Needs
What Are Safe Spaces?
Safe spaces are judgment-free areas where people can discuss their feelings and trauma with someone who promises confidentiality and support.
Why Safe Spaces Are Crucial in Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Care
When therapists or counselors don't establish their programs as safe spaces, their clients won't trust that they can share the full extent of their worries and issues. The significant risk of mental health spaces that don't promote clear, honest discussion is that the clients who need help won't accept the resources because they don't trust the facilitators not to judge them for their problems.
However, when clients feel comfortable in their environment, they will be more willing to discuss their mental health problems. Then, they can receive effective treatment and stop spiraling into depression or substance misuse.
Why Safe Spaces Are Especially Valuable For Mental Health Problems Stemming From Civil and Human Rights
Though LGBTQ+ individuals receive more support now than ever, some people still seek to minimize their personhood. Unfortunately, it's common for LGBT+ individuals to have a family member who opposes their sexual orientation and gender identity, and facing resistance so close to home can lead to a litany of mental health issues among transgender individuals and non-binary or gay men and women.
Healthcare clients in the LGBTQ+ community might fear judgment or violence on their first appointment, along with a hesitancy to discuss their anxiety, depression, or trauma because of that worry. However, when a therapist can create a safe space where gay and transgender people feel comfortable, they will be more willing to discuss their mental health and develop beneficial coping skills.
Safe spaces are especially critical for LGBTQ+ youth. Children are impressionable and internalize the feelings of their family, so if their communities make them believe they are living life wrong, they can develop a mental health disorder or even feel suicidal at a young age. However, safe spaces and mental health services can create a positive change that teaches them their value in life and helps them grow into happy gay or transgender adults.
How to Build a Safe Space Online to Combat Mental Illness
Most of our population is online every day, including mental health professionals. Many therapy sessions happen digitally now, and while it's challenging to create a safe space with the barrier of a computer screen, you can do it as long as you express your intentions.
Remember, the pillars of safe spaces are acceptance, support, and confidentiality. If a counselor can ensure the patient that their digital therapy follows those principles, they can create a safe space.
Learn More About Improving Your Mental and Physical Health
The LGBTQ+ community faces judgment and violence from the outside world that can, unfortunately, cause them to internalize their issues and be afraid to share them. However, therapists who build safe spaces can show clients that their mental health is worth discussing. Become a client at an LGBTQ+-affirming counseling center or find other safe spaces and support services near you.
