Information and Support Processes Regarding LGBT

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals may seek psychological counseling for various reasons. Since sexual orientation is not a choice, the counseling process does not attempt to change individuals' orientations. The primary goal of the support is to assist LGBT individuals in coping with various challenges they may experience in society, such as social exclusion, emotional and physical abuse, or bullying, especially in our predominantly heterosexual society. In addition, counseling sessions guided by specialists help LGBT clients discuss anxieties and fears related to their "coming out" experiences to ensure it happens in the safest and least traumatic way possible. Another significant impact of the counseling process is to help LGBT clients who are unhappy with their orientation to accept and make peace with themselves. Like some individuals in society, LGBT people may also carry repressed homophobic (discomfort or fear of homosexuality) feelings or views without realizing it. This constitutes a major obstacle to self-acceptance and living a happy life. Psychological counseling can be helpful at this point. ### Is Sexual Orientation a Choice? No. Sexual orientation is largely determined by biological factors and typically shapes during adolescence (sometimes even earlier) when sexuality develops. In almost all societies, a dominant misconception prevails that sexual orientation is a choice. This creates a pressure element for minority individuals whose orientation is not heterosexual and can expose them to prejudice and exclusion if they do not "change." ### Is Homosexuality a Mental Illness? No. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other health professionals agree that homosexuality is not an illness. The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1973, followed by the American Psychological Association in 1975. Homosexuality can only be considered a "concern" if the individual feels distressed by their own orientation and this distress lowers their quality of life. At this stage, what counseling can provide is assisting the individual in accepting themselves as they are. ### Can Sexual Orientation Be Changed through Counseling? No. Although some doctors and specialists claim they can change sexual orientation, or rather homosexual orientation to heterosexual orientation, this is generally due to their own ideological ideas and prejudices. The American Psychological Association published in 1990 that there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of orientation-change practices, and indeed, such attempts cause more harm than benefit to individuals. ### Useful Links * [Kaos GL](http://www.kaosgl.com/) * [Lambdaistanbul](http://www.lambdaistanbul.org) * [Guidelines for Mental Health Professionals Working in the LGBT+ Field](http://www.algbtic.org/resources/competencies_turkish.htm) **TINUS PSYCHOLOGY**