It’s increasingly common to seek therapists who understand the unique experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. However, there’s a crucial distinction to be made between a therapist who identifies as Queer and a therapist who specializes in queer mental health. While both can offer valuable support, understanding this difference is key to finding the right fit for your therapeutic journey.

Being a Queer Therapist:

A Queer therapist is an individual who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their personal lived experience can offer a powerful sense of connection and understanding for clients who share similar identities. This shared identity can foster a unique rapport, creating an immediate sense of safety and reducing the need to explain fundamental aspects of one’s identity. For many, simply knowing their therapist “gets it” on a personal level can be incredibly validating and empowering.

However, personal identity alone does not equate to clinical specialization. While a Queer therapist’s lived experience is invaluable, it doesn’t automatically mean they possess specific training or expertise in the complex clinical issues that can arise within queer mental health. Just as a heterosexual therapist wouldn’t automatically be an expert in all aspects of heterosexual relationships, a Queer therapist’s identity doesn’t inherently make them a specialist in all facets of queer mental health.

Being a Therapist Specializing in Queer Mental Health:

A therapist who specializes in queer mental health has undergone specific training, education, and clinical experience focused on the unique psychological, social, and systemic challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. This specialization goes beyond personal identity and delves into:

• Understanding Intersecting Identities: A specialist recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, class) that intersect and profoundly influence their experiences and mental health. They are equipped to address the complexities that arise from these intersections.
• Addressing Systemic Issues: They understand the impact of minority stress, discrimination, prejudice, and societal stigma on mental well-being. Their approach often considers how external factors contribute to internal struggles.
• Clinical Competence: They are knowledgeable about specific therapeutic approaches and interventions that are most effective for queer clients, addressing issues such as coming out, gender transition, family acceptance, relationship dynamics, and trauma related to identity.
• Cultural Humility: While they may not share every lived experience, a specialist is committed to ongoing learning, self-reflection, and cultural humility, ensuring they approach each client with respect for their unique narrative.

Why the Distinction Matters:

The distinction is vital because while a shared identity with a Queer therapist can be incredibly comforting, a therapist specializing in queer mental health brings a depth of clinical knowledge and specific tools to navigate the intricate challenges unique to the community. This includes understanding the nuances of internalised homophobia/transphobia, navigating family dynamics, addressing the impact of discrimination, and supporting individuals through various stages of identity development.

In essence, while a Queer therapist offers a powerful connection through shared identity, a therapist specializing in queer mental health offers a targeted and informed clinical approach that addresses the specific mental health needs of the community.

Seeking the Right Support:

When seeking therapy, consider what you need most. Do you primarily seek a therapist with whom you share a fundamental identity, or do you require a clinician with specialized training and expertise in the unique mental health landscape of queer individuals and those with minoritized identities? Ideally, you might find a therapist who embodies both—a Queer therapist who also holds a specialization in queer mental health.

We, here at Eye In Me,  specializes in Black queer mental health. Our approach is rooted in understanding intersecting identities and providing a collaborative, transparent, and non-judgmental space for clients to grow and heal.

Ready to take the next step? If you are seeking a therapist who understands the complexities of your intersecting identities and offers specialized support,  please reach out to me, (Dr. Walter Stamp) out for a free consultation.

Want to learn more about my style and approach. See my interview HERE. 

Written By: Walter Stamp, PhD