Brian Nandy Counseling              

We are often told to celebrate our individuality and uniqueness. And then we are punished for being different &  authentic. – Brian Nandy

Gay Affirmative Psychotherapy represents a range of psychological knowledge which challenges the traditional view that homosexual desires and orientation are pathological. This approach regards homophobia, as opposed to homosexuality, as the reason that stunts healthy development. - Alan Malyon

Gay Affirmative Psychotherapy encourages the ACCEPTANCE of one’s sexual and romantic orientation, and does not attempt to change him or her into becoming heterosexual, or to eliminate or diminish same-sex desires and behaviors 

Gay Affirmative Therapy Addresses:

• Growing up as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Child/Adolescent
• Trauma, Abuse & Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Sexuality, Race & Cultural Challenges
• Identity & Coming Out
• Helping Families of LGBT
• Lesbian & Gay Couples Therapy [IMAGO]
• Mixed Marriage: 1 Lesbian/Gay Spouse & 1-Straight
• Relationships: Dreams & Disappointments

GAY AFFIRMATIVE THERAPY FOR CHILDREN & TEENS.

Lesbian and gay children know from a very young age that they are different. They may not know exactly how they’re different or what to call themselves, but they know they are not like most other children.

Children often speak about playground prejudice they’ve encountered, and how it is typically ignored. Adults assume that if heterosexual children say “That’s so gay!” and laugh over homophobic jokes, no harm is being done. But gay and lesbian children pay attention to what other kids are saying and doing – and to what teachers or adults are allowing.

Children and teenagers can handle a lesbian or gay orientation within themselves. What they cannot handle is the trauma of concealing it, not being able to express it or talk about it, and the negativity surrounding it by others around them.

Myths about being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender [LGBT].

Myth 1: Being LGBT results from immature sexuality. Any result of immaturity comes from the shame for being who they are.

Myth 2: Homosexuality is caused by an overprotective mother & an absent father.  Fathers who sense their sons maybe gay often distance themselves; & mothers maybe more protective to prevent bulling for being gay.

 Myth 3: Acquainting children with LGBTS & teaching them about homosexuality will make them gay.  This myth came about to prevent LGBTs from raising children as they may sway them into choosing an alternative lifestyle.

 Myth 4: Being sexually abused in childhood can turn a person gay. Early sexual abuse doesn’t shape orientation, but can confuse people of their orientation due to imprinting

Myth 5: Homosexuality can be prevented or cured. Heterosexism teaches that everyone should be straight.  We are born with certain sexual & romantic orientations. Reparative Therapy has a high rate of relapse and trauma.

Myth 6: People can choose to change their orientation.  People can choose the way to live their lives, but orientation is fixed.  Orientation is like a personality trait that is at the core, stable.

 Myth 7: Teens offers a “second chance” at heterosexuality. Not true. Teens often experiment sexually with no interest of converting their orientation.

 Myth 8: Homosexuality is merely sexual behavior. No, it is a matter of attraction: emotionally, mentally & psychologically.

 Myth 9: Homosexuality is an “alternative lifestyle”. No one would choose an ‘alternative’ lifestyle that leads to depression& self-destructive behavior.

 Myth 10: LGBT relationships don’t last. There are fewer social supports for LGBT people, but LGBT relationships can endure and last with healthy communication, respect, empathy and validation like any straight relationship.

Text adapted from  Joe Kort