5 things I’ve learned from therapy as an LGBTQ+ person LGBTQ NATION https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2023/03/5-things-ive-learned-from-therapy-as-an-lgbtq-person/By Eleni Stephanides
Friday, March 3, 2023
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Like a guard “escorting patients through the rooms of their own house.” This is how psychotherapist Irvin Yalmon described his role in the therapy process.
“What a treat it is to watch them open doors to rooms never before entered, discover new wings [of their house] containing parts in exile—wise, beautiful, and creative pieces of identity,” he wrote in his memoir.
Before the 1970s, LGBTQ+ individuals were mainly treated with conversion therapy. Where now we encounter humanization, normalization, and validation of our emotions, before, therapy primarily served to correct these internal experiences (after labeling them perversions). It wasn’t until 1973 that homosexuality was officially removed from the DSM as a mental disorder.
Our climate now is so different from just one or two generations ago, when most thought of therapy as existing only as a resource for “crazy” people or the seriously disturbed. It’s now far more acceptable to admit to mental health struggles, and I hope these attitudes will only continue growing stronger.
As Karen Salmamnsohn said, “Do not waste time thinking about what you could have done differently. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and do it differently now.” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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...lots more good things to read.HUGS,
Danielle
