Queer Affirmative Therapy is a specialized form of counselling that is tailored to meet the specific needs and concerns of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. It goes beyond mere acceptance, actively recognizing, honouring, and valuing the rich diversity of queer identities and relationships. This approach integrates an understanding of the unique stressors and societal challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, addressing issues like internalized homophobia, gender dysphoria, discrimination, social stigma, heteronormativity, and relationship dynamics within a queer context.

Queer Affirmative Therapy is grounded in creating a safe and affirming therapeutic environment where LGBTQIA+ clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and identities freely. It aims to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies in the face of societal challenges. By honouring and valuing the richness of queer identities, this approach supports individuals in achieving greater self-acceptance, personal growth, and overall well-being. 

Queer Affirmative Therapy is for those who seek: 

• A therapist who understands and celebrates their identity.

• A safe space to explore their unique challenges and experiences.

• Support in navigating life transitions and achieving their goals.

• Tools and strategies for managing mental health concerns.

• Affirmation and validation of their authentic self.

Our Queer Affirmative Therapy service is designed for anyone within the LGBTQIA+ community who seeks support, guidance, and personal growth. Whether you are exploring your identity, coping with mental health challenges, dealing with discrimination, or simply looking for a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings, we are here for you. We work with individuals and couples of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.

• Emotional Well-being: We provide a compassionate and affirming space for you to express your thoughts and emotions freely. Through open dialogue and empathetic listening, we can help you navigate complex feelings and build resilience.

• Identity Exploration: Many individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community go through a journey of self-discovery and identity exploration. Your therapist can assist you in understanding and embracing your true self, offering support throughout the process.

• Mental Health: We recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals may face unique mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or the effects of discrimination. Your therapist Mita is experienced in addressing these issues with a queer-affirmative approach, promoting healing and personal growth.

• Relationships: Whether you're seeking support for interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, or romantic partnerships, we can guide you in navigating these complex areas while considering your queer identity.

• Empowerment: Our goal is not just to alleviate distress but to empower you to thrive. We aim to equip you with coping strategies, self-acceptance, and self-confidence, enabling you to lead a fulfilling life as your authentic self.

• LGBTQIA+ (Queer) Affirmative: Your therapist Mita is certified LGBTQIA+ affirming and has received specialized training in queer-affirmative therapy techniques. We provide a safe and affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

• Sex Therapy Informed: Your therapist is trained in sex therapy, offering a specialized approach to address issues related to intimacy, sexuality, and sexual health.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Many LGBTQIA+ individuals may have experienced trauma related to their identity or past experiences. We utilize trauma-informed care principles to create a safe and supportive environment for healing.

• Couple & Family Counselling: Your therapist is trained in couple and family counselling, offering a specialized approach to address issues related to relationships and family dynamics.

• Confidentiality: Your privacy is of the utmost importance. All discussions within the therapy session are confidential, creating a safe space for open communication.

• Holistic Approach: We consider your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, offering a comprehensive holistic approach to address various facets of your life.

• Customized Treatment Plans: Each individual or a couple is unique. We create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the most effective therapeutic journey.

• Interactive, Engaging, and Experiential Techniques: We employ a variety of interactive, engaging, and experiential therapeutic techniques to enhance your self-discovery and make the therapeutic process dynamic and impactful 

• Culturally Competent Therapist: We are culturally competent, ensuring that your unique background and perspectives are respected and integrated into the therapeutic process.

• Global Experience: We bring a wealth of global experience, having worked and collaborated with people from diverse cultures and industries around the world. This ensures a broad and inclusive perspective in our therapeutic approach.

• Atheist/Agnostic-Friendly: We respect diverse belief systems, providing therapy that is sensitive to the perspectives of atheists and agnostics.

These key features highlight our commitment to providing inclusive, personalized, and effective therapeutic services that cater to a diverse range of needs and backgrounds. 

At Turtle Balance, we embrace an eclectic and integrated approach to therapy, combining various evidence-based interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our comprehensive approach ensures that we address the multifaceted nature of mental health and emotional well-being. We use a combination of experiential and traditional therapeutic modalities. Our interventions include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Expressive Arts Therapy (EXAT)

• Psychodrama Psychotherapy

• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

• Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SE)

• Gestalt Therapy

• Transactional Analysis (TA)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Behaviour Modification

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and more.

By integrating these diverse therapeutic modalities, we create a personalized and holistic treatment plan that addresses the specific challenges and goals of each client. Our approach is grounded in the belief that healing is a multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive and tailored strategy 

In our Queer Affirmative Therapy sessions, we provide a supportive environment to explore and address a wide range of issues. Our goal is to help you find your balance and pathways to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Here are some of the common issues we can help you with 

Identity Exploration and Development:

• Questioning your sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

• Feeling pressure to conform to societal expectations.

• Dealing with internalized homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, or acephobia.

• Navigating the coming-out process and managing reactions from family, friends, or society.

• Exploring topics related to sexuality, intimacy, and sexual health

• Exploring your relationship with faith, spirituality, and culture as it relates to your identity.

Relationships:

• Building and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.

• Navigating microaggressions and discrimination within relationships.

• Setting healthy boundaries and asserting your needs.

• Building intimacy and trust in romantic relationships.

• Facing challenges related to polyamory, open relationships, or non-monogamy.

Internalized Stigma:

• Dealing with shame, guilt, and negative self-beliefs related to your identity.

• Feeling invisible or like you don't belong.

• Experiencing imposter syndrome or feeling unworthy of love and happiness.

Emotional Wellness:

• Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges influenced by societal stigma, discrimination, and minority stress.

• Trauma related to experiences of discrimination, bullying, or violence.

• Substance abuse or misuse as a coping mechanism.

• Eating disorders and body image issues.

• Suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviours.

Life Transitions:

• Coming out to family, friends, or the workplace.

• Transitioning genders and navigating the medical, legal, and social aspects of transition.

• Facing discrimination in housing, employment, or healthcare.

• Dealing with ageing and navigating life as a queer individual.

We understand that the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples can be unique and multifaceted and we are committed to providing personalized support tailored to your specific needs. Your therapist, Mita, is highly skilled in addressing a wide range of issues, employing a compassionate and understanding approach to help you navigate through life's complexities.

If you're facing any of these issues, or if there's something else weighing on your mind or heart, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards a journey of healing and growth.