2S and LGBTQIA+ 2S AND LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING COUNSELLING CAN HELP WITH: Offering guidance, support and resources for coming out to family, friends, partners or communities, whether your identity does or does not fit neatly into labels Exploring and understanding affectional, gender, and sexual orientations and identities, as well as experiences of gender dysphoria and euphoria Unpacking internalized stigma, shame and feelings of rejection or exclusion Coping with the impacts of discrimination, prejudice, oppression and developing strategies for self-advocacy Discussing boundaries, self-care and feelings of frustration, exhaustion and the burden associated with advocating on behalf of or educating others on 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences and needs Processing emotional and mental health challenges like anxiety, attention focus or hyperactivity, body image depression, eating behaviours, stress, substance use, or trauma Addressing family dynamics, the relationship with self and others, or intimate partner conflict and violence Developing coping mechanisms and incorporating new techniques or tools for emotional expansion and regulation Government and health care system navigation and exploring gender affirming care or medical transition options, such as hormone therapy (HRT) or gender confirming surgeries HOW DOES 2S AND LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING COUNSELLING WORK AT BLISS? At Bliss, we believe your counselling should be as unique as you are. We’ll begin by getting you matched with a therapist you feel safe opening up to. Then, you’ll get started with your initial session. During this appointment (virtual or in-person, your pick), you will share more about your identities and what they mean to you. You’ll leave with a better sense of your goals and how your therapist will be able to support you! From here, you and your therapist will co-create a custom path to better understanding the relationship you have with yourself and others. With a curious, culturally sensitive and anti-oppressive expert by your side, you’ll learn strategies for managing stressors, building community and fostering self-love! Sometimes the exploration of affectional, gender and sexual orientation can activate past traumas or attachment wounds. You may be encouraged to address and process these challenges when unresolved issues arise. Your therapist will work with you to co-create strategies that align with your unique needs, values and goals for therapy. GET STARTED WITH 2SLGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING COUNSELLING TODAY. You deserve to be understood, accepted and respected in your therapeutic journey! Let’s start today – a Bliss therapist is here and ready to help you get going. Simply fill out the form below to book your initial session or click here to book virtually.