People visit the doctor when they need help overcoming a physical health problem. However, fewer people think to visit a therapist when they're struggling mentally or emotionally. Therapists can be a source of emotional support. If you identify as LGBTQ, talking to a therapist who specializes in treating people like yourself can help you overcome challenges and difficult feelings. Here are four things you can discuss with an LGBTQ support therapist.

1. Your Feelings About Your Sexual Orientation 

It's great to feel pride in your sexual orientation, but not everyone feels that way all the time. It's normal to struggle to come to terms with your sexual identity, and it's important to let yourself feel all your emotions. Your therapist can guide you through this process and help you come to a healthy acceptance of who you are.

2. Regrets, Sadness, And Anger You Feel About The Past 

Coming out as LGBTQ can open doors in your life, helping you to see the many possibilities of the future. However, you may also experience a period of mourning right after you come out. You may feel sadness for the time you wasted or the times you didn't see yourself clearly. You may also feel angry or resentful about the way other people's expectations have shaped your life. An LGBTQ support therapist can give you space to experience and work out these feelings so you can process them and accept them for what they are.

3. Relationship Conflicts

LGBTQ people face relationship conflicts, just like everyone else. These conflicts may or may not center on your gender identity, gender expression, or sexuality. If you or your partner are having trouble coming to terms with an aspect of your identity, talking to a counselor together can help. Couples counselors who specialize in treating LGBTQ people can help queer couples address the unique challenges they face, including navigating heterocentric ideas about relationships that you may not even be aware that you've absorbed.

4. Plans To Live A More Authentic Life

For many LGBTQ people, the process of coming out is one of traveling toward authenticity. Becoming your authentic self can take time and patience, and an LGBTQ support counselor can help you every step of the way. Your therapist can help you decide what you want so you can figure out the steps you need to take to get there. You may need to leave a current relationship or make room in your life for the kind of partner you want. Your therapist is not there to tell you what to do but rather to help you figure out what you want to do.

Reach out to a specialist to find comfort in LGBTQ support therapy.