[LiteraryLark]

I want to bring up something with my mental health counselor...I have worked on mental health for the past ten years, and I'm tired of talking about it, for one.

And two, there are other things in my life I need addressed now, things that are important to me but are not related to mental health.

I want to explore my gender identity/expression and my sexuality, and I don't know how to do this. I do not know if my area has LGBT counseling, and I would absolutely hate to leave my current counselor. She is such a sweetheart and we get along so well...but I don't know what I'd do if she couldn't help me with my gender identity and my sexuality.

It's not something I've ever talked about before, and I wouldn't know how to articulate my needs about this.

Are there other resources out there or someone I can talk to about this?

[KBMK]

Hi @LiteraryLark . I'm curious how old you are, and how long you have been speaking to your current counselor, and how long you have had these specific issues on your mind?
I would hope it is something that a mental health counselor WOULD be interested to talk with you about, and help you explore/understand.
Have you had other discussions about identity (how you see yourself, self worth etc.), or about expression yourself (whether you self censor, avoid painful feelings etc.)?
These are things that impact our mental well-being very greatly!
I am not able to recommend any specific resources. I do think that you hold all the answers to these questions about yourself, and how to express yourself, within yourself.
And I'm guessing that with your desire to explore, you'll find these answers in good time

[LiteraryLark]

Hi @KBMK I'm 27 turning 28 next month. I've had this counselor for about two years, and I've had issues with sexuality and gender since middle school and have never talked about it with anyone because my mental health has been the focus of my counseling time.

Thank you for your response!

[LiteraryLark]

Hi @KBMK I'm 27 turning 28 next month. I've had this counselor for about two years, and I've had issues with sexuality and gender since middle school and have never talked about it with anyone because my mental health has been the focus of my counseling time.

Thank you for your response!

[Skeezyks]

As an interim step would you consider joining a transgender forum website? I belong to one. And, while other members' responses aren't always that helpful, (at least for me) just typing out what's of concern to me & putting it out there for others who understand to read feels comforting.

Beyond that, if there's an LGBT center where you live perhaps they might have some services, or at least suggestions, that would be of help? I haven't had a lot of experience with support groups; but from what I've read sometimes they can be helpful & sometimes they can do more harm than good. So one has to be careful.