It’s a number of years since I wrote an article for the NCH magazine, sharing my experiences on how beneficial hypnotherapy had been for my LGBT+ clients.

At the time, we were in the middle of the pandemic, and I was, like everyone else, working online, reaching out to help others. It was also a great time for self-reflection as I strived to build up my practice during unprecedented times.

Belonging to the LGBT community myself, I was only too aware of many of the challenges faced by people I either knew or knew of. The purpose of the article was to let all hypnotherapists, irrespective of gender or sexuality know the good they can do, if they make their practices welcoming and inclusive to those who identify under the rainbow flag.

It's a well-known fact that individuals within the LGBT+ community face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. Studies have shown that they are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse than their heterosexual counterparts. These challenges can stem from a variety of factors, including societal stigma, discrimination, and the stress associated with coming out.

To provide effective therapeutic support, it's essential to acknowledge and understand the specific issues that LGBT+ individuals may encounter. These can include:

• Self-Loathing and Internalised Homophobia: Many LGBT+ individuals struggle with negative self-perceptions and internalised homophobia, which can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
• Coming Out: The process of coming out can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, particularly when faced with potential rejection or discrimination from family, friends, or society at large.
• Family Rejection: Unfortunately, some LGBT+ individuals experience rejection or disownment from their families, which can have a profound impact on their mental health and well-being.
• Discrimination and Prejudice: Discrimination and prejudice can lead to feelings of isolation, marginalisation, and chronic stress.
• Self-Harm and Eating Disorders: Studies have shown that LGBT+ individuals are at a higher risk of self-harm and eating disorders, often as a coping mechanism for dealing with emotional distress.

If you read through the above, you may well be beginning to realise that these issues are things that you regularly help people with. Any of the issues above will be exacerbated by stress – you can help with that. The above issues need people with kindness, understanding and a non-judgemental attitude – that’s you, isn’t it?

The question remains though, are you reaching out to this community? If not - What is holding you back?

 I’ve asked many therapists this question, and two answers which come up time and again are:

• Surely people who are LGBT want to see a therapist who is also LGBT 
• I’m frightened of saying the wrong thing, and don’t feel I have enough experience with this community

On the first point, absolutely not. People want to see someone they feel comfortable with, someone they feel ‘gets them’. They want to talk to a therapist who understands their needs and requirements, the sexuality and gender of the therapist is secondary to them feeling accepted and understood.

As a passionate and caring therapist, you are already more than able to fulfil the therapeutic requirements of anyone presenting with any issue.

The question is, do you have the knowledge and expertise to be able to offer people from this community the best possible service? Possibly not.

I’m happy to be able to share my years of experience both as a therapist and as an advocate for the LGBT community. My passion for helping and community cohesion dates back to 2004, when I was invited to act as an advisor to Lancashire Constabulary in all matters LGBT.

My years of experience and anecdotal evidence have been carefully documented and collated into a brand new CPD course which I will shortly be delivering to other therapists who truly want to make their practices inclusive and welcoming to all. It includes a number of therapeutic techniques which have been designed to help clients who, though no fault of their own, have found themselves resistant to treatment, even though they wanted to engage fully. I will be sharing these tried and tested techniques with you.

Just think of the good you can do and the number of additional people you can help, confident in the knowledge that you are offering a truly inclusive service.

I do hope you’ll think about joining me at some point as I share my passion for therapy with those whose truly believe that inclusion means everyone.

If you are interested in joining Martin for a full day Zoom CPD Workshop on this subject, specifically for clinical hypnotherapists, practitioners and students on Saturday 8th November, then please click on this link for more information: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1018595816507?aff=oddtdtcreator