The process of exploring and understanding your identity is rarely a journey from point A to B. For many people, there isn’t a single destination or point of “arrival”. Rather, it is a continuous journey of self-discovery and learning how to express your identity in an authentic and meaningful way. This is true for both LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse identities, which is why for those who identify as both LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse this journey can be more complex to navigate.
You may feel that there aren’t spaces that acknowledge and celebrate both identities. Or, that you don’t have the language to explain how these identities intersect.
But, there is power in community! Connecting with other LGBTQIA+ and autistic individuals can provide you with the understanding, support, and resources you need to explore and gain more knowledge of how your identities intersect and what that means for you.
This is why we’ve created spaces specifically for neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
However, for some, the idea of exploring or processing your identities in a group of others can feel a bit daunting. So often the LGBTQIA + and autistic communities are put in a situation to “justify” who they are by the dominant heteronormative and neurotypical culture. If you have faced judgment or dismissal from people in the past due to a lack of understanding or acceptance of your identities, it can be difficult to express yourself openly with a group of others.
That is why finding spaces with people who truly understand and relate to your experiences can be so powerful.
Group therapy is an excellent resource for LGBTQIA+ and autistic individuals seeking to explore their intersecting identities in a secure and validating environment.
It provides a comfortable space for participants to express themselves and learn from one another through shared experiences. You can process your experiences with mutual understanding when those around you are also part of the LGBTQIA+ and autistic community. Group therapy creates an affirming space where you can explore how your LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse identities interconnect and gain perspective from others who are learning more about themselves alongside you.
And you have the choice to share in a way that feels comfortable for you. In our groups, we always take time to discuss that sharing in a group is a vulnerable experience, and we talk through the ways we can create a comfortable space for each other. One of those ways is to create accommodations for different ways to participate. In our online groups, you can choose to turn your mic or video off or use the chat function if that feels most comfortable for you.
We will always honor your experiences, and how (or if) you wish to share them.
While it may take more courage to explore and process your identity in a group, there is power and healing in finding community.
And participating in a group in this way can allow you to gain more practice and confidence in expressing yourself authentically around others. This can support you in becoming more comfortable walking through life without masking or suppressing certain parts of your identity.
You may be wondering how this differs from gaining support from an individual therapist.
We know that individual therapy is also a powerful tool, especially when you work with a therapist who is educated and experienced in working with neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ clients. Individual therapy does also allow you to have a private space where you can process and navigate your experiences. However, this happens in a one-on-one space where you develop an alliance with an individual therapist. Whereas in group therapy, the circle of alliance also includes the peers in the group as well.
Though it’s not necessarily an “either, or” option. You can participate in individual and group therapy to gain the benefits of both.
It’s not uncommon for people to work with an individual therapist, and also participate in a group as well. At Open Doors Therapy, we offer both individual therapy and group therapy so that you can get the supports and resources you need in one space.
Whether you are looking to gain a better understanding of how your LGBTQIA+ and autistic identities intersect or need support in processing the complexities that come with navigating both of these identities, it is important to find a community that understands and supports you.
Are you interested in joining our online LGBTQ support group in Palo Alto, CA, and across California?
We know that the need for safe and accepting spaces is essential, which is why we’ve created a group specifically for neurodiverse LGBTQIA+ adults. If you’re interested in learning more, you can follow these steps to get started:
- Contact Open Doors Therapy to schedule a free consultation call.
- Learn more about our services, our team, and whether our group is right fit for you.
- Find a supportive and affirming space with our group for LGBTQIA+ adults on the autism spectrum.
Other Services Offered with Open Doors Therapy
Our team understands you may need support with more than just neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ identities. This is why our California-based practice is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. We also offer individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. In addition, we also offer social skills groups. These include college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, women who identify as neurodiverse, a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Please feel free to visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!
