Sexual orientation determines who a person is sexually and emotionally attracted to; this could be a male or female who are attracted to someone of the opposite or same gender as themselves. The actions of an individual do not determine their sexual orientation because people’s actions don’t always follow their feelings – the way a person feels towards another person is what is important.
Heterosexual. An attraction between opposite sexes
Homosexual. An attraction between same sexes
Bisexual. Attraction to same & opposite sexes
Asexual. Lack of sexual attraction/interested in either sex
Polysexual. Attraction to more than one gender but not wanting to be known as bisexual: which implies there are only 2 binary sexes
Pansexual. Attraction to all people regardless of gender (gender being insignificant)
Transsexual. Identify as the opposite of their biological gender
It can be difficult for you if you’re attracted to the same or both genders because people view being attracted to the opposite sex as ‘natural.’ If you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone – these feelings are experienced by millions of people around the world. It is normal for you to feel confused about your feelings and emotions and nervous about how others will react to them. Men tend to find that they’re quite isolated because of peer pressure that homosexuality is wrong – it is not wrong, it is part of human sexuality. Remember, an individual cannot choose their sexual orientation.
It can be very difficult to accept yourself the way you are, but this is one of the biggest steps. Once you’ve been able to accept yourself and feel comfortable you may want to start to tell other people, which is commonly known as ‘coming out’ and is usually the most difficult process for an individual.
We’re all different, have different views and different cultures; some people will be accepting of you coming out, whereas others may not be so accepting. The person you should tell first and foremost should be someone you trust and can confide in, knowing they will keep this information to themselves until you’re ready to tell others.
Someone who is gay, lesbian or bisexual can find it very confusing and at times lonely. There are a number of support groups out there that offer information and will help you strike up new friendships that will support you through your path.
Therapists take the process therapy at your pace. This is to allow you the time, space and support to come to terms with your sexuality when you’re ready and in your own time.
Your therapist will work together with you to deal with your issue – this allows you to get to know your counsellor/psychotherapist and in turn, this will help you to relax and deal with any fears you have that relate to the sexuality counselling process. This is just as important as dealing with the issue at hand.
Your therapist can help you to examine your thought processes, how you’re feeling and any behaviours which may be linked to what’s going on for you.
Your therapist may teach you about the different coping strategies, help you to address your issues in the best way to suit you and look at establishing support networks so you’re able to lean on others for support.
We have therapists working from Kay’s Counselling office in Birmingham and online via video calling. All our therapists go through a rigorous interview process, aiming to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to help you work through your issues through counselling or psychotherapy.
All our therapists know the level of courage it takes for you to contact us to start your journey, we aim to match the same level of courage in our therapists, who have a
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Do you need help to come to terms with your sexuality? Here at Kays Counselling, we offer LGBT therapy.