- Is your child, tween, or teen LGBTQI or questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation?
- Are you seeking to educate yourself on LGBTQI issues to better understand your child’s experience?
- Do you as a parent want information on how to best help your LGBTQI teen or tween?
- Are you confused about how to support someone close to you through a transition ?
As a parent you may feel isolated in your own experience, but getting support and education for yourself can be extremely worthwhile and empowering. Coming out is not only a transitional moment for a child but can also be an adjustment for parents and families as well. Parents may wonder, “How will I best support my child? What should I say or do?”
Education is an important step in understanding your child’s experience. The more information you have, the better equipped you will feel to have conversations with your child, allowing you to feel more confident in how you engage with them through their own process.
At Wellspring, we have therapists who have significant experience and expertise in working with parents and families of LGBTQI youth. Our therapists will work collaboratively with you to identify where you are at in your own process and support you in a way that is non-judgmental and focuses on your strengths as a parent. This will allow you to feel equipped with tools and information to encourage positive and productive interactions with your child.
Working together as family, especially during a transitional time, can be instrumental in supporting your child’s mental health and wellbeing. Negative messages from our society can lead to feelings of shame and sadness. For this reason, having a supportive network can create an environment of acceptance where your child can truly be themselves. Parents are an essential part of this network.
For information on scheduling an appointment for parent education and support, please call our Intake Coordinators.