Sexuality

Exploring sexuality can be frightening. Discovering you are attracted to the same sex can lead to isolation, depression, segregation and fear as well as opportunity and excitement; suddenly, the whole world can seem daunting and new. Do we tell, do we stay silent and how do we act around those who know us? Words such as "queer", "lesbian", "gay", "bisexual" may apply, although many feel these labels restricting and perceptions go beyond conventional language. Whatever term you use to describe your sexuality, counselling can help explore who you are as an individuals and find ways to better describe how you feel.

Conversations can be harder to join from the small play flirting which takes place within day-to-day interaction to the deeper issues of how others might approach you and the topics they raise. Those whom we deem as role models are harder to find, running against the grain, and it is rare to find a background story featuring gay couples without it either being a main feature or left out altogether. Perhaps you identify with a different style of relationship altogether (such as having more than one partner) which can be harder to share?

Outside barriers often prevent us from taking this forward including family, culture, ethnicity, religion, expectations and fear of how others might treat us. We cannot be taught to alter our sexuality, but we can learn to come to terms with these feelings often within challenging and difficult situations. Counselling can help explore these possibilities, helping you develop your ideas and feelings into a way that feels more comfortable offering greater balance and perspective.