funstem.pages.dev

Gay mens counseling

Home / gay topics / Gay mens counseling

For example, Pink Alliance runs a mentorship programme to help people navigate the workplace as a member of the LGBT+ community.

Self-care

Self-care means things we do for ourselves to help improve our mental and physical health.

Internalised homophobia, biphobia or transphobia might mean you struggle to be kind to yourself.

This could be something recent or something that happened a long time ago

  • difficult emotions, such as guilt, sadness, confusion, anger, low self-esteem and internalised homophobia, biphobia and transphobia 
  • depression, anxiety and other mental health problems
  • living with a long-term physical health problem.

    Poor mental health can contribute to you taking risks with your sexual health. For example, the Tongzhi Literary Group puts on meetings about authors from sexual minorities and The Harmonics are an LGBT+ choir. But we know that those of us with LGBT+ identities may face extra challenges around getting the right support, and we sometimes have extra needs or concerns.

    The tips on this page may help.

    Remember that different things work for different people at different times.

    gay mens counseling

    We're Part of the Community.

    • Therapy at Freelife means working with professionals who truly understand your world—because they’ve lived it too. Gay/queer men also have relationships with their bodies and sexualities that are unique from that of other groups.

    Couples Counseling for Queer Partners

    Therapy for Gay, Bi & Queer Men

    For individuals seeking clarity or couples looking to strengthen connections, we create a space for honest conversations and meaningful change.

    Men’s Relationships

    Gay, bi, and queer men seek sex, love, and connection in ways that are unique to them.

    One of the LGBTIQ+ services listed in our useful contacts page might be able to help.

    But even if your therapist does not identify as LGBT+ themselves, they may still have experience of helping people with similar problems to you. But practising self-care can help boost your self-esteem. Our therapists don’t just affirm your identity; they share in the experiences, challenges, and nuances that come with being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

    But no matter your background, sexuality or identity, you deserve support.

    Specialist LGBT+ mental health services

    Some therapists focus on providing mental health support to LGBT+ people. Common experiences we work through include:

    • Navigating Identity: Build confidence and live authentically by exploring who you are.

    • Sexual Shame: Overcome shame tied to your desires and embrace sexual confidence.

    • Relationship Challenges: Improve communication, set boundaries, and navigate dynamics like open or poly relationships.

    • Family and Cultural Expectations: Heal from religious trauma, family conflicts, and guilt.

    • Compulsive Behaviors: Address compulsive behaviors, patterns, or habits in a supportive and nonjudgmental space.

    • Anxiety and Transitions: Build resilience and rediscover purpose during life’s changes.

    Wherever you are on your journey, we’re here to help.

    To get started, fill out the form below and we will reach out for your free consultation.

    LGBTQ Meetups is another way you can find such groups.

    A therapist who is LGBTQ+-aligned will be cognizant of and respectful of a client’s lived experience.

    How can I recognize an effective LGBTQ+ therapist?

    Interested clients should look for therapists who have received training in LGBTQ+ issues and/or have worked closely with LGBTQ+ clients. Our pages on physical activity and mental health have more tips.

    “I often get asked why I play for a [LGBT+] team… it provides a safe space to play and also it allows me to meet like-minded people in a space that doesn’t revolve around bars and clubs, which felt at the time to be the only way of meeting gay people.”

    Try to avoid recreational drugs and alcohol

    You might want to use these to cope with difficult feelings.

    “I needed somewhere where I could be open about being trans and be open about mental health.”

    Working with a therapist

    Talking therapies involve talking to a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. There are lots of reasons to not want to come out as LGBT+ to your doctor when you talk to them about your mental health.

    You can exercise by yourself or you could try joining an LGBT+ sports group. The important thing is to find an activity you enjoy to help you feel motivated. Research and experience shows us that social expectations of people raised as men can lead to challenges clearly identifying emotions, social challenges, and feeling like there are parts of us that need to be hidden from others.

    It may be that just having someone listen to you and show they care can help in itself. For example, HK InterBank is a network of LGBT+ groups across the banking and financial industry providing support for its members and the Hong Kong LGBT Medical Society is a group of LGBT+ medical professionals, among other aims they offer support to their peers..

    You can find more information and support from:

    • the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre 
    • our pages about the mental health effects of recreational drugs.

    Look after your sexual health

    Sexual health is an important part of your physical and mental health.

    Try volunteering

    Volunteering can make you feel better about yourself and less alone.

    You might like to look up social groups connecting members of the LGBT+ community through sports, fitness, outdoor events. They could:

    • make a diagnosis
    • offer you support and treatments, such as self-help resources, talking therapies, and possibly medication (when it is indicated)
    • refer you to a specialist LGBT+ mental health service, if one exists near you.

    Find out more about how to talk to your doctor in our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem.

    Do I have to tell them I’m LGBT+?

    Opening up to a doctor about your personal thoughts and feelings isn’t easy for anyone.