La Ventana Treatment Programs identifies the issue of transgender in that the individual’s (AGAB), assigned gender at birth, is not completely accurate or that the person’s gender does not match the gender listed on their birth certificate.
Staff is trained in affirmative therapy approaches that validate and affirm the identities of LGBTQIA+ clients. This includes using inclusive language, respecting chosen names and pronouns, and avoiding assumptions about clients’ sexual orientation or gender identity. La Ventana Staff is aware of the unique issues faced by LGBTQIA+ youth, elders, and people of color within the community.
Emphasize the intersectionality of identities within the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing that individuals may experience discrimination and marginalization based on multiple factors such as race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, etc. La Ventana staff are mindful of these intersecting identities and how they may influence mental health experiences and treatment needs.
La Ventana staff are trained on addressing and challenging biases and discrimination within oneself and among colleagues. La Ventana staff understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment free from judgment or prejudice.
Being a member of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community can be an inherently stressful experience due to stigma and discrimination from interpersonal relationships and the environment one lives in. This may lead to mental health difficulties that negatively affect one’s life and further provide false evidence that 2S/LGBTQIA+ people are different which continues a cycle of oppression. La Ventana staff are aware of subtleties that cause stress to the clients and understand the stress they have experienced.
These are all connected in our world and there are many things in the world around us that can have influence over our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. These influences (whatever they be) have an impact on our life and we may or may not be aware. The 2S/LGBTQIA+ community has additional negative influences due to prejudice and discrimination to name a few.
Understanding what influences us is helpful. Clients Write things down that are disturbing and then discuss them in group. It could be people, groups, institutions, laws, politics, social norms or any number of things. La Ventana staff understand the thoughts, feeling and behaviors occurring with the clients.
Resilience is a collection of coping strategies and each person collects new strategies throughout their life.
It’s important to note that not all transgender individuals will experience these mental health issues, and experiences vary widely among individuals.
However, at La Ventana Transgender Mental Health Support in Thousand Oaks, CA we create a supportive and inclusive environment, providing access to affirming healthcare, and offering mental health resources tailored to the needs of transgender individuals which helps mitigate these challenges and promote mental well-being.
