How can you help LGBTQ+ individuals develop resilience and coping skills?
LGBTQ+ individuals often face various challenges and stressors in their personal and professional lives, such as discrimination, stigma, rejection, isolation, and violence. These can negatively affect their mental health, well-being, and self-esteem. However, resilience and coping skills can help them overcome these difficulties and thrive in different settings. As a personal coach, you can play a vital role in supporting and empowering your LGBTQ+ clients to develop these skills and enhance their quality of life. Here are some tips on how you can do that.
The first step to help your LGBTQ+ clients is to understand their specific needs, goals, and challenges. Each person has a unique identity, background, and experience, so avoid making assumptions or generalizations based on stereotypes or labels. Instead, listen actively and empathetically to their stories, concerns, and aspirations. Ask open-ended questions that invite them to share more about themselves and their situations. Validate their feelings and acknowledge their strengths. Show respect and appreciation for their diversity and authenticity.
-
Adrien Gaubert
Co-founder & CMO @ myGwork | Diversity & Inclusion
Promote resilience-building activities: Encourage engagement in activities that promote resilience, such as mindfulness and meditation, engaging in hobbies, regular exercise, and creative outlets like writing or art. These activities can help manage stress, build coping mechanisms, and foster emotional well-being. Offer professional help: If needed, suggest seeking therapy or counseling from professionals who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues. Therapy can offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and enhance resilience. Empowering them with knowledge can help them navigate everyday challenges and empower them to advocate for themselves and others.
-
Elia Paulina González
Helping companies to create violence-free workplaces | CEO at Mind it! | Speaker | Clinical Psychologist | YLAI Alumni | Womens Mental Health Awareness
Para comprender las necesidades de su cliente, es esencial preguntar para prevenir suposiciones: ¿Quieres contarme qué está pasando? ¿Qué necesitas? ¿Cómo puedo ayudarte? ¿He notado ____, quieres platicarme qué ocurre? Para escuchar y validar un sentimiento, puede comenzar por identificar lo que la persona dice que siente, bajo qué circunstancias y repetirlo: "es válido que sientas miedo de contarle a tus padres aunque creas que no deberías sentir eso". Es necesario recordar que las necesidades de cada personas pueden variar y tener un grado diverso de importancia en comparación a otras, y eso: también es válido.
Another important step is to provide a safe and supportive space for your LGBTQ+ clients to express themselves freely and openly. This means creating a non-judgmental, confidential, and inclusive environment where they can feel comfortable and accepted. You can do this by using affirming and respectful language, avoiding microaggressions or insensitive remarks, and adapting your coaching approach and tools to suit their preferences and needs. You can also educate yourself on LGBTQ+ issues and resources, and refer your clients to other professionals or groups if needed.
-
Nikki Symmons
Global Content Studio Ops & Stripes Global Head of Partnerships @ Philip Morris | Compete Proud
The creation of a safe space is vital, especially if the person has not come out yet or is trying to work up the courage to come out. Not only does it have to be a non-judgmental, confidential and inclusive space, whoever is in this space needs to really listen to the needs of the person who finds themselves there. That way they can build up the confidence for their journey ahead.
-
Elia Paulina González
Helping companies to create violence-free workplaces | CEO at Mind it! | Speaker | Clinical Psychologist | YLAI Alumni | Womens Mental Health Awareness
También puedes crear "Espacios de Seguridad Psicológica" esto es un lugar donde las personas se sienten cómodas siendo ellas mismas, sin miedo a ser juzgadas o castigadas. Se trata de crear un entorno donde las personas pueden correr riesgos, aprender y crecer. Esto se puede practicar al: -Sé genuino y honesto -Sé respetuoso y tolerante. -Sé un buen oyente -Ofrece apoyo -Promueve la diversidad Esto aportará a que personas LGBTQ+ se sientan con la seguridad e integración que todos los entornos necesitan tener. Cuando cree un espacio de seguridad psicológica, estás ayudando a crear un mundo más justo e inclusivo.
(edited)
Self-compassion is the ability to treat oneself with kindness, care, and understanding, especially in times of stress, failure, or hardship. It can help your LGBTQ+ clients cope with negative emotions, such as shame, guilt, anger, or sadness, that may arise from internalized homophobia, transphobia, or biphobia, or from external pressures or expectations. You can help your clients foster self-compassion by encouraging them to recognize and challenge their self-critical thoughts, to acknowledge and appreciate their achievements and qualities, and to practice self-care and gratitude.
-
Elia Paulina González
Helping companies to create violence-free workplaces | CEO at Mind it! | Speaker | Clinical Psychologist | YLAI Alumni | Womens Mental Health Awareness
¿Cómo practicar esto? Puede promover la "Lista de Autocompasión" donde: 1) La persona escribe de lado izquierdo todas aquellas acciones, emociones o pensamientos severo o con las cuáles no ha logrado superar algún tipo de emoción dolorosa, anotando cada uno en forma de lista. 2) Ahora, de lado derecho de esa lista, responderá de forma autocompasiva, como si fuera una amistad quien le estuviera contando la historia de la lista. ¿Qué le diría? Es común que personas que no suelen ser autocompasivas les sea más fácil serlo con otros antes que con ellos mismos, este ejercicio aporta a su práctica, identificación y proceso de autoconocimiento como parte de una promoción de justicia interna.
Social support is the network of people who provide emotional, practical, or informational assistance to someone in need. It can help your LGBTQ+ clients reduce their stress levels, enhance their well-being, and increase their sense of belonging and acceptance. You can help your clients build social support by helping them identify and connect with positive and supportive people in their lives, such as family, friends, mentors, or peers. You can also suggest them to join LGBTQ+ communities or groups, online or offline, where they can find solidarity, friendship, and advocacy.
-
Elia Paulina González
Helping companies to create violence-free workplaces | CEO at Mind it! | Speaker | Clinical Psychologist | YLAI Alumni | Womens Mental Health Awareness
Promover actividades sociales o culturales como: la película LGBTQ+ del mes, generar círculos de mentoría con personas en el ámbito y realizar actividades de impacto social para el apoyo de la comunidad LGTBQ+ en organizaciones no lucrativas es una gran actividad para desarrollar el sentido de resiliencia y responsabilidad social. Otra estrategia importante es hablar acerca de los acontecimientos sociales actuales, creando círculos de reflexión, donde se compartan insights sobre lo ocurrido (ya sea en noticias o redes sociales), acontecimientos tanto positivos como negativos. Así, se da un espacio de apertura, reflexión y se identifican las responsabilidades sociales que se tienen para mejorar o avanzar en pro de la comunidad LGBTQ+
Coping strategies are the methods or techniques that people use to deal with stressful or challenging situations. They can help your LGBTQ+ clients manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy and constructive way. You can help your clients develop coping strategies by exploring with them what works and what doesn't work for them, and by introducing them to different options, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, positive affirmations, journaling, or hobbies. You can also help them set realistic and attainable goals, and celebrate their progress and achievements.
-
Elia Paulina González
Helping companies to create violence-free workplaces | CEO at Mind it! | Speaker | Clinical Psychologist | YLAI Alumni | Womens Mental Health Awareness
La clave para identificar estrategias de afrontamiento es que la personas detecte qué ha intentado y qué no, qué intentó y no le funcionó y por qué, así, es más fácil plantear estrategias diferentes o mejoradas. Ahora, puede que algunas personas no logren identificar estrategias debido a la dificultad emocional en la que se encuentran. Es por eso que, de manera muy respetuosa, pueden plantearse algunas soluciones o propuestas de su parte, siempre preguntando ¿Me permites compartirte algunas sugerencias?: ¿Ya intentaste ____? Y si en lugar de ______ realizas_____ Tienes amistades/familia que pudiera apoyarte con_____ Te parece si le preguntamos a ______
Empowerment is the process of increasing one's confidence, autonomy, and influence over one's life. It can help your LGBTQ+ clients overcome their fears, doubts, and barriers, and pursue their dreams and aspirations. You can help your clients empower their voice by encouraging them to express their opinions, needs, and desires, and by supporting them to make their own decisions and choices. You can also help them advocate for their rights, values, and interests, and to use their voice to inspire and educate others.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Peer SupportWhat are the best practices for using emotional intelligence to support peers in the LGBTQ+ community?
-
Peer SupportHow can you ensure respectful peer support for LGBTQ+ people?
-
Conflict ResolutionHow can you build a welcoming and inclusive peer support group for LGBTQ+ individuals?
-
Social WorkHow can you address heteronormativity in social work practice?