Many gay men face the struggle of conflict within familial relationships. The issues of acceptance, communication, and unspoken expectations can be very difficult to deal with and often create collateral damage to their self-identity and mental wellness.

In such situations, therapy helps with recovery, comprehension, and self-recognition. When given the opportunity to work with the right therapist, people can begin to unpack their past in a way that teaches self-compassion and resilience.

Fortunately, people can now access the much-needed psychological care with the help of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), which eases the fear of financial burden.

Family Wounds as a Gay Man

Some family wounds are complicated. Living in a family that does not accept being gay, or worse, tries to suppress it, can lead to identity issues for a long time. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who are Filipino or South Asian, feel a deep sense of responsibility towards unaccepting families.

For years, they try to cope with the idea that their mere existence is a source of shame or a problem, which results in a sense of fear of abandonment and rejection. These feelings do not just dissipate with time; they turn into anxiety, depression, challenges in forming relationships, and, at times, even self-harm.

How Therapy Can Help: Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Therapy allows a person to deconstruct negative feelings and assist in beginning the healing process. One method that is quite effective is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, which is a model that helps individuals deal with different “parts” of themselves.

With IFS, a person can understand these parts not as faults but as parts of the person that served a function at one point in time. They can transform their compassionate self-soothing skills and ultimately transform the emotional stories that shaped them.

Ready to start your healing journey? Contact Summit Psychotherapy today at
(773) 612-6206 or complete our intake form to schedule an appointment.

Additional Areas of Support in Therapy

Besides family healing, therapy can help with other difficulties that many gay men suffer. Anxiety and depression are a product of unresolved issues or the burden of expectations from society and family. PTSD and trauma from being bullied, rejected, or everything in between need to be dealt with in a way that is safe. Here at Summit Psychotherapy, we take care to handle LGBTQ+ mental health therapy in the delicate manner it deserves.

Many people, especially those who do not know what it’s like to be loved and accepted unconditionally, have trouble with self-esteem, dating, and forming any sort of meaningful relationships. A good therapist appreciates such layers and helps people unravel the complex relationships and feelings that accompany these issues.

Choosing the Best Therapist in Chicago for LGBTQ+ Individuals

In Chicago, there are several mental health providers who specialize in LGBTQ+ care, although it is more rare to find those like us who are experienced with Filipino and South Asian clientele. Many people who have Blue Cross Blue Shield Chicago can subsidize their therapy, making it affordable.

The Conclusion

Mending interfamilial rifts isn’t about completely shutting down. It’s learning to manage the nuances of relationships while protecting your mental and emotional state.

Therapy isn’t just about coping. It is about reshaping your identity, coming to terms with your past, and moving forward with assurance.

The first step in seeking therapy can be overwhelming, but it is actually a form of self-love and bravery. At Summit Psychotherapy, we’d love to take that first step with you.