Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd

GettyImages-876236728
LGBTQIA+ Counselling @ LISTENING EAR COUNSELLING & CONSULTANCY PTE. LTD. SINGAPORE

LGBTQ Counselling Singapore

Embracing your identity or celebrating the fact that you identify as LGBTQIA+ is not easy.

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., we specialise in affirmative care which goes beyond just LGBTQIA+ counselling, by providing a compassionate and safe space for all our LGBTQIA+ clients to flourish, heal, and safely explore issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and the unique challenges that come with them.

We are sensitive to the fact that the LGBTQIA+ community faces a multitude of issues, obstacles, and discrimination. At times, they could even see or hear remarks or policies which question their very existence or devalue their being or their choices, causing incredible self-doubt, shame, and immense suffering and pain. Therefore, our LGBTQIA+ counselling at Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd. Singapore is designed to help you face these challenges, restore hope, and foster deeper connections with self and others.

As a gay-friendly and LGBTQ affirming therapist, I am dedicated to offering a personalised and confidential space and support, to meet you wherever you are. Whether you’re facing difficulties with the acceptance of a family member, questioning your own sexuality, the process of coming out to particular members of your group, struggling with addiction or intimacy, or experiencing relationship issues with your same-sex partner, my approach is designed to support and meet your unique needs. After all, navigating societal pressures, identity issues, and relationship dynamics can be overwhelming at any stage, from initial stages to long-term commitment.

I am here to help you embrace your authentic self, and address and free you from any past attachment wounds, traumas, stigma, shame, and the effects of bullying that may have impacted your life.

I am here to support and affirm your journey toward self-discovery and acceptance, helping you cope with any feelings of isolation or confusion, and empowering you to live authentically.

Each session is tailored to respect your individual experiences and paced according to your comfort, ensuring that you receive the most effective support on your path to well-being.

To emphasise once again, our goal is to offer simply the best affirmative and responsive mental health care in an inclusive, gay-friendly, LGBT affirming space in Singapore where you can flourish, heal, and feel safe, seen, understood, and empowered.

What are the Challenges Faced by Individuals in  the LGBTQIA+ Community    

Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ Individuals Navigating personal identity can be a complex and often challenging journey. Whether you’re questioning your sexual identity, coming out, or dealing with the effects of traumas, stigma, shame, and bullying, I am here to support you. My approach is designed to help you cope with any feelings of isolation or confusion, empowering you to live authentically.

Key areas of focus for LGBTQIA+ individuals include:

Questioning Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

Explore and understand your sexual orientation or gender identity in a supportive and non-judgmental environment

Coming out (Self, Others)

Receive guidance and support as you disclose your sexual orientation or gender identity to others.

Childhood Traumas

Address the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, molestation, bullying, attachment wounds, family rejection, and shame.

Mental Health - Depression Anxiety, Suicide Ideation

Discrimination and stigma in any form can seriously impact the well-being of those experiencing it and directly impacts mental health. Address issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicidal ideation.

Navigating Gender Dysphoria an and Anxiety

Understanding and addressing gender dysphoria can significantly alleviate anxiety and improve mental well-being. Seek support and explore your journey with professional guidance

Eating disorders and Positive Body Image

Foster a healthy relationship with food and body image.

Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ Couples

Relationship dynamics can present unique challenges for LGBTQIA+ couples. Whether you are in the initial stages of your relationship or navigating long-term commitment, I am here to help you restore hope and foster deeper connections.

Key areas of focus for LGBTQIA+ couples include:

Intimacy Issues

Address issues related to physical and emotional intimacy within the relationship.

Infidelity

Navigate the complexities of infidelity and work towards healing and rebuilding trust.

Addictions in the Relationship

Provide support for couples dealing with addiction in either partner.

HIV Serodiscordant Relationship

Offer guidance and support for couples where only partner is HIV+

Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ Families 

Family dynamics involving LGBTQIA+ members can be complex and require specialised support. Whether you are a parent, sibling, child, or other family member, I am here to help you navigate these challenges and foster a supportive family environment.

Family is the foundation of our lives, a safe space where each member should feel supported, validated, and not judged. It is crucial for every family member, regardless of their role, to feel safe and understood at home. However, when a family member identifies as LGBTQIA+, this safe space can be challenged, necessitating a journey of unlearning and relearning.

Supporting a Gay Family Member

Supporting a gay family member involves understanding their identity, navigating the coming out process, and addressing societal pressures. This process is deeply personal and can be fraught with fear and anxiety. The individual coming out may fear rejection and the potential breaking of family bonds, making it essential for families to offer unwavering support and love.

Supporting a Trans Family Member

Supporting a trans family member can be particularly challenging. Families may struggle with understanding their loved one’s journey, especially if it involves medical or social transitions. Common concerns include acceptance, providing unconditional love, and finding support for yourself. This support is crucial as family members may need to unlearn dominant narratives and deeply held beliefs, sometimes even religious ones, to truly support their trans family member.

When a Partner Comes Out of the Closet

When a partner comes out of the closet, it can feel almost similar to infidelity, with the other partner feeling betrayed and confused. Children may also be bewildered, wondering if the family will break up and how to reconcile the new dynamics. This situation can bring about a significant amount of shame and fear, requiring careful handling, open communication, and professional support to navigate these complex emotions and rebuild trust within the family.

Same-Sex Parenting

Parenting as a same-sex couple involves navigating societal judgments, legal challenges, and explaining family dynamics to children while fostering a positive family identity. Families in this situation may feel isolated and alone, lacking the tools to deal with external pressures or the usual support systems such as church and friends.

Acceptance and Understanding

Helping families accept and understand their LGBTQIA+ members is crucial for fostering a supportive home environment. This involves reducing conflict, promoting open communication, and enhancing education and awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues. Family members may need to relearn and unlearn certain beliefs and narratives to provide a loving and supportive environment.

Dealing with External Pressures

LGBTQIA+ families often face external pressures that can impact their well-being. Addressing these challenges includes developing strategies to deal with bullying and discrimination and building resilience within the family. For those who find out a parent or spouse was in the closet, the initial shock can be unnerving, requiring delicate handling and open dialogue to rebuild trust and understanding.

Each session is tailored to respect your individual experiences and paced according to your comfort, ensuring that you receive the most effective support on your path to well-being. Counselling at Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd. helps you face these challenges, restore hope, and foster deeper connections.

Key areas of focus for LGBTQIA+ families include:

When a Child is Gay

Supporting their identity, coming out, addressing societal pressures discrimination, stigma, bullying ,and fostering acceptance.

When a Child is Trans

Navigating fears around transition, supporting identity, and addressing societal pressures and potential guilt.

When a Spouse or Parent is Gay

Fostering acceptance while addressing societal judgments and internal conflicts.

Same Sex Parenting

 Navigating societal judgments, legal challenges, and explaining family dynamics to children while fostering a positive family identity.

How LGBTQIA+ Counselling can help?

Improve Communication: Develop effective dialogue and understanding.

Resolve Conflicts: Learn constructive conflict resolution skills.

Reignite Intimacy: Restore emotional and physical closeness.

Rebuild Trust: Work on regaining and maintaining trust. 

 

 

Heal Past Wounds: Address and heal from past traumas and issues.

Align Expectations: Manage and align relationship expectations.

Navigate Life Changes: Handle transitions like parenthood or relocation.

Strengthen Bonds: Foster a deeper connection and mutual support. 

Strengthening a relationship takes effort and understanding. Connect with our experienced gay friendly LGBTQ affirmative therapist to discover how to address underlying issues and foster a stronger, more loving marriage.

Our Approach to Affirmative Therapy at Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd.

Therapy has come a long way since the days of conversion therapy or revulsion therapy. LGBTQIA+ individuals have already suffered greatly, facing stigma, discrimination, rejection, bullying, and more. Much too often, they are seeing and hearing their very existence being questioned and devalued, causing incredible pain and suffering. Hence, we are even more determined to offer affirming and responsive mental health care to LGBTQIA+ clients.

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., we use an affirmative approach. Affirmative therapy is an approach to therapy that embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identities and relationships and addresses the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQ clients.

Our goal is to create a safe, affirming, and supportive therapeutic environment that fosters self-acceptance, resilience, and personal growth. 

Hence we stress on :-

Validation of LGBTQIA+ Identities

We actively validate and celebrate the diverse identities and experiences of our LGBTQIA+ clients. This involves acknowledging the unique challenges they face and affirming their lived experiences.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

We strive to create a welcoming space where clients feel comfortable expressing their true selves. This includes using inclusive language, respecting clients’ chosen names, genders, and pronouns, and being mindful of their unique needs.

Addressing Internalised Stigma

Many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience internalised stigma due to societal prejudice and discrimination. We work to identify and challenge these negative beliefs, helping clients develop a more positive self-concept.

Promoting Self-Acceptance

Our approach is centred on helping clients embrace their identities fully and without shame. We explore and affirm all aspects of their identity, including sexual orientation and gender identity, fostering a positive and holistic self-image.

Supporting Coming Out Processes

Coming out can be a complex and challenging process. We provide support and guidance throughout this journey, helping clients navigate the emotional and social aspects of disclosing their identities to others.

Advocating for Social Justice

We recognise the impact of systemic discrimination on LGBTQIA+ individuals and advocate for social justice. We promote understanding and awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Integrating Intersectionality

We take into account the multiple, intersecting identities that clients may hold, such as race, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of a client’s identity are considered and respected.

Continuous Self-Reflection and Education

Our therapists engage in ongoing self-reflection and education to remain informed about LGBTQIA+ issues and best practices. This commitment to learning helps us provide the most effective and culturally competent care.

Integrating Therapeutic Modalities

In addition to our affirmative approach, we incorporate a diverse range of therapeutic modalities to support the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. Our approach is tailored to foster a safe, affirming, and effective therapeutic environment.

  1. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT):

    • Focus on understanding and reshaping emotional experiences and attachment patterns. These therapies are particularly effective in addressing fears of rejection and attachment-related issues, helping clients understand their emotional responses and build stronger, healthier relationships.
  2. Person-Centred Therapy:

    • Emphasizes creating a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive environment. This approach helps clients explore their feelings and thoughts, fostering self-acceptance and personal growth.
  3. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT):

    • Focuses on clients’ present and future goals rather than past experiences. Techniques like the Miracle Question help clients envision their desired outcomes and create actionable steps to achieve them.
  4. Narrative Therapy:

    • Assists clients in identifying and deconstructing dominant narratives that may be limiting their lives. This therapy helps in constructing alternative, empowering stories that align with their true identity and experiences.
  5. Nonviolent Communication (NVC):

    • Enhances empathetic and effective communication. This approach fosters understanding and compassion, helping clients express their needs and feelings without judgment or criticism.
  6. Satir Method:

    • Focuses on achieving congruence in communication and behaviour. This approach helps clients become more authentic and integrated, improving their self-esteem and relationships.
  7. Transactional Analysis (TA):

    • Helps clients understand their internal scripts (injunctions) and the games they play in interactions. The Karpman Drama Triangle within TA identifies roles of Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor in conflict dynamics, aiding in recognizing and breaking unproductive patterns in relationships.
  8. Trauma Therapies:

    • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helps clients process and heal from traumatic experiences by using guided eye movements.
    • Brainspotting: Identifies and processes trauma through focused eye positions.
    • Somatic Experiencing (SE): Addresses trauma stored in the body by increasing awareness of physical sensations.
    • Integral Somatic Psychotherapy (ISP): Integrates body awareness with psychological healing to address trauma holistically.
  9. DARE (Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning Experience):

    • Focuses on healing childhood attachment wounds. This method helps clients develop healthier attachment patterns and improve their relationships.
  10. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT):

    • CBT: Challenges and changes unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. This approach is effective in addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
    • REBT: Focuses on identifying and disputing irrational beliefs, helping clients develop a more rational and adaptive way of thinking.

By integrating these modalities, we aim to provide comprehensive and personalised support for our LGBTQIA+ clients, addressing their unique needs and fostering their mental and emotional well-being.

Explore LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy with Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd., where your identity is celebrated, and your well-being is our priority.

How Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd is a Premier  LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Counselling Centre in Singapore

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte. Ltd. Singapore, we are committed to being an affirmative place. Here’s how we achieve this:

  1. Self-reflection:

    • We reflect on our own upbringing, attitudes, and beliefs.
    • We acknowledge areas of privilege.
    • We recognize bias stemming from living in a heteronormative and gender-binaristic society.
  2. Getting involved:

    • We live an affirmative life.
    • We become familiar with the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
    • We strive for social justice and social change.
  3. Creating an affirmative setting:

    • We provide LGBTQIA+ friendly reading material, literature, and resources.
    • We include affirming language on all paperwork.
    • We use the client’s preferred name, gender, and pronouns.
    • We avoid heteronormative assumptions; instead, we ask about a client’s partner.
  4. Being open about our commitment:

    • We communicate our dedication to providing affirmative therapy with all clients, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
  5. Acting as advocates:

    • With heterosexual and/or cisgender clients, we help present the cause by promoting understanding and awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues.
Our LGBTQIA+ Counselling Singapore Fees & Terms

Session Rates
In-Person: 250 SGD per 60 mins

Telehealth: 200 SGD per 60 mins (via Zoom)​

 

Accepted Methods 
– International Credit/Debit Cards (Stripe)​
– PayPal (SGD)​
– QR Code Payments (SGD)​
– PAYNOW (Local, UEN 202121229W)

 

Cancellation Policy
36-Hour Notice for changes or cancellations

Late Cancellations/No-Shows: Full session fee charged

Why Choose Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Clinic for LGBTQIA+ Counselling?

Experienced & Gay Affirming Professionally Trained Therapist

Personalised Care & Evidence Based Approach

Cultural and Gender Sensitivity

Holistic Understanding of LGBTQIA+ Issues

Confidential and Non Judgmental Supportive Space

Testimonials -
What Clients Say About Us

Recommended LGBTQIA+ Resources  

Explore our curated list of articles, books, and movies that offer valuable insights, strategies, and inspiration to enhance your relationship. These resources are designed to help you build a stronger, more connected marriage.

Discover our recommendations

Curated Youtube Video Playlist

Here’s a curated video playlist on various LGBTQIA+ topics, each with a brief explanation of what it covers:

  1. What is LGBTQIA+?

    • Understanding LGBTQIA+: This video explains the meanings of each letter in the LGBTQIA+ acronym, providing a comprehensive overview of the different identities within the community.
  2. Youth Coming Out

    • Coming Out: A Guide for LGBTQ Teens: This video offers advice and support for young people considering coming out, including personal stories and tips for navigating this challenging process.
  3. For Parents

  4. For Couples (One Partner is LGBTQIA+)

  5. Asexuality (Ace)

    • Understanding Asexuality: This video provides an overview of asexuality, discussing what it means to be ace, common misconceptions, and how asexual people navigate relationships.
  6. Addiction and the LGBTQIA+ Community

  7. Transgender Experiences

    • Transgender 101: The Basics: This video explains key concepts and issues related to being transgender, including gender dysphoria, transitioning, and common challenges faced by trans individuals.
  8. Non-Binary Identities

  9. Mental Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community

These videos provide valuable insights and support for various aspects of LGBTQIA+ life, helping individuals and their loved ones better understand and navigate their experiences.

Curated List of Books for LGBTQIA+ Exploration and Support (Available on Amazon)

 “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson (2014)

 

 

“When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need to Know” by Wesley C. Davidson and Jonathan L. Tobkes (2016)

 

Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community” edited by Laura Erickson-Schroth (2016)

A Curated List of Movies on LGBTQIA+ Relationships and the Challenges They Face

  1. Call Me by Your Name (2017): A beautiful depiction of first love and self-discovery. This film explores the emotional intensity and complexities of a summer romance between two young men in Italy

  2. Moonlight (2016): An intimate portrayal of a young African-American man grappling with his sexuality and identity while growing up in a rough neighborhood in Miami. The film delves into themes of love, pain, and self-acceptance.

  3. The Kids Are All Right (2010): This film follows a lesbian couple whose family dynamics are disrupted when their children seek out their biological father. It addresses themes of family, relationships, and the challenges of parenting.

  4. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013): A raw and passionate exploration of a young woman’s journey to self-discovery through her relationship with an older woman. The film examines love, heartbreak, and personal growth.

  5. Brokeback Mountain (2005): A poignant story about the forbidden love between two cowboys in the American West. It highlights the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires.

  6. Prayers for Bobby (2009): This film tells the true story of a religious mother who struggles to accept her gay son. After his tragic suicide, she embarks on a journey of understanding and acceptance, ultimately becoming an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights.

  7. The Danish Girl (2015): Inspired by the lives of Danish painters Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, this film portrays Lili’s journey as one of the first recipients of sex reassignment surgery and the impact it has on their marriage and lives.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other identities. It is an inclusive term that represents the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.
  • Ally – a member of a majority group to works to end oppression
  • Asexual – an individual who has no significant interest in sexual activity
  • Bisexual – an individual who is attracted to men and women
  • Cisgender – a person who’s gender identity is in line with the gender assigned at birth
  • Drag – involves the performance of gender expression; not based on sexual orientation
  • Gay – a man who is attracted to men
  • Gender expression– outward expression of gender (clothing, mannerisms, activities, etc…)
  • Gender Identity – a person’s deeply held sense of their own gender, regardless of what they were assigned at birth.
  • Gender non-conforming – people whose experiences, behaviors, interests, or identities fall outside stereotypical gender expectations
  • Gender roles – culturally defined behaviors, attitudes, emotions, traits, mannerisms, appearances and occupations
  • Genderqueer – a person who feels their gender identity is outside the binary
  1. Gender Identity

    • Gender identity refers to an individual’s personal sense of their gender, which may be different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This can include identifying as male, female, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. Gender identity is about how one perceives themselves and how they wish to be recognized by others .
  2. Sexual Identity

    • Sexual identity (or sexual orientation) describes the type of sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction one has to others. This includes being attracted to people of the same gender (gay or lesbian), different gender (heterosexual), both genders (bisexual), or lack of attraction (asexual). It’s about who one is attracted to and wishes to form relationships with .
  3. Identity

    • Identity in the context of LGBTQIA+ refers to how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. This includes a wide range of factors such as gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural identity, and other personal attributes. Identity is how people understand themselves and how they fit into the world around them .

 

  • Determining your sexual orientation involves reflecting on your feelings of attraction and emotional connections. If you are consistently attracted to the same sex or both sexes, you might identify as gay or bisexual. Counselling can provide a safe space to explore these feelings.
  • Support and acceptance are crucial. Listen to your child without judgment, educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ issues, and seek support from resources and counselling services to help navigate this journey together.
  • Trans issues refer to the challenges faced by transgender individuals, including gender dysphoria, transitioning, social acceptance, and legal rights. Counselling can provide support in exploring gender identity and navigating the transition process.
    • Discovering that your partner is gay can be challenging. It’s important to communicate openly and seek counselling to navigate the emotional complexities. This can help both partners understand their feelings and decide on the best path forward.

For more in-depth answers and support, please contact Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy or refer to reputable LGBTQIA+ resources.

Get in Touch