Agency
LGBTQ+ young people have limited autonomy and agency compared to adults. This means they have less opportunity to make decisions and control their lives. LGBTQ+ young people should be taken seriously and supported to make their own decisions about their mental health. Employing a respectful options-based approach (not directive) enables LGBTQ+ young people to feel more powerful and confident when mental health help-seeking.
What’s the problem?
Isobel* (young person) said “I had a counsellor that didn’t believe me being trans and said it might be a bigger issue, like “I see a confused man in front of me who’s very lost with their identity”, but like I know I’m trans I’ve known for years and it really doesn’t help especially when I’m feeling vulnerable.”