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Sexuality or Gender Issues

Sexual orientation indicates whom an individual is sexually and emotionally attracted to. This can mean males or females of the same or opposite sex. A person's sexual orientation is not the same as a person's sexual actions because not everyone expresses the way they are feeling in their actions. It is therefore the feelings one has towards another.

Understanding your sexuality

Many people find it extremely hard to recognise why they are attracted to an individual of the same sex or both sexes when it is perceived as 'natural' to be interested in the opposite sex. These feelings are extremely common and there are millions of people all over the world experiencing these emotions. It is normal to feel confused about your emotions and nervous about how others may react.

'Coming out'

One of the biggest steps is accepting yourself for who you are which can be very difficult for you. Once you have accepted the circumstances and feel more comfortable about it, you may want to tell people about it so they are able to accept you too. This is known as 'coming out' and is usually the hardest part of being gay. When a person chooses to come out it will depend on when they feel it is the right time.

Everyone is different and from different backgrounds, some people will be very accepting when a person chooses to 'come out' yet others may not. The best person to confide in first is someone close to you that you can trust to keep it to themselvesuntil you are ready to tell others.

Many individuals who are gay, lesbian or bisexual find the experience very confusing and at times quite lonely. At Castle Counselling Services we can offer you the safe, secure, confidential and non-judgemental space in which to explore any issues you may be experiencing relative to your sexuality or gender identity. Our therapists can offer you the space in which to talk in confidence about the challenges, losses, problems or issues that you may be facing. We will journey with you as you move forward in your own personal exploration.

Who can help you?

Counselling services in the North Coast Causeway area of Northern Ireland, we can offer you an initial telephone consultation for 15/20 minutes free of charge for you to discuss the reason you are seeking counselling.