Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Program

Affirming and Supportive Counseling & Psychotherapy Services for LGBT Individuals, Couples and Families

Persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) face unique challenges and concerns. Through its LGBT Program, The Family Institute at Northwestern University offers affirming and supportive mental health services specifically tailored to address the needs of LGBT individuals, couples and their families. It is staffed by therapists who are experienced in working with LGBT clients and who understand the issues that impact their lives.

LGBT Program Services

• Counseling & Psychotherapy for individuals, couples & families
• Workshops and Presentations on a range of LGBT-related topics

Some of the concerns we help clients address include:

• Understanding Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
• Parenting in an LGBT-identified Family
• "Coming out" and Disclosure to family, friends & co-workers
• Relationship Satisfaction
• Coping with Social Stigma, Bias & Homophobia
• Challenges for Couples
• Parenting an LGBT Child
• Depression and Anxiety
• Relationships with Family and Friends

Program Therapists

• Shayna Goldstein, LMFT
• Karen Krefman, LMFT
• Cheryl Rampage, PhD, LCP

At The Family Institute, we believe that the definition of "family" takes many forms and is not limited by the boundaries of biology and legal marriage.

Helpful Tips

For LGBT individuals and their families experiencing the coming out process, a few of the following tips may be helpful.
Remember that this is a process for both the individual and the family. It takes time, so move at your own pace, and try not to rush yourself. Cut yourself some slack - this process takes time, and there is no "right way" or "wrong way" to do it. However, it is best if you acknowledge your feelings and talk about them, instead of avoiding or denying them, as much as possible, even if this is difficult at first.

• Seek support Whether it comes from trusted friends, relatives, coworkers, family members, mental health professionals or support groups, positive social support and a place to talk without fear of judgment or criticism is essential. Try to acknowledge your own feelings as legitimate and accept them as best you can, without being self-critical. Be open and honest with yourself.
• Educate yourself There are a variety of well-written resources for families of LGBT individuals that can be enormously useful to you. The internet also provides a wealth of information. Additionally, you may want to check newspaper listings for educational programs or support networks in your area. Although prejudice against LGBT individuals still exists, remember that conditions have improved in society tremendously over the past 20 years.
• Psychotherapy for LGBT individuals and their families, alone or together, may be very helpful. LGBT individuals enter counseling to seek help with a variety of issues: disclosing sexual orientation to parents or family members, navigating couple relationships, integrating their identity or coping with societal stigma. Families may also benefit from psychotherapy in order to work through their own feelings and experiences.

Articles & Links

These links provide additional information about LGBT issues and resources:

• Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality
• Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation & Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators and School Personnel

To make an appointment for counseling or psychotherapy services, call 847-733-4300 and ask the Intake Coordinator about therapists in the LGBT Program. For information on other LGBT services, please call Shayna Goldstein, LMFT, Program Director, at 847-733-4300, ext. 670.