Do you feel oppressed because of your sexuality?
Do you feel dysphoric about your body?
Are you looking to take steps towards living more authentically?
You are not alone.
I can help.

Sexual Identity Counseling Akron

I strive to foster a safe space when working with my LGBTQ+ clients. I will support you no matter what stage you are in your process. I have worked with many LGBTQ+ clients and I take my role as an ally very seriously. 

Here are a few items related to sexual identity that I specialize in:

• Support during the “coming out” process
• Overcoming rejection from family, friends, or faith community after coming out.
• Safe space for asexual (ace) individuals.
• Supportive environment for loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals to process how to care for their loved one.

Gender Identity Counseling Akron

For those who don’t fall within the gender binary, who identity as transgender or who are just questioning counseling can be a safe place for you to explore. I strive to meet my clients where they are at and help them to accomplish whatever goals they have for themselves. 

Here are a few items related to gender identity that I specialize in:

• Overcoming isolation or rejection from family, friends, or faith community during and after coming out.
• Gender dysphoria counseling
• Developing identity awareness for cisgender individuals who may not conform to traditional gender norms (traditional roles, appearance, culture).
• Safe space for intersex individuals. 
• Supportive environment for loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals to process how to care for their loved one.
• Safe space for transgender and genderqueer individuals.

Early intervention, comprehensive treatment and family support are key to helping LGBTQ people live well with a mental health condition. But many people in this community struggle in silence—and face worse health outcomes as a result.

LGBTQ+ Youth Statistics

• High school students who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are almost five times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.
• LGBTQ youth have higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
• Risk factors, such as harassment, victimization, and violence, for mental health problems and substance use are higher for LGBTQ youth compared to their heterosexual peers.
• Additional risk factors including smoking, alcohol use, substance use, and homelessness may be more prevalent in LGBTQ youth population.

LGBTQ+ Adults Statistics

• LGBTQ adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition.
• LGBTQ people are at a higher risk than the general population for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
• 48% of all transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the past 12 months, compared to 4% of the overall US population.
• Services designed to prevent future illness, such as annual well woman exams and mammograms, may be utilized less frequently by lesbians and bisexual women compared to heterosexual women.
• Compared to heterosexual women, lesbians and bisexual women are at greater risk for becoming obese. This, coupled with other risk factors such as increased alcohol use and smoking, may contribute to higher rates of breast cancer in these groups.
• Compared to heterosexual women, bisexual women are more likely to experience rape, physical violence, stalking and psychological aggression in their lifetime.

Still Unsure If You’re Ready For Counseling?

I know it can feel scary to come in for counseling.  Especially if it is your first time going to therapy!  I promise I will make the process as easy and painless as possible for you. Please consider checking out my frequently asked questions page or contact me with other questions, I am here to help!

Gender and sexuality concerns are not the only thing counseling can help with. 

As a mental health therapist, I can also help you to stop struggling with anxious and depressive thoughts, cope with the stressors of college and young adulthood and begin to life your best life.  I am passionate about my work with individuals who are teens, college students and young adults. I am an ally of the LGBT+ community and my office is a safe space for all queer and questioning clients. 

Are you ready to take the next step?

If you are looking for a counselor in Akron, OH, I can help. My name is Allyssa Dziurlaj, and I am passionate about my work as a mental health therapist. We can set up an appointment for you to begin counseling today!

Resources for LGBTQ+ Clients:

Trevor Lifeline—The only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people under 25, available at 1-866-488-7386.

TrevorChat—A free, confidential, secure instant messaging service for LGBTQ youth that provides live help from trained volunteer counselors, open daily from 3–10pm ET / Noon–7pm PT.

TrevorText—A free, confidential, secure service in which LGBTQ young people can text a trained Trevor counselor for support and crisis intervention, available Monday–Friday from 3–10pm ET / Noon–7pm PT by texting START to 678678.

Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. If you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, even if it’s just about whether or not you’re trans. US: 877-565-8860

P FLAG provides support to families and ally’s of LGBTQ+ people.

The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists offers numerous resources for LGBT individuals experiencing mental health conditions and psychiatric professionals with LGBT clients

The LGBT National Help Center offers confidential peer support connections for LGBT youth, adults and seniors including phone, text and online chat

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association’s Provider Directory is a search tool that can locate a LGBTQ-inclusive health care provider