Counseling Psychology

What is Psychology?
Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. It encompasses the biological
influences, social pressures, and environmental factors that affect how people
think, act, and feel.
Gaining a richer and deeper understanding of psychology can help people
achieve insights into their own actions as well as a better understanding of other
people.
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, according to the
American Psychological Association. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline
and includes many sub-fields of study such areas as human development, sports,
health, clinical, social behavior and cognitive processes.

Impact of Psychology
Psychology is both an applied and academic field that benefits both individuals
and society as a whole. A large part of psychology is devoted to the diagnosis
and treatment of mental health issues, but that's just the tip of the iceberg when
it comes to the impact of psychology.
Some of the ways that psychology contributes to individuals and society
include:

• Improving our understanding of why people behave as they do

• Understanding the different factors that can impact the human mind and
behavior
• Understanding issues that impact health, daily life, and well-being
• Improving ergonomics to improve product design
• Creating safer and more efficient workspaces
• Helping motivate people to achieve their goals
• Improving productivity

Psychologists accomplish these things by using objective scientific methods to

understand, explain, and predict human behavior. Psychological studies are
highly structured, beginning with a hypothesis that is then empirically tested.
Essentially, psychology helps people in large part because it can explain why
people act the way they do. With this kind of professional insight, a
psychologist can help people improve their decision-making, stress
management, and behavior based on understanding past behavior to better
predict future behavior. All of this can help people have a more successful
career, better relationships, more self-confidence, and overall better
communication.
Goals of Psychology

The four main goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict and change
the behavior and mental processes of others

1. To Describe
Describing a behavior or cognition is the first goal of psychology. This can
enable researchers to develop general laws of human behavior.
For example, by describing the response of dogs to various stimuli, Ivan Pavlov
helped develop laws of learning known as classical conditioning theory.

2. To Explain
Once researchers have described general laws behavior, the next step is to
explain how or why this trend occurs. Psychologists will propose theories that
can explain a behavior.

3. To Predict
Psychology aims to be able to predict future behavior from the findings of
empirical research. If a prediction is not confirmed, then the explanation it is
based on might need to be revised.
For example, classical conditioning predicts that if a person associates a
negative outcome with a stimuli, they may develop a phobia or aversion of the
stimuli.

4. To Change
Once psychology has described, explained and made predictions about
behavior, changing or controlling a behavior can be attempted.
For example, interventions based on classical conditioning, such as systematic
desensitization, have been used to treat people with anxiety disorders including
phobias.
 What is counselling?
Counselling psychology is a broad specialization within professional
psychology concerned with using psychological principles to enhance and
promote the positive growth, well-being, and mental health of individuals,
families, groups, and the broader community.

They work with many types of individuals, including those experiencing

distress and difficulties associated with life events and transitions, decision-
making, work/career/education, family and social relationships, and mental
health and physical health concerns. In addition to remediation, counselling
psychologists engage in prevention, psycho-education, and advocacy.

There have always been “counselors”—people who listen to others and help
them resolve difficulties—but the word “counselor” has been misused over the
years by connecting it with descriptive adjectives to promote products. Thus,
one hears of carpet counselors, color coordination counselors, pest control
counselors, financial counselors, camp counselors, and so on. These counselors
have mostly glorified salespersons, advice givers, and supervisors of children or
services. They are too professional in counseling what furniture doctors are to
medicine.

Counseling as a profession grew out of the progressive guidance movement of

the early 1900s. Its emphasis was on prevention and purposefulness—on
helping individuals of all ages and stages avoid making bad choices in life while
finding meaning, direction, and fulfilment in what they did. Today professional
counseling encompasses within its practice clinicians who still focus on the
avoidance of problems and the promotion of growth, but the profession is much
more than that. The focus is on wellness, development, mindfulness,
meaningfulness, mattering, growth, and the remediation of mental disorders for
individuals, groups, couples, and families across the life span. To understand
what counseling is now, it is essential first to know how counseling is similar to
and different from concepts such as guidance and psychotherapy.

Counseling psychologists practice in diverse settings and employ a variety of

evidence-based and theoretical approaches grounded in psychological
knowledge. In public agencies, independent practices, schools, universities,
health care settings, and corporations, counseling psychologists work in
collaboration with individuals to ameliorate distress, facilitate well-being, and
maximize effective life functioning.

It also provides a way to self-discovery, and self-acceptance and brings mental

peace. Counselling will head you to a path where you can express what you feel
and bring about clarification and validation in your life.
According to the 20/20: A Vision for the Future of Counseling consortium,
counseling is defined as follows: Counseling is a professional relationship that
empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental
health, wellness, education, and career goals.

This definition contains a number of implicit and explicit points that are
important for counselors as well as consumers to realize.

• Counseling deals with wellness, personal growth, career, education, and

empowerment concerns. In other words, counselors work in areas that involve a
plethora of issues including those that are personal and those that are
interpersonal. These areas include concerns related to finding meaning,
adjustment, and fulfillment in mental and physical health and the achievement
of goals in such settings as work and school. Counselors are concerned with
social justice and advocate for the oppressed and powerless as a part of the
process.

• Counseling is conducted with persons individually, in groups, and in families.

Clients seen by counselors live and work in a wide variety of settings and in all
strata of society. Their problems may require short-term or long-term
interventions that focus on just one person or on multiple individuals who are
related or not related to one another.

• Counseling is diverse and multicultural. Counselors see clients with varied

cultural backgrounds and at different ages and stages of life. Those from
minority and majority cultures are helped in a variety of ways depending on
their needs, which may include addressing larger societal issues, such as
discrimination or prejudice.

• Counseling is a dynamic process. Counselors not only focus on their clients’

goals, but they also help clients accomplish them. This dynamic process comes
through using a range of theories and methods. Thus, counseling involves
making choices as well as changes. Counseling is lively and engaging. In most
cases, “counseling is a rehearsal for action” either internally with thoughts and
feelings or externally with behavior.

In addition to defining counseling in general, the ACA has defined a

professional counseling specialty, which is an area (within counseling) that is
“narrowly focused, requiring advanced knowledge in the field” of counseling.
Among the specialties within counseling are those dealing with educational
settings such as schools or colleges and those pertaining to situations in life
such as marriage, mental health, rehabilitation, aging, assessment, addiction,
and careers. According to the ACA, becoming a specialist is founded on the
premise that “all professional counselors must first meet the requirements for
the general practice of professional counseling”

Formats of Counseling

The role of a counselor doesn’t limit to suggesting you do this or that. Rather
they support you to speak about your problems in detail to identify the primary
cause behind them. Furthermore, they develop an action plan to help you cope
up with the issue or win over it.
There are different formats through which the counselling sessions can take place,
The client is free to choose a format that suits and fits his needs the best. Below
are the popular counselling formats that people mostly favor:

• In-Person: Face-to-face counselling sessions take place in the counsellor’s

chamber where you meet them in person after scheduling an appointment
to discuss your problems. It is one of the most popular counselling formats.
• Group Counselling: Professionals provide group counselling sessions
where you can join to address the issues. Joining such a group will help
you find people with similar problems and you will be able to develop a
strong network of support as well. However, if you wish to focus on your
problem, in-person sessions are better.
• Telephonic Sessions: A great alternative to in-person counselling sessions
is telephonic rounds that can be scheduled from the comfort of your home.
Telephonic counseling rounds are best for busy individuals who might find
it difficult to get into the chambers. In this flexible process, you can discuss
the problems with the counselor in a secure environment from your room.
• Online Counselling: If you wish not to meet your counselor face to face
and protect your anonymity, you have the option to email the counselor. In
this process, you have the scope to think well and decide which of the
problems you want to discuss with him. The online counselling trend is
becoming much more popular these days.
Personal Qualities of an Effective Counselor

Among the functional and positive factors that motivate individuals to pursue
careers in counseling and make them well suited for the profession are the
following qualities as delineated by Foster (1996) and Guy (1987). Although
this list is not exhaustive, it highlights aspects of one’s personal life that make a
person best suited to function as a counselor.

1. Curiosity and inquisitiveness—a natural interest in people

An interest in why people behave the way they do, in their thoughts,
experiences and feelings.
2. Empathy and understanding—the ability to put oneself in another’s
place, even if that person is totally different from you.
3. Ability to listen—the ability to find listening stimulating. Listening is a
significant part of the communication process. Communication cannot take
place until and unless a message is heard and retained thoroughly and positively
by the receivers/listeners. Listening is a dynamic process. Listening implies
decoding (i.e., translating the symbols into meaning) and interpreting the
messages correctly in the communication process.
Hearing vs listening. Listening differs from hearing in the sense that:
• Hearing implies just perceiving the sounds while listening means
listening with understanding whatever you are listening to. Both the body
as well as mind is involved in the listening process.
• Listening is an active process while hearing is a passive activity.
• Hearing is an effortless activity while listening is an act requiring
conscious efforts, concentration, and interest. Listening involves both
physical and psychological efforts.
4. Emotional insight—comfort dealing with a wide range of feelings, from
anger to joy.
Emotional intelligence - being able to identify and regulate the emotions of self
as well as others. Not many of us are brought up to talk easily and openly about
how we feel. Even acknowledging feelings and emotions can be difficult.
Talking about feelings may make us feel uncomfortable, vulnerable, ashamed,
or weak, or may be something we simply don’t know how to do.
Yet in counselling, experiencing, articulating and exploring feelings is
considered very important. Indeed feelings can form the heart of a therapy
session. It can be useful to know why. While a counsellor listens to how you
feel, they also inquire further about how you feel more deeply inside, in order to
discover the underlying emotions. Emotions are the closest indicators of what is
really going on for you. They are key sources of information about a person’s
well-being. Exploring and working with emotions gives us the chance to truly
discover and be ourselves, or to take action towards outcomes that we truly
want.
In addition, a counsellor's own feelings and emotions within counselling
sessions inform them on what is really going on for you and on how others may
or may not respond to you. This internal and external listening, responding and
processing enables the counsellor to work with you so that you gain the most
from therapy
5. Comfort with conversation—enjoyment of verbal exchanges. Whole
process of counseling is based on communication and conversation. Counsellor
should be equipped with communication skills, and should know to effectively
communicate. Message sent and received in the same meaning.
6. Tolerance of intimacy—the ability to sustain emotional closeness
Transference vs countertransference
7. Introspection—the ability to see or feel from within. To reflect on
oneself and be able to identify one’s weakness and strengths
8. Capacity for self-denial—the ability to set aside personal needs to listen
and take care of others’ needs first
9. Comfortable with Power—the acceptance of power with a certain
degree of detachment
10. Ability to laugh—the capability of seeing the bittersweet quality of life
events and the humour in them.

In addition, counselors practice “alonetime”—an intentional practice of

devoting periods in their lives to silence and solitude and reflectivity. These are
times when they improve self-awareness, renew self-care, and practice
gratitude. They need to be planned and do not have to be long but can be as
simple as taking a walk, waiting in line, or preparing for sleep.

In addition to personal qualities associated with entering the counseling

profession, a number of personal characteristics are associated with being an
effective counselor over time (Welfel & Patterson, 2005). They include
stability, harmony, constancy, and purposefulness. Overall, the potency of
counseling is related to counselors’ personal togetherness. The personhood or
personality of counselors is as important, if not more crucial in bringing about
client change, than their mastery of knowledge, skills, or techniques (McAuliffe
& Lovell, 2006; Rogers, 1961). Education cannot change a person’s basic
characteristics. Effective counselors are growing as persons and are helping
others do the same both personally and globally. In other words, effective
counselors are sensitive to themselves and others. They monitor their own
biases, listen, ask for clarification, and explore racial and cultural differences in
an open and positive way (Ford, Harris, & Schuerger, 1993). In addition,
effective
Ethics of the field
This Ethics Code is intended to provide specific standards to cover most
situations encountered by psychologists. It has as its goals the welfare and
protection of the individuals and groups with whom psychologists work and the
education of members, students, and the public regarding ethical standards of
the discipline.

Psychologists follow an ethical code that has been developed over the years by
the APA. The code includes both ethical principles and statements of
appropriate professional conduct. Most psychologists are guided by these
principles in their professional work.

The basic philosophy of the ethical code is that psychologists should do their
best to avoid harming other people through their professional work. This means
that a psychologist should avoid committing any illegal or immoral act that
might harm someone either physically or psychologically. On the other hand,
psychologists have a social responsibility to use their talents to help other
people. In other words, the goal of the profession is to improve the human
condition through the application of psychology. For the I/O psychologist, this
means helping to improve organizations so that they function better and helping
to improve the well-being of employees
General Principles
Principle A: Competence
Psychologists strive to maintain high standards of competence in their work.
They recognize the boundaries of their particular competencies and the
limitations of their expertise. They provide only those services and use only
those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training, or
experience. Psychologists provide services, teach, and conduct research with
populations and in areas only within the boundaries of their competence, based
on their education, training, supervised experience, consultation, study, or
professional experience. Psychologists should obtain the training, experience,
consultation, or supervision necessary to ensure the competence of their
services. Psychologists planning to provide services, teach, or conduct research
involving populations, areas, techniques, or technologies new to them undertake
relevant education, training, supervised experience, consultation, or study.
Psychologists undertake ongoing efforts to develop and maintain their
competence.
They maintain knowledge of relevant scientific and professional information
related to the services they render, and they recognize the need for ongoing
education. Psychologists make appropriate use of scientific, professional,
technical, and administrative resources.
Principle B: Integrity
Psychologists seek to promote integrity in the science, teaching, and practice of
psychology. In these activities psychologists are honest, fair, and respectful of
others. In describing or reporting their qualifications, services, products, fees,
research, or teaching, they do not make statements that are false, misleading, or
deceptive. Psychologists strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values,
needs, and limitations and the effect of these on their work. To the extent
feasible, they attempt to clarify for relevant parties the roles they are performing
and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles. Psychologists
avoid improper and potentially harmful dual relationships.

Principle C: Professional and scientific responsibility

Psychologists uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their
professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their
behavior, and adapt their methods to the needs of different populations.
Psychologists consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and
institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of their patients,
clients, or other recipients of their services. Psychologists are concerned about
the ethical compliance of their colleagues' scientific and professional conduct.
When appropriate, they consult with colleagues in order to prevent or avoid
unethical conduct.

Principle D: Respect for people's rights and dignity

Psychologists accord appropriate respect to the fundamental rights, dignity, and
worth of all people. They respect the rights of individuals to privacy,
confidentiality, self-determination, and autonomy, mindful that legal and other
obligations may lead to inconsistency and conflict with the exercise of these
rights. Psychologists are aware of cultural, individual, and role differences,
including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion,
sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status. Psychologists
try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and
they do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.

Principle E: Concern for others' welfare

Psychologists seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact
professionally. In their professional actions, psychologists weigh the welfare
and rights of their patients or clients, students, supervisees, human research
participants, and other affected persons, and the welfare of animal subjects of
research. When conflicts occur among psychologists' obligations or concerns,
they attempt to resolve these conflicts and perform their roles in a responsible
fashion that avoids or minimizes harm. Psychologists are sensitive to real and
ascribed differences in power between themselves and others, and they do not
exploit or mislead other people during or after professional relationships.
Principle F: Social responsibility
Psychologists are aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to
the community and the society in which they work and live. They apply and
make public their knowledge of psychology in order to contribute to human
welfare. Psychologists are concerned about and work to mitigate the causes of
human suffering. When undertaking research, they strive to advance human
welfare and the science of psychology. Psychologists try to avoid misuse of
their work. Psychologists comply with the law and encourage the development
of law and social policy that serve the interests of their patients and clients and
the public. They are encouraged to contribute a portion of their professional
time for little or no personal advantage.

Counseling vs Psychotherapy
One of the biggest differences between these two professions is that one is an
umbrella term while the other is a very specific profession; confusion between
the two is common and has led to some people seeking help from the wrong
professional.
A psychotherapist is an umbrella term, meaning all clinical psychologists, along
with other psychology professionals, can put themselves under this term. A
psychotherapist is a name that is given to professionals who provide therapy for
clients.
Traditionally, psychotherapy (or therapy) has focused on serious problems
associated with intrapsychic disorders (such as delusions or hallucinations,
internal conflicts, and personality issues.

Counseling focuses on -
• Present problems and situations (eg. having a problem with boyfriend and
wants to resolve - goes to counsellor)
• Specific situations or behaviors
• Short-term therapy (for a period of weeks and up to 6 months)
• Action and behavior focused
• Talk therapy
• Guidance, support, and education to help people identify and find their
own solutions to current problems
Whereas Psychotherapy focuses on -

• Chronic or recurrent problems (eg. having a problem with boyfriend

because of past trauma - goes to psychotherapist)
• Overall patterns, big picture oriented
• Long term therapy, either continuous or intermittent over many years
 • Feeling and experience focused
• May include testing, talk therapy, other therapies such as cognitive
behavioral therapy
• In-depth focus on internal thoughts/feelings (core issues) leading to
personal growth.

As such, psychotherapy, especially analytically based therapy, has emphasized

(a) the past more than the present,
(b) insight more than change,
(c) the detachment of the therapist, and
(d) the therapist’s role as an expert.

In addition, psychotherapy has historically involved a long-term relationship (20

to 40 sessions over a period of 6 months to 2 years) that concentrated on
reconstructive change as opposed to a more short-term relationship (8 to 12
sessions spread over a period of fewer than 6 months). Psychotherapy has also
been more of a process associated with inpatient settings—some of which are
residential, such as mental hospitals—as opposed to outpatient settings—some
of which are non-residential, such as community agencies. However, in more
modern times, the distinction between psychotherapy and counseling has
blurred, and professionals who provide clinical services often determine
whether clients receive counseling or psychotherapy. Some counseling theories,
such as psychoanalysis, are commonly referred to as therapies as well and can
be used in multiple settings. Therefore, the similarities in the counseling and
psychotherapy processes often overlap.

Multiculturalism and Drivers Population Counseling

As India becomes more and more diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, gender
identity, sexuality, and socioeconomic background, the mental health field must
adapt to more effectively support its population.
Multicultural counseling seeks to understand how cultural and identity issues
impact an individual’s mental health and how those factors might influence a
patient’s relationship with counseling itself.
Multicultural counseling is, at its heart, about appreciating that individuals are
not all the same and that their personal background—their ethnicity, their race,
and their cultural context—is an important component of who they are. These
factors need to be an essential element of the assessment process and their
treatment.

Counselors and psychologists who embrace the tenets of multicultural

counseling acknowledge how these factors might influence the individual. They
also seek to understand how different cultures and groups approach mental
health and counseling issues to tailor treatment plans to these realities more
effectively. Additionally, counselors and psychologists may specialize in
working with populations facing racism, discrimination, and oppression.

Why is Multicultural Counseling Important?

Multicultural counseling is vital because we live in a diverse society that is only
projected to become more so over the coming decades. As more and more
people from different backgrounds seek therapeutic treatment, mental health
counselors and psychologists need to be able to take a holistic approach in
understanding, acknowledging, and addressing their needs.
People of different cultures and ethnic groups or socioeconomic backgrounds
often approach counseling and mental health through the lens of their cultural
background. When a culture has assigned a negative connotation to the idea of
mental health counseling, that belief can lead to a reluctance to seek help, which
can ultimately inhibit effective treatment.
For example, in many Latin American cultures, there is a strong emphasis
placed on gender roles. In men, this is often characterized by the term
machismo, which refers to a form of strong, often aggressive masculinity. Belief
in this concept can cause someone from that background to avoid or forego
counseling, even when it is necessary, due to the implication that doing so
would be a form of weakness. Additionally, this mindset could very well be the
cause of relationship troubles, intimacy issues, and even depression.
Many studies have also demonstrated that African Americans are less likely
than white Americans to seek mental health services, even when they believe
that such services are effective. Further research has found that low-income
Americans have less access to mental health services than those who live in
high-income households.
There are many potential reasons that these disparities may exist, and
affordability and access receive much of the discourse around the subjects. But
mental health professionals should seek to understand the cultural issues which
also play a role in making someone more or less likely to seek counseling.
To effectively work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic
backgrounds, mental health professionals must develop a deep sense of cultural
awareness that empowers them to understand the different cultural factors
contributing to a patient’s wellbeing.
As a counselor, this understanding will empower you to connect with your
patients more effectively, empathize with them, and tailor your treatment plans
to their lived reality. It will also allow you to recognize the various cultural
factors which might cause an individual to be more or less open to mental health
services, which you can use to your advantage during treatment.
Multicultural Counseling Skills
Gaining cultural competence and becoming a multicultural counselor involves
developing the right skill set that enables therapists to meet the individual needs
of their clients. Multicultural counseling involves several key factors that are
often gained through education and work experience. Developing these skills
starts with the right undergraduate degree, such as Maryville University’s online
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which emphasizes courses relevant to
multicultural counseling, such as social psychology, multicultural psychology,
and critical thinking in the social sciences.
1. Interpersonal Abilities
A key skill for all counselors is the ability to connect with another person on a
human level. The most important part of interpersonal skills are conversational
skills, such as listening, responding, and asking thoughtful questions.
Counselors and therapists must be curious and attentive to their clients,
inquiring about their backgrounds, views, feelings, and emotions in a respectful,
conscientious manner. They must be able to read body language and know
when to continue with a line of questioning or return to it in a later session.
2. Cultural Awareness
Cultural awareness means understanding that culture is about more than just
skin color or physical appearance. Culture is a way of life, often influenced by
someone’s background, surroundings, social circles, interests, and experiences.
Cultural awareness is a two-way street: Not only do counselors and therapists
need to be aware of other people’s cultures, but they should be introspective and
reflect on their own, considering how their personal experiences have shaped
their worldview.
3. Sensitivity
Therapists and counselors must be careful when dealing with potentially
upsetting topics. If their clients are unwilling to discuss certain matters,
especially at first, therapists and counselors must respect their wishes and move
in a different direction. Respecting others’ feelings is important to help them
open up and become more receptive to therapeutic methods. A key skill that
therapists and counselors possess is tact and sensitivity, approaching all
potentially triggering issues with great care.
4. Understanding
Implicit in all of these skills is an understanding of why they are important.
Multicultural counseling is about more than practicing these skills and being
kind. It is also about understanding clients on a deep level –– not only being
sensitive but also recognizing why that sensitivity is necessary in the counselor-
client relationship, as well as outside of the office.
5. Empathy
Culturally competent therapists are able to put themselves in their clients’ shoes
and understand their points of view. Empathy means sharing others’ feelings,
not just feeling sorry for them or being sensitive to their needs. Empathy is a
high-level skill and takes years to develop in a healthy, professional way. Yet,
empathy is often necessary for multicultural therapists and can result in a great
connection between therapist and client, yielding more positive results.

Queer Affirmative Counseling Practice

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and

asexual individuals (LGBTQIA+) face unique life stressors like difficulties with
self-acceptance, coming out, discrimination and harassment, and relationship
issues, among many other issues.

Mental health practitioners should be particularly sensitive and take an approach

that embraces a positive view of LGBTQ individuals since they face these
unique life stressors and issues inherent in living in a heterosexually constructed
world. Although their sexual orientation or gender identity may not be a source
of distress, they may find that the social stigma of living as a minority is a
source of stress or anxiety.

Sec 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalized non-normative sexualities
was read down on September 6th, 2018.

Recently, a notion was proposed to the Indian Association of Clinical

Psychologists (IACP) to ban all forms of conversion therapies. Conversion
therapy is the practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation,
gender identity, or gender expression to align with heterosexual (sexually or
romantically attracted exclusively to people of the opposite sex) and
cisgender(referring to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender
corresponds with their birth sex) norms.

What issues might LGBTQIA+ individuals face?

Coping with discrimination and oppression, coming out to one’s family, and
sorting out an “authentic” sense of self in the face of social expectations and
pressures can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance use, and
other mental health concerns for LGBTQ individuals.
Research shows that youth who identify as LGBTQ are at an increased risk of
suicidal ideation and self-harm, particularly when they also experience
discrimination based on their sexual or gender identity. According to a 2007
survey, students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender were
almost ten times as likely to have experienced bullying and victimization at
school and more than twice as likely to have considered suicide as their
heterosexual, non-transgender classmates within the previous year.

Discrimination may take several forms, including social rejection, verbal and
physical bullying, and sexual assault and repeated episodes will likely lead to
chronic stress and diminished mental health.

Perceived discrimination—the expectation of discrimination—may also lead to

diminished mental health. LGBTQ adults, too, may be subject to similar forms
of harassment, as well as discrimination with regards to housing, employment,
education, and basic human rights.