Breaking down the barrier: exploring queer young adults experience with counselling

Title

Breaking down the barrier: exploring queer young adults experience with counselling

Creator

Sharika, B.; Anurekha, T.K.

Description

This study explores the impact of counselling on the mental health of queer young adults in India. The research uses qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, to understand how counselling impacts their identities and well-being. The study involved 12 participants aged 1825, representing diverse genders and sexual orientations across different regions of India. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: Queer Identity: Recognized, Misrecognized, and Negotiated in Therapy, Queer recommendations for inclusive care, and Empowering queer mental health journey. Each main theme revealed three sub-themes. The study emphasises the importance of therapists competence, empathy, and affirmative practices in creating a supportive therapeutic environment for queer young adults. The participant narratives highlight the complex character of the therapeutic process, going beyond professional interventions to include concepts like belonging, empowerment, and validation. 2026 College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.

Source

Sexual and Relationship Therapy;

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

Routledge

Subject

Mental health; queer; therapy; young adults

Coverage

Sharika B., Counselling Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India; Anurekha T.K., Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 14681994; CODEN: SRTHB

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2026.2614639

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105028414958?origin=resultslist