Free counseling service provides support

“There has been a long history in the media of groups being dehumanized,” said Paul Hagan, counseling intern at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Support
Services Office.

To deal with the effects, the GLBTSSS provides IU students with free counseling to discuss their situation in confidence.

“Though counselors in general are supposed to be sensitive, educative and facilitative to those people, it is nice to have counselors or a specific place to go without fear of being judged, or is overtly welcoming of sexualities and gender identifications,”
Hagan said.

Hagan began interning with GLBTSSS in the summer as part of his masters degree in psychology and counseling.

He conducts both individual sessions and occasional couples therapy, seeing about nine to 10 students a week.

He said the support service was his first choice because of his interests.

“I have specific interests in social justice and advocacy for the GLBT community,” he said. “Coming from a small town, I’ve seen the negative effects homophobia can have.”
Hagan said he sees these negative effects reflected in the situations his clients come to talk to him about.

Through talking and receiving feedback, his clients gain comfort and a chance to relieve stress in a safe environment.

“My style is very client-led, so they do most of the talking,” Hagan said. “I’ve seen people from all different backgrounds, and sometimes the discrimination occurs on multiple levels. We help by trying to identify social stigmas and how those have affected them, and do some internal reflection.”

Often, students come to Hagan to discuss relationship problems, stress in dealing with a “hetero” environment, or depression.

He said he tries to help those who exhibit signs of depression by identifying the source and exploring their options for coping.

“We try to judge the intensity of it and whether it is feelings of depression, depression mood swings or chronic depression,” Hagan said. “We explore options such as coping strategies, things that relieve down feelings, and exploring medical options if they are open to that.”

To overcome discrimination, Hagan suggests students struggling to surround themselves with people who share the same values and are open to those who identify as GLBT.

“Finding a good support system where they can be themselves will help,” Hagan said.
He said he blames homophobia and heteronormativity for the negative stigmas against the GLBT community.

He said he encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with the GLBT community and people involved to overcome discrimination of this group.

“A lot of things have to do with the in-group, out-group mentality,” Hagan said. “Being around in the GLBT community and others, it won’t be such an abstract issue if someone you know or your friend is a part of it. It de-mystifies the stereotypes.

“Knowing real people is a key factor. Familiarize yourself with the people and see them as human beings and not labels.”

Students interested in counseling or more information about GLBTSSS can call 812-855-4252. Counseling is also available at Counseling and Psychological Services.  
“I encourage people to stop by,” Hagan said. “They have wonderful resources here, and you can familiarize yourself and get educated on GLBT issues.”