5 Things to Know About Raising an LGBTQ+ Child

When your child comes out to you, you may be experiencing a lot of feelings. You may have a lot of questions. After you’ve taken a moment to process this information and your own feelings, you’ll be ready to support them. An LGBTQ+ children & family therapist like Shawny Sena is a great resource to help you support your child along their journey.

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1. You’re Not Alone–and Neither Are They

As parents of transgender children in Eden Prairie, MN, you’re part of a caring community. Shawny Sena is a family therapist and LGBTQ+ therapist who works with kids, teens, and adults in Minneapolis and Eden Prairie. She specializes in play therapy and helping transgender children and their families feel safe and seen. Families often say it feels better knowing someone understands what they're going through. It’s normal to have questions and concerns about your child’s journey. 

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The Twin Cities have a strong and close-knit LGBTQ+ community, and there are many local and national spaces where you can find helpful resources and support. Don’t hesitate to integrate with others in the community. Finding community is a crucial part of life for everyone, but especially LGBTQ+ youth and their parents.

 

2. They’re Not An Encyclopedia

Just because someone in your family, especially a child, comes out, that doesn’t necessarily mean they have all the answers for your questions. It is important not only to be understanding, but to actively try to empathize and educate yourself so that you can be prepared to help guide them. Shawny Sena is here to help with the toughest of questions, from basics to deep LGBTQ+ theory, Shawny has a firm grasp on handling the intersections of the most difficult parts of life.

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3. Therapy is for Everyone

Consider everyone’s reactions. Therapy is for maintaining & strengthening connections. Therapy doesn’t have to be only for your LGBTQ+ child, everyone in your household can benefit!

 

Children

Shawny Sena uses play therapy to connect with young LGBTQ+ children in a gentle, natural way. She believes kids speak truths through play. With games, art, movement, and stories; parents of transgender children in Eden Prairie, MN, can feel supported while their child grows in comfort and identity. Shawny calls this a form of gender affirming therapy that heals “deeper than language.”

 

Teens and Adolescents

Shawny is a trusted therapist for trans children and all LGBTQ+ youth. She makes a space where kids can express themselves without shame. As parents of transgender children in Eden Prairie, MN, you can feel confident bringing your child to her. Her approach is strengths-based, trauma-aware, and deeply affirming of gender identity.

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Parents and Family Members

Being a family therapist, Shawny works not just with the child but also with parents and siblings. If you’re parents of transgender children in Eden Prairie, MN, therapy can help you learn how to stand up for your child at school, with relatives, or in your home. Sessions include emotional care for you and practical coaching on things like advocacy, all within a safe and kind space.

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4. Have Their Back in Public and Private

As with any parent-child relationship, kids who are questioning their identity need to know they can count on your support. Be prepared to handle uncomfortable situations in public–you can ask your child or Shawny for tips–but also be prepared to show your support around family members and other community spaces. The best gift you can give your child is your consistent presence. Build trust by standing up for them, no matter who is around and they will take notice.

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5. Deep Healing Happens with Play and Love

Shawny says her work is playful, queer-affirming, and grounded in trust. Families of transgender children in Eden Prairie, MN, find her style balances radical honesty with radical kindness. As a LGBTQ+ therapist, Shawny helps kids and families reconnect with their playfulness and hope. She believes healing happens in relationship with the body—through art, imagination, music, and movement.