How do you discuss sexual and gender identity-related anxiety with teens when family dynamics are rigid or culturally conservative?  

First and foremost is safety. Never put children or teens in danger by hostile family or neighbors. In other words, don’t out them or encourage them to out themselves if they don’t feel safe doing so. You never know how people around them might react. That means be careful with your docu...

I agree with Dr. @Zhao’s thoughtful comments, but would add the following when an adolescent from a conservative family discloses sexual wishes or gender identity that potentially conflicts with stated family religious ideals. In these cases, I reinforce the confidentiality of therapy and then...