🌈 LGBTQ+ Teen Support Groups in Statesville, NC – Safe Spaces for Connection & Healing

Being a teenager is a time of self-discovery, growth, and change. For LGBTQ+ teens, it can also feel like navigating a maze of challenges—social pressure, fear of being misunderstood, and a longing for safe places to simply be themselves. Many teens struggle to find supportive spaces where their identities are honored, their voices matter, and their feelings are validated.

At Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness, we believe every part of you belongs. That’s why we are offering LGBTQ+ Teen Support Groups in Statesville, NC, hosted at the Statesville Library this November.

These groups are designed to give teens a place to express themselves through art, conversation, and connection—all while learning tools from Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Kids & Teens.

These groups aren’t about labels or judgment; they’re about safety, friendship, and growth. Whether your teen is looking for support, creative expression, or just the chance to meet like-minded peers, these sessions will provide a safe, affirming community where healing and connection happen naturally.

The Challenges LGBTQ+ Teens Face

For many LGBTQ+ teens, adolescence brings unique hurdles. According to The Trevor Project’s National Survey, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, with rates higher among transgender and nonbinary youth. Anxiety, depression, and isolation often come from experiences such as:

• Bullying and harassment at school or online

• Family rejection or misunderstanding

• Lack of representation or safe spaces

• Pressure to hide or mask their true selves

  
  

Even teens with supportive families can feel alone if they don’t know other peers who share their journey. The absence of safe, affirming spaces can make it hard to build confidence and self-worth.

But here’s the good news: one safe space can make all the difference. Research shows that supportive environments dramatically reduce anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in LGBTQ+ teens.

That’s exactly why we created our LGBTQ+ Teen Support Groups—to ensure teens in our community don’t feel like they’re walking this path alone.

Why Support Groups Matter

Support groups are powerful because they bring people together around shared experiences. For LGBTQ+ teens, the benefits are even greater:

• Connection with peers – Meeting others who “get it” helps reduce isolation.

• Building resilience – Teens learn that their challenges are real, but also surmountable.

• Practical coping skills – From stress management to communication tools, groups teach strategies teens can use every day.

• Affirmation of identity – Simply being seen and respected in an affirming space boosts self-esteem.

  
  

When LGBTQ+ teens gather in a safe environment, they discover something profound: there’s nothing wrong with them. They learn that their feelings are valid, their identities are beautiful, and their voices matter.

At Heartbeat Therapy, we know that every young person has an inner strength waiting to shine. Our groups are designed to nurture that strength through creative, supportive, and affirming practices.

What Happens in Our LGBTQ+ Teen Support Groups

So, what can a teen expect when they walk into one of our support groups? First and foremost: safety. We create a warm, welcoming environment where respect and confidentiality are at the center. From there, each group is a blend of art, expression, and connection.

Here’s what we’ll be doing together:

🎨 Art and Creative Expression

Teens don’t always have the words to explain what they’re feeling—but they do have creativity. In our groups, art becomes a language of its own. Teens might:

• Draw or paint emotions or “parts” of themselves (inspired by IFS Therapy)

• Create identity collages that celebrate who they are

• Use colors and symbols to represent feelings and experiences

  
  

💬 Open Discussion and Peer Support

Guided conversations allow teens to share what’s on their hearts in a safe, judgment-free space. No one is pressured to share, but everyone is invited. These moments help teens:

• Practice expressing themselves

• Learn to listen with empathy

• Discover that their struggles and joys are shared by others

🤝 Making Friends and Building Community

Our groups are not only about healing—they’re about connection. Teens leave with new friends who understand them, providing community long after the group ends.

🌱 Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Kids & Teens

We integrate principles of IFS Therapy in a teen-friendly way. Teens learn about their “parts”—like the shy part, the angry part, or the playful part—and how those parts can be cared for. This approach helps teens:

• Separate their core Self (calm, compassionate, wise) from difficult emotions

• Understand their inner world without judgment

• Build self-leadership and confidence

Upcoming Group Details

📍 Location: Statesville Library📅 Dates: Wednesday, November 5th & November 12th⏰ Times:

• Ages 12–14: 4:00 – 5:45 PM

• Ages 15–17: 5:45 – 7:30 PM

Each group session will last 1 hour and 45 minutes, offering time for art, discussion, and community building. Teens will leave feeling more grounded, connected, and supported.

Inclusive & Trauma-Informed Care at Heartbeat Therapy

At Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness, inclusivity isn’t an afterthought—it’s at the heart of everything we do. Our practice is:

• Trauma-informed – We understand that many teens carry deep wounds, and we create spaces that feel safe and supportive.

• LGBTQ+ affirming – Every identity is honored and celebrated. Teens don’t have to explain themselves; they’re already understood.

• Neurodivergent-friendly – We know that many LGBTQ+ teens are also neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities), and we adapt our approach accordingly.

• Creative and playful – Healing doesn’t always come from talking; sometimes it comes from painting, playing, and laughing together.

With a background in IFS Therapy for Kids & Teens, as well as experience with art and play therapy, our founder, Erica Smalla, MSW, MEd, LCSWA, brings a compassionate, creative, and evidence-based approach to each group.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers play a huge role in a teen’s well-being. While our groups are designed for teens, we also encourage parents to:

• Affirm your teen’s identity – Using their chosen name and pronouns shows respect and love.

• Ask questions with curiosity – Teens notice when parents approach them with openness instead of judgment.

• Support their healing journey – Encourage them to attend groups, and consider family therapy if helpful.

When parents join the healing process with compassion, teens feel safer and more supported at home, too.

How to Join & What to Expect

Joining our LGBTQ+ Teen Support Groups is simple:

1. Reserve a spot – Click here to register your teen.

2. Show up – Bring an open heart, a notebook if desired, and a willingness to connect.

3. Experience support – Teens will leave with new coping tools, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

No prior therapy experience is needed—just a willingness to be part of a safe, supportive community.

Every Part of You Belongs

For LGBTQ+ teens in Statesville and surrounding areas, safe spaces matter. They deserve places where their identities are celebrated, their creativity is encouraged, and their voices are heard. Our LGBTQ+ Teen Support Groups are designed to be that safe haven—where art, expression, and community come together to foster healing and growth.

At Heartbeat Therapy & Wellness, we believe that every part of you belongs. Whether your teen is navigating anxiety, identity, or simply searching for friends who understand, this group will remind them that they are not alone.

💜 Ready to join us?Reserve a spot in our upcoming LGBTQ+ Teen Support Groups at the Statesville Library today, and let’s create a community where every teen feels safe, seen, and supported.