In a world where romantic relationships often take center stage, the experiences of those who identify as aromantic can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. Aromanticism describes individuals who experience little to no romantic attraction or desire for romantic relationships. 

Understanding Aromanticism:

At its core, aromanticism is about a unique way of experiencing and navigating relationships. Aromantic individuals may form deep and meaningful connections with others, but these connections do not necessarily include romantic attraction or the desire for traditional romantic partnerships. Instead, they may prioritize platonic relationships, friendships, or other forms of connection that resonate with their emotional needs and preferences.

Challenges and Misconceptions:

It’s important to remember that romantic relationships are just one type of relationship, and even within romantic relationships, just one aspect of that relationship. Aromantic people are often misconceived as not wanting relationships at all, when in reality it’s just a certain type of relationship that this community doesn’t desire. 

Living in a society that often idealizes romantic love can present challenges for aromantic individuals. They may encounter pressure to conform to societal expectations of romantic relationships or face invalidation of their experiences and identities. Additionally, navigating interpersonal relationships, societal norms, and self-acceptance can pose significant challenges for those who identify as aromantic.

How Therapy Can Help:

Therapy provides a safe and affirming space for aromantic individuals to explore their experiences, emotions, and identity in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Here are some ways in which therapy can support individuals navigating aromanticism:

Exploration and Self-Discovery:

• Therapy offers a space for aromantic folks to explore and understand their identity, feelings, and experiences. Aromanticism is usually not an identity that people have had affirmed throughout their lives, so there is usually a lot to unpack after a lifetime of feeling different and being invalidated, even by the people closest to us. Usually this exploration leads to a lot of relief and things finally making sense, which can ease a lot of anxiety and depression symptoms. Ultimately, therapy is a space for clients to discover who they are outside of societal pressures and expectations. 

Validation and Affirmation:

• Aromantic folks may struggle with feelings of alienation or invalidation due to societal norms and misconceptions. A lot of the time, aromantic people can feel like it’s them against the world. Therapy provides validation and affirmation of their experiences, fostering a sense of acceptance and self worth. The therapeutic relationship itself becomes a foundation on which to build a more actualized life. 

Coping with Challenges:

• Affirming therapy equips individuals with coping strategies and resilience to navigate challenges related to aromanticism, including societal pressure and relationship dynamics. Therapists offer practical tools for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and fostering self-care.

Building Healthy Relationships:

• Aromanticism is a difficult thing to manage in a romantic world. In therapy, clients can ask themselves what they want their relationships to look like and how to go about finding those relationships and asking for what they need. It provides support in navigating interpersonal relationships, setting boundaries, and communicating your needs and preferences to others. Therapy can help aromantic clients cultivate fulfilling and meaningful connections, whether platonic, familial, or professional.

Empowerment:

• Affirming therapy can help aromantic folks not just to deal with the difficulties of the world, but to build confidence and feel empowered as an aromantic person. Therapists empower clients to embrace their authentic selves, challenge societal norms, and advocate for their needs within interpersonal and societal contexts. A strong and trusting therapeutic relationship provides the resource needed for this growth and identity expansion. 

Community

• One of the most important factors of LGBTQIA affirming therapy is connecting clients with community. Part of the therapy process is exploring what community looks like and how aromantic people might be able to access it, or what parts of that community feel aligned. This might mean exploring which apps or online communities provide aromantic community, or what in person resources are available, like at your local LGBTQ Community Center. Therapy is a great way to undo aloneness for the LGBTQIA community, but ultimately the net should widen beyond therapy to the greater community to support further growth and development. 

Aromanticism is a growing identity in today’s world, and more and more resources emerge each year. Affirming therapy can be a great first stepping stone if you find yourself feeling different than most about romanticism and desire. But it doesn’t have to be therapy, it could be a supportive friend or online community. The most important thing is that you don’t go through it alone. Find support so that you can build resilience and grow into your authentic self.