Supporting LGBTQ Individuals Through Love and Marriage Counseling: Discover the Charms of Dr. Lily, Director of Dr. Lily's Love Clinic!

"The shape of happiness is different for everyone. I want to cherish each person's feelings and how they want to live."

Dr. Lily, who has a strong belief and has counseled over 1,800 people.

This time, we interviewed about Dr. Lily's Love Clinic, where Dr. Lily serves as the director.

Dr. Lily says she originally had a romantic nature and often struggled with "love." However, with the support of family and friends, she was able to overcome these struggles, leading her to establish Dr. Lily's Love Clinic to "support those with similar concerns."

This article delves into Dr. Lily's roots and her passion for running the Love Clinic.

1. What is Dr. Lily's Love Clinic?

A major feature of Dr. Lily's Love Clinic is its counseling rooms specialized in six major themes: "Love & Heartbreak," "Marriage & Matchmaking," "Cheating & Infidelity," "Divorce," "Sex," and "Family."

While it handles a wide range of issues related to human relationships, it particularly focuses on romantic and family relationships. In practice, people troubled by workplace relationships also come for consultations.

Although the clinic's name suggests a focus on romance, those who come for romantic advice often end up discussing workplace or parent-child relationship issues. Therefore, consultations are also available for those with children.

1-1. What is a "LOVE MAKES YOU HAPPY" society?

[Interviewer (Writer): Fukuoka / Interviewee: Dr. Lily]

Fukuoka: What prompted you to start helping LGBTQ individuals find partners?

Dr. Lily: In April 2023, Dr. Lily's Love Clinic will enter its seventh year, and since its inception in 2017, we have occasionally received consultations from sexual minorities.

Knowing LGBTQ friends and acquaintances around me, and considering that about 10% of the population are sexual minorities, I decided to offer specialized support.

Our company has adopted the slogan "LOVE MAKES YOU HAPPY," and as part of our efforts, we provide love and matchmaking support for LGBTQ individuals.

Through interactions with many individuals, I have realized that being a sexual minority often leads to "difficulty in living" in terms of human relationships and social life, causing many challenges.

1-2. Romantic challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals

Fukuoka: What are some of the romantic challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals?

Dr. Lily: I think there are two main challenges. The first is "having difficulty finding a partner." As the term minority suggests, the smaller base makes it challenging for many to find partners.

The second is "not recognizing one's own sexuality." Some people are attracted to both men and women, while others have never experienced love or have never been attracted to anyone, leading them to seek advice.

When conducting counseling, I explore how much the client recognizes their own sexuality while engaging in conversation.

1-3. The most important aspects of counseling

Fukuoka: When conducting counseling, there are several important points. Among them, what do you consider most important?

Dr. Lily: First, I make sure not to generalize or make unilateral assumptions about the other person. Understanding the individual's SOGI* through the hearing process and responding based on that understanding leads to a form of happiness that suits them.

*SOGI stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, referring to one's sexual orientation (the gender one is attracted to) and gender identity (one's internal sense of gender).

Reference: What is SOGI? Explaining its meaning, differences from LGBT, and measures against SOGI harassment [SDGs ACTION!]｜Asahi Shimbun Company

Another important aspect is considering "what truly makes the client happy."

Sometimes, what the client desires may not actually lead to happiness, so while acknowledging their wishes, I think it's necessary to consider together "whether it truly is a path to happiness" and "how to make choices that won't lead to future regrets."

In other words, I separate the client's desires from what will actually make them happy, and advise them to realize their own "happiness."

2. Who is Dr. Lily?

Fukuoka: Why did you decide to start Dr. Lily's Love Clinic?

Dr. Lily: Many people struggle with love, and I myself have been easily swayed by romance, experiencing difficulties and suffering in my marriage. During those tough times, I was able to overcome them with the support of those around me, which motivated me to become a support for others facing similar struggles and led to the establishment of Dr. Lily's Love Clinic.

I have always enjoyed love stories, or "love talks," and found joy in listening to them. I wanted to use my experiences and knowledge to support those struggling with love.

Fukuoka: What brings you joy in your work, Dr. Lily?

Dr. Lily: Seeing the smiles of those who have received counseling and receiving words of gratitude is the greatest joy.

For instance, when someone who broke up with their partner successfully reconciles and reports back, or when someone suffering from heartbreak recovers thanks to my advice and tells me, "I've become happy," it brings me immense satisfaction.

I find great fulfillment in being able to bring about positive changes in the lives of my clients and contribute to their happiness.

3. Words for those struggling with love

Fukuoka: If you have any thoughts you'd like to share with those struggling with love or human relationships, please let us know.

Dr. Lily: Loving yourself is the shortcut to happiness, I personally believe.

Loving and accepting yourself is an essential element in feeling happiness, and it's not just about achieving success or gaining approval.

There are surprisingly many people who think, "I shouldn't be happy," but I believe happiness is unique to each individual, and I hope people don't give up on finding their own happiness.

Also, I want to convey that it's not embarrassing to struggle.

I, too, have had times when I struggled greatly with love and marriage. Consulting with family and friends was a relief for me, but not everyone is in a situation where they can easily seek advice.

If you can consult with those around you, don't hesitate to open up. If that's difficult, we are here to support you wholeheartedly. 

4. Challenges towards a future filled with love

Fukuoka: Could you tell us about the activities you want to pursue in the future, Dr. Lily?

Dr. Lily: I want to increase the number of people who can convey positive values like "the desire to change oneself" and "a way of living that involves loving and being loved."

"Before starting matchmaking, I was a selfish person, but it became an opportunity to reflect on myself."

"Matchmaking changed my way of thinking, and my life took a positive turn afterward."

From experiences like these shared by clients, I want to continue focusing on training counselors who can support individuals in a positive direction.

Currently, we are not only offering love consultations but also conducting a "Matchmaking Clinic" as part of our matchmaking support, where we plan to increase the number of counselors and provide effective support.

5. In Conclusion

Dr. Lily taught us how important it is to accept and love oneself.

It's because Dr. Lily respects and supports her clients without judgment that she can help each person find their happiness, as the author felt.

If you want someone to listen to your concerns about relationships or love, or if you want to seek advice, please feel free to contact us through the website below.

Official Website: https://lily-clinic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lily_clinic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrLily_clinic