Pride is supposed to be a celebration—a space to show up as our full, unfiltered selves and find joy in community. If you’re feeling the weight of it all as Pride season approaches, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what it means to care for ourselves in this moment and show up in ways that honor our mental health.

For many LGBTQ+ people, especially those who have experienced trauma, the body can feel like a battleground. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) invites something different: a chance to come home to yourself- let’s explore what it is.

Coming out is rarely a one-time event. For some, coming out might be liberating and affirming. For others, it might feel disorienting, isolating, or even dangerous. One thing is clear: being in community with others who have shared experiences can make all the difference.

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly scanned for safety? That constant sense of alertness is something many LGBTQ+ folks know all too well. It’s called hypervigilance, and while it can be a survival skill in hostile environments, it’s exhausting—and over time, it can take a real toll on our mental and physical health.

In Episode 58 of My Therapist is Out!, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Crystal Whiteaker from Crystal Lily Creative to explore the profound impact of leading with core values. So, what does it really mean to lead with your core values, and how do you begin the process of identifying them? Let’s dive in.

Mainstream therapy often presents itself as a one-size-fits-all approach — but when it comes to working with marginalized clients, that approach can fall painfully short. In our recent episode of My Therapist is Out!, I sat down with therapist Ernesto Martinez (he/they) to discuss the ways mainstream therapy can fail LGBTQ+ and BIPOC clients — and how we can move toward more inclusive, affirming care.

Consent is a fundamental part of any healthy interaction, especially when it comes to mental health, body work, or medical treatment. Understanding and advocating for our consent can be an empowering act of self-preservation and healing.

The recent fires in Los Angeles have left many in our community displaced, grieving, and navigating the emotional and financial toll of losing homes, businesses, and spaces that once felt safe. But if there’s one thing the LGBTQ+ community has always known how to do, it’s survive—and not just survive, but care for one another, find joy in the face of hardship, and rebuild stronger than before.

Political transitions can feel overwhelming, especially when policies or rhetoric appear to challenge your identity or the rights of your community. It’s crucial, during such times, to prioritize your mental health and find ways to sustain yourself emotionally and socially. Here are some suggestions for navigating uncertain political landscapes with resilience and care.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, who often seek affirming care for unique challenges like navigating identity, discrimination, and family rejection, these barriers are even more harmful. Imagine seeking help during a crisis, only to be told the next available appointment is weeks or months away. These delays can have life-threatening consequences. Let’s discuss what we can do.

The start of a new year often brings a sense of renewal—a fresh page, a chance to reflect on who we are and who we want to become. But this new year offers an opportunity to embrace your truth, shed societal expectations, and commit to living authentically.

The holidays can be a time of joy, togetherness, and warm memories—or they can be a minefield of emotional triggers, strained relationships, and reminders of intergenerational trauma. But the holidays also provide an opportunity to reclaim joy, set boundaries, and begin breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma.

The holiday season can be a whirlwind of obligations, family dynamics, and social pressures that often leave us feeling drained. That’s why carving out intentional time to reenergize and affirm your authentic self is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

As we face the possibility of another administration hostile to LGBTQ+ rights, many in our community are bracing for uncertainty, fear, and the potential rollback of hard-fought protections. Here’s how you can prioritize your mental health, nurture your connection to queer community, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights during this time.

There's an entire spectrum of emotions, including joy, love, and connection, that deserve attention when we talk about mental health within the LGBTQ+ community.  Let’s talk about queer joy and the intersection of mental health and emotional well-being in LGBTQ+ therapy.

Rage has a bad reputation. Can rage actually be healthy? Can it serve a purpose in our lives? Let’s unpack that from a mental health and LGBTQ+ perspective.

Finding a safe and inclusive employer can have a profound impact on your mental health, especially if you identify as LGBTQ+ or BIPOC. So, how do you find a place that gets it right?

For many of us in the LGBTQ+ community, the idea of “chosen family” holds deep meaning. Choosing your chosen family can be a powerful and healing step in building a life that feels safe, supportive, and fulfilling.

Our past experiences shape us. While they don't define us, they can leave a lasting impact on our health and relationships. ACEs are not our fault—we had no control over when or why they occurred. However, we can move beyond ACEs and take meaningful steps toward healing.

Sex is supposed to be a pleasurable experience, but what happens when it becomes painful? You’re not alone, and yes, therapy can help.