OSTC Blog

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OSTC Blog *

Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Happy Pride & Juneteenth!

This is such an exciting and celebratory month for all of us and we are excited to spend it with you! We have a special collaborative newsletter this week that was jointly written by our amazing staff Maritza Ruelas and Debbie Whyte, ATR, APCC. If you want to hear more from our team, subscribe to our podcast, My Therapist is Out! You can find the pod at the Spotify, Apple Pod, & YouTube links below.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

How To Know if Your Relationship is Healthy

Determining whether your relationship is healthy is like deciphering a complex puzzle—there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are crucial indicators that can guide you toward understanding if your partnership is thriving or in need of attention.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Need of Self-care for Coming Out as Poly

Navigating the waters of polyamory and coming out about this relationship style isn't just a walk in the park;

it's like tiptoeing through a minefield, hoping for understanding and acceptance. Embracing polyamory often involves unlearning societal norms, addressing misconceptions, and embracing vulnerability.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

The Importance of Having a Queer-Trans Informed Provider

Finding a mental health provider who understands the intricate dance moves of the LGBTQ+ community isn't just about having a therapist; it's like finding a unicorn in a herd of horses—rare and magical. For queer and trans individuals seeking support, stumbling upon a provider who gets the complexities of their identities can feel like discovering the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Reflecting on Trans Day of Visibility. 2023 April Newsletter

Please check-in on our trans siblings, hold space, and continue to spread joy through community. I think most of us are aware of the several bills targeting trans rights. It is important to have awareness around what’s going on, how it impacts our community and persevere against the system that is trying so hard to break us down.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

How To Tell if You’re in a Trauma Response

Recognizing a trauma response within oneself takes a lot of practice and willingness to be vulnerable.

It is a path filled with various emotional, physical, and cognitive cues that might silently signal distress. Trauma responses aren't always glaringly obvious; they can manifest in myriad ways, often slipping under the radar until they begin impacting daily life.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

How Being the “Strong One” Effects Your Mental Health

Being the pillar of strength for others often feels like strapping on an invisible superhero cape, ready to save the day.

But behind that façade of unwavering strength lies a complex narrative that can silently gnaw at one's mental health. Acting as the reliable anchor for friends, family, or a community can take a toll, impacting mental well-being in profound ways.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

When Do You Know it’s Time to Go to Therapy?

Is stress is playing a never-ending drum solo in your head? Knowing when it's time to high-five a therapist (metaphorically speaking, of course) isn't always as clear as realizing your phone needs charging. But there are a few signposts that suggest therapy might be a fantastic addition to your life's playlist.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

How Staying Busy affects your Mental Health

Navigating the whirlwind of modern life often entails a constant juggle of responsibilities, commitments, and activities that keep us constantly on the move. The glorification of busyness has seeped into our culture, where being occupied and productive is often praised.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy stands as a transformative and inclusive tool for individuals navigating the intricate pathways of self-exploration, resilience, and healing. Within its welcoming embrace, people find a safe space to express their emotions, confront challenges, and discover new facets of themselves.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

What’s Dance Movement Therapy?

Ah, dance—a universal language that transcends words, a form of expression that speaks to the soul. Now, imagine harnessing the power of movement not just for choreography but as a therapeutic tool—that's the essence of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT).

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

February 2023 Newsletter

We hope you have the chance to not only reflect, learn, celebrate, but also acknowledge the importance of this month. Since childhood many of us are fed the history of this country that is dramatically white-washed. I remember being in elementary school and gaining more awareness that these “history” lessons are not beneficial to any POC.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

Community Care Therapy Model vs Traditional Therapy Model

In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health care, two distinct paradigms have emerged: the Community Care Therapy Model and the Traditional Therapy Model. Each offers a unique approach to supporting individuals' mental well-being, but they diverge significantly in their methodologies and overarching philosophies.

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Renae Johnson Renae Johnson

5 Tips for Supporting a Loved One with Mental Health Issues

Hey there, beautiful souls! Let’s chat about a topic that's super important: supporting loved ones with mental health struggles. Mental health can be tricky, and knowing how to help can sometimes feel overwhelming. So, let's break it down with five practical tips to make a real difference.

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