As an LGBTQ+ therapist and a believer in the power of creative expression, let's dive into the wonderful world of building emotional safety in the workplace, especially for those of us in the LGBTQ+ community.

Individuals may have experienced trauma from being coerced into strict religious doctrines, facing judgment for personal beliefs or identity, or enduring emotional manipulation and control within religious communities. Acknowledging the adverse effects of these experiences, such as anxiety around religious practices, fear of divine punishment, or feelings of unworthiness, is crucial in beginning the healing process.

Understanding and acknowledging our emotions is crucial for our mental well-being,

yet many struggle with truly experiencing and processing their feelings. Learning how to genuinely feel our emotions, rather than suppressing or ignoring them, is a vital step toward emotional health and self-awareness.

Being rejected by one's family, a fundamental support structure, can be an immensely painful and challenging experience, leaving lasting emotional scars.

Sometimes, despite being part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, queer relationships might mirror certain aspects of heteronormative dynamics. Let’s explore this.

Our LGBTQ+ lives encompass a wide array of identities, challenges, and triumphs. These experiences can contribute to minority stress, a term used to describe the additional stress faced by marginalized groups due to societal prejudices, impacting mental health.

Ambiguous grief, or as I like to call it, the "Where'd You Go?" of emotions, is like trying to find a missing sock in the laundry—it leaves you scratching your head, wondering where it disappeared to. Unlike the classic stages of grief, ambiguous grief is a bit like that elusive Wi-Fi signal in a crowded coffee shop—constantly fluctuating and leaving you uncertain about its strength.

Experiencing a lack of motivation is a common struggle for many, and it's essential to address this issue from a mental health perspective. When motivation dwindles, it can impact various aspects of life, from work and relationships to personal goals and overall well-being.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of medications primarily used in treating various mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety disorders. These medications work by targeting the brain's neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior.

Understanding stalking is crucial in recognizing and addressing behaviors that can lead to serious emotional distress and harm. Stalking is a pattern of unwanted and repeated attention, harassment, contact, or any other behavior that instills fear or concern in an individual.

Let's chat about this cool thing called decolonizing healthcare. It's not just a fancy term – it's about making mental health spaces more relatable, inclusive, and spicy for all of us, especially those in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

Asexuality isn't about being the blank canvas in a room of vibrant artwork; it's a legitimate and diverse orientation that highlights the incredible spectrum of human sexuality. In this post we’ll explore Asexuality.

Understanding neurodivergence isn't like cracking a secret code—

it's more like embracing a diverse universe of brainpower, where each mind has its unique flair. For LGBTQ+ individuals, navigating neurodivergence might be akin to trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in zero gravity—full of twists, turns, and unique perspectives.

Telling someone you don't have the spoons to show up for them isn't about explaining your newfound interest in cutlery—it's a metaphorical way of saying, "Hey, I'm tapped out on energy right now." Let’s explore what this means.

Hello Everyone,

Wishing you all a lovely summer so far…. For me, Summertime means the midpoint of the year and I think about what it all has looked like. The first half of the year has felt like a doozy and passed by wayyyy too fast for me! There have been moments of transition, which seemed so liberating and also dark at times. Through the different experiences I came across this year, one that significantly stands out is exploring more of my gender and identity. Coming from a family that is homophobic and also “supportive” but not in action, I often found myself fitting into their ideas and what they saw as “acceptable.”

Navigating the professional landscape when your identity is deemed "unprofessional” can feel like treading a tightrope, balancing authenticity with societal expectations. For individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, facing prejudice or discrimination that labels their identity as unprofessional can be a distressing and emotionally taxing experience.

Navigating invasive questions about your body and gender is like being thrown into an impromptu game show where the prize is your personal privacy. But fear not, handling these intrusive queries is all about crafting responses that are assertive, informative, and just a tad bit sassy to keep things interesting.

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.

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.

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.