Ep 24. Our 2nd Listener Q&A w/ Jenny Nigro (they) and Terra Friedman (she)
This week we dive into the questions that you sent in for us! Host Renae Johnson LPCC, ATR-BC, CCTP (they/them) with Open Space Therapy Collective Therapists Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them) and Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her) discuss:
Holding Boundaries
Exploring Gender Identity
Queer Experience & Mental Health
As queer folks we often find ourselves sitting with a cis-het therapist wondering why we can’t connect or why things don’t feel safe. Sometimes we push through and swallow the dismissal of our experience, or we just leave the queer part of ourselves out of the therapy room. Even more frustrating we find that we are spending the therapy session educating the therapist on the queer experience!
Join us as we dive into the affects these experiences have on our wellbeing and find ways to create self-compassion and connection with your community.
The Queer Experience & Mental Health
The queer experience is a multifaceted journey encompassing a wide array of identities, challenges, and triumphs. From grappling with societal expectations to navigating complex personal identities, the queer community often faces unique mental health considerations shaped by societal attitudes, discrimination, and internal struggles.
One of the primary challenges faced by many within the queer community is societal stigma and discrimination. Prejudice, marginalization, and lack of acceptance based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression can have profound effects on mental health. Constant exposure to discrimination or microaggressions can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation or alienation. 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.
Moreover, the process of self-discovery and coming out can be both liberating and challenging. For some, accepting their sexual orientation or gender identity might conflict with societal norms or family expectations, leading to internalized stigma or feelings of shame. These internal struggles can create a significant emotional burden, impacting self-esteem and contributing to mental health issues.
Accessing affirming and inclusive mental health care is essential for the well-being of the queer community.
Unfortunately, finding healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about queer-specific issues or who provide affirming care can be a barrier. Individuals may fear judgment or discrimination from healthcare professionals, leading to avoidance of seeking necessary mental health support.
However, therapy can be an invaluable resource for individuals within the queer community. Affirmative therapy, which recognizes and respects diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, offers a safe space for exploration, validation, and support. Therapists specializing in queer-affirmative care create an environment where individuals can discuss their experiences, address internal conflicts, navigate identity development, and develop coping strategies tailored to their specific needs.
Furthermore, building a supportive network within the queer community and accessing LGBTQ+ support groups can be instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and validation. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide comfort, validation, and a sense of community, mitigating feelings of isolation and offering support through shared experiences.
It's also crucial to acknowledge the intersectionality within the queer community.
Queer individuals with intersecting marginalized identities, such as being a person of color, disabled, or part of other minority groups, may face compounded discrimination and unique mental health challenges due to these intersecting factors. Addressing these complex intersections is crucial in providing comprehensive and inclusive mental health support.
Promoting resilience and empowerment within the queer community is fundamental. Celebrating diverse identities, fostering acceptance, and advocating for social equality and inclusivity contribute to creating environments that nurture positive mental health outcomes for queer individuals. Embracing self-acceptance, authenticity, and self-compassion plays a pivotal role in enhancing mental well-being and resilience.
In conclusion, the queer experience encompasses a diverse range of identities and challenges that can significantly impact mental health. Overcoming societal stigma, internalized struggles, accessing affirmative mental health care, building supportive networks, addressing intersectionality, and fostering resilience are essential components in promoting positive mental health outcomes within the queer community. Embracing inclusivity, understanding, and validation are key steps toward creating environments that support the mental health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Therapist Bio:
Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them) is a therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Jenny specializes in working with adults and older adults who struggle to understand their identity and behaviors and desire to gain confidence and release shame from past experiences.
Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her) is a therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Terra specializes in working with women who overachieve and experience anxiety, and with partners who are in or wanting to explore non-monogamous relationships
Mentioned in this episode:
Content warning: suicidal ideation
To find more from Jenny and Terra visit:
https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie
https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy