Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community from the Inside Out Swapcast with The Trauma Therapist Podcast

Mar 13

This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Guy Macpherson (he/him) from The Trauma Therapist Podcast explore what it truly means to be a queer-informed therapist and why it’s so important.

In this episode we answer:

What is queer-informed therapy?
Why a client should never have to educate their therapist about queerness
Does being queer inherently mean you will have experienced trauma?
How is the queer life different from the het life?

Join us as we dive into the complexities of queer-informed therapy and the differences of living life as a queer person, the joys and the struggles.

The Validating Experience of Queer Therapy

Greetings, fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community. As a queer therapist, I invite you to explore the transformative power of queer therapy – a nuanced approach to mental health care that honors and validates our unique experiences.

Queer therapy, at its core, is about creating a therapeutic environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe, understood, and seen. It's about recognizing that our identities are multifaceted and deeply intertwined with our mental health. In this space, clients should never have to take on the role of educator; instead, therapists are committed to continually educating themselves to better serve our community.

Understanding Queer Trauma

Trauma is a reality for many LGBTQ+ individuals, stemming from experiences of discrimination, rejection, and violence. While being queer doesn't inherently mean experiencing trauma, it's essential for therapists to be sensitive to the potential impact of systemic oppression on our mental well-being. Queer therapy provides a platform to explore and process these experiences with compassion and empathy.

You Need a Therapist That Gets The Nuance

The queer life is rich and diverse, shaped by a tapestry of identities, cultures, and lived experiences. In therapy, we delve into the nuances of our journeys – from navigating relationships and family dynamics to grappling with societal expectations and finding our place in the world. Queer therapy acknowledges the complexities of our lives and celebrates the resilience and strength inherent in our community.

As a queer therapy group, our approach is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and empowerment. We strive to create a therapeutic alliance built on trust and mutual respect, where clients feel empowered to explore their truths and reclaim their agency. Queer therapy is a collaborative process, guided by the belief that every individual possesses the inherent capacity for growth and healing.

Queer Mental Health Matters!

Why does queer therapy matter? Because our mental health matters. LGBTQ+ individuals deserve access to affirming and competent care that honors their identities and experiences. Queer therapy offers a space for introspection, growth, and self-discovery – a space where we can embrace our authenticity and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

Representation Matters!

Queer therapy is also a reminder of the importance of visibility and representation in mental health care. By seeking out therapists who identify as LGBTQ+ or who have specialized training in queer-affirming therapy, clients can find validation and understanding in their therapeutic relationships. Moreover, queer therapists bring a unique perspective and lived experience to the therapeutic process, fostering a deeper sense of connection and trust. In this way, queer therapy not only facilitates healing on an individual level but also contributes to the broader movement for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion within the mental health field.

In conclusion, queer therapy is a vital resource for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking support on their journey toward healing and self-actualization. It is a testament to our community's resilience and strength, offering a beacon of hope in the face of systemic oppression and marginalization. Together, let us embrace the transformative power of queer therapy and embark on a journey of healing, growth, and empowerment.

Guy Macpherson & The Trauma Therapist Pod Bio

“I’m a connector, of sorts. I bring together people and resources. I’ve done that for as long as I can recall.

And here, with a Doctorate in clinical psychology, and with The Trauma Therapist Project, The Trauma Therapist | Podcast, and Trauma Therapist | 2.0, I bring together resources for clinicians and therapists of all kinds who are starting out on their trauma-informed journey.

For the last several years I have dedicated myself to the study of trauma, post-traumatic growth, and most recently, the intersection of trauma and psychosis, specifically assessing and treating signs of early psychosis.”

Host Bio

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies.

Renae is an art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists who are exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Previous to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and as an Operations Director in organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses. Prior to their career as a therapist, Renae was a working artist who worked in figurative painting and sculpture.

Renae is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.