Advocating for your LGBTQ+ Authentic Self

Renae Johnson is the founder of Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies. Renae has long been a mental health community leader and educator, and is working to build a foundation of awareness and resources in the mental health community for providing queer- and trans-informed care. Renae also hosts a podcast called My Therapist is Out!, which features conversations on mental health topics from a queer perspective.

Renae is an art therapist who specializes in treating complex trauma, identity and gender, and artistic development. Prior to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community health services for people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses, first as a therapist and later as an Operations Director. 

Today we talk about Advocating for your authentic self in LGBT care.

0:00 - Intro
1:40 - LGBTQIA+ Self Advocacy
2:23 - The relationship between identity and advocacy
3:17 - What are the common themes seen in Open Space?
5:38 - Navigating care outside of the therapy group
7:40 - Creating a narrative of a person's history
8:43 - What are some signs that a provider might not be fully understanding you?
11:51 - Why do some providers simply not work well with members of the LGBTQIA+ community?
13:34 - What is the meaning behind "Open Space"?
14:53 - Can a lack of self-understanding impact a providers' abilty to provide quality care?
16:58 - Can anxiety caused by a lack of understanding impact care?
17:49 - Do people get sick of explaining?
20:09 - An LGBTQIA+ person doesn't HAVE to have a provider who identifies as LGBTQIA+
22:24 - How to find an LGBT friendly therapist.
24:14 - Closing Thoughts

Open Space Therapy Collective - https://www.openspacetherapycollectiv...
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