We’re excited to highlight a valued member of our team, Ben Mattson, APSW, a therapist whose work is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the human experience. With a thoughtful, collaborative approach and a strong commitment to affirming care, Ben brings warmth, authenticity, and a steady presence to the therapy space.
​
Join us as we take a closer look at who Ben is as a therapist and as a human.

Ben's path to becoming a therapist began with a desire to help others navigate mental health with care and gentleness. He was especially drawn to models of support that embodied calm, grounded masculinity and emotional presence. Later in life, when Ben came out as transgender, the support he received from his own therapist and close friends became transformational. Through that experience, he realized they wanted to offer that same kind of steady, affirming support to others—especially those navigating identity, transition, and change.
“I want to be an example that trans people belong in every field,” Ben shares, “and that we can grow older and have good, meaningful lives.”

At the heart of Ben’s work is the belief that therapy is a collaborative journey—two people working together to make sense of how life experiences have shaped emotional and behavioral responses.
He often describes emotions as feeling like a tangled knot. Rather than rushing to “fix” things, therapist and client gently pull at the threads together, slowly creating space for clarity, understanding, and change. Healing happens piece by piece, at a pace that honors the client’s capacity and lived reality.

Ben is especially passionate about working with people navigating life transitions—experiences that can arise again and again throughout our lives. These may include:

• career changes
• starting or finishing school
• grief and loss
• gender- and sexuality-related exploration or transition
• other major life shifts

He understands that transitions can be disorienting, emotional, and deeply meaningful—and that support during these times can make all the difference.

Ben brings curiosity and humility into every session, approaching clients’ experiences with openness rather than assumptions. Kindness and honesty are central to their work, and when relevant, they are transparent about how broader economic, political, and social realities impact mental health.
Clients can expect a therapist who is compassionate and tactful, but also radically honest—someone who listens deeply, shares thoughtful reflections, and stays genuinely engaged in the work.

Safety and trust are built through honesty, kindness, and consistency. Ben strives to create a space where clients know their therapist is fully present listening with compassion, offering genuine impressions, and always being on their side.
Their work draws from a variety of evidence-based and experiential approaches, including:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Narrative Exposure Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
• Somatic approaches

Their practice is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming, and they are always expanding their toolbox, including ongoing learning around Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

Ben actively creates an affirming environment for neurodivergent clients by honoring sensory and accessibility needs. Clients are welcome to request adjustments such as changes in lighting or scent, choose where they sit (including the floor or sensory swing), or approach therapy in nontraditional ways.
Sessions may include practical support like:

• helping find referrals
• taking walks while talking
• working through challenging or “messy” tasks together

If there is therapeutic intention behind the work, it belongs in therapy.
As a transgender man, Ben also brings lived understanding to their work with LGBTQIA+ clients. He is intentional about using correct pronouns, honoring the full spectrum of relationships, and providing poly- and kink-affirming care. These parts of identity deserve space, respect, and thoughtful exploration in therapy.

Outside of work, Ben finds joy in tabletop gaming, playing with their cats, attending Renaissance Faires, and creating art from wood and gemstones.
He's recently been enjoying audiobooks like Rest Is Resistance and No Bad Parts, along with Dropout’s Dimension 20 tabletop campaigns. In his words: tabletop gaming—when done right—is therapy. The stories, relationships, and themes explored mirror many of the same questions we ask about humanity and connection.
His favorite form of self-care is wonderfully grounded: cleaning the kitchen while making a big pot of veggie-packed soup, with music, an audiobook, or a podcast playing in the background. It’s movement, nourishment, mental stimulation, and comfort all in one.
Coffee or tea? Both—but coffee is essential: very large, very iced, with just a splash of vanilla creamer.

Ben offers this encouragement to those thinking about starting therapy:
​“Be picky about your therapist. If the rapport feels lukewarm or the work doesn’t feel helpful, it’s okay to look elsewhere. No therapist is the right fit for everyone—and we won’t be offended. We can’t make magic together unless the fit is right.”

Ready to work with Ben?
​Reach out today to schedule an appointment or consultation. 

As the holiday season approaches — with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other winter celebrations right around the corner — many of us feel both excitement and stress. The holidays can bring joy, tradition, and connection, but they can also surface pressure, conflict, and emotional overwhelm.
One of the most powerful ways to protect your well-being and enjoy the season more fully is through setting healthy boundaries.
In this post, we’ll define what boundary-setting means from a therapeutic perspective and walk through several common situations where boundaries may be needed — along with examples of what setting them can look like in real life.

What Does It Mean to “Set Boundaries”?
From a therapeutic perspective, boundaries are the limits and expectations we set in relationships to protect our emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Boundaries are not walls meant to shut others out. Instead, they’re guidelines that help us stay connected in ways that are sustainable and respectful — both to ourselves and others.
Healthy boundaries:

• Clarify what we are and are not comfortable with
• Help us maintain autonomy while still caring about others
• Support relationships built on mutual respect rather than obligation

When we don’t have boundaries, we can end up feeling resentful, burnt out, or even disconnected from the very people we’re trying to please.

​Setting Boundaries Around Holiday Schedules and Plans
Today’s families come in many forms — blended, long-distance, chosen, and everything in between. That means deciding where, when, and with whom to spend the holidays can become complicated.

Juggling Multiple Gatherings:
It’s common to feel pulled in several directions — your family, your partner’s family, maybe even your friends’ celebrations. It can help to start by identifying your priorities and energy levels. Ask yourself:

• What feels most meaningful to me this year?
• What’s realistic for my schedule and travel capacity?
• Where do I want to invest my time and emotional energy?

Once you’ve clarified that, communicate clearly and early.

For example: “We’re so excited to see everyone this year! We’re keeping things balanced and will be celebrating with your side on Christmas Eve and staying home on Christmas Day to rest and start our own traditions.”

When Kids Are Involved: 
Boundaries can get even trickier once children enter the picture. Family members may feel more strongly about seeing the little ones — sometimes leading to guilt or pressure. Remember: wanting to protect your child’s routine, emotional comfort, or family time is valid.
You can say: “We really value your time with the kids, but we’re planning a quieter morning at home this year. Let’s plan a special visit the weekend before.”
This approach respects others’ feelings while protecting your family’s needs.

​Handling Difficult Conversations During the Holidays
Even in the warmest families, holiday gatherings can stir up tension — from politics and personal choices to family drama or intrusive questions.

Recognizing When to Engage vs. Disengage

You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. If a conversation starts heading in an uncomfortable direction, you can redirect or opt out: “I’d rather not get into that today — let’s focus on catching up instead.”

If someone persists, it’s okay to walk away or take a break.

Setting Conversation Boundaries Ahead of Time

Sometimes it helps to proactively name your boundaries with trusted family members:
“We want this to be a peaceful day, so we’re steering clear of politics this year. Let’s stick to food, memories, and laughter.”

These moments set a tone of safety and respect for everyone involved.

Physical Boundaries:

Your Body, Your Comfort
Physical boundaries often go overlooked during the holidays. Family gatherings can include expectations of physical affection — hugs, kisses, sitting on laps — that not everyone is comfortable with.

You have every right to decide what kind of physical contact feels okay for you. The same goes for your children.
If you or your child prefer not to hug or kiss certain relatives, you can gently say: “We’re teaching the kids that they get to choose how they say hello. How about a high-five or wave instead?”

This helps normalize bodily autonomy, teaching both children and adults that consent applies to physical affection too.

Managing Reactions:

When People Don’t Like Your Boundaries
One of the hardest parts of setting boundaries is realizing that not everyone will respond positively. Some people — especially those used to you saying yes — may feel hurt, angry, or rejected.

This doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you’re changing a pattern.

Coping With Discomfort
It’s normal to feel guilty or anxious when someone is upset with your boundary. Take a deep breath and remind yourself:

• Their reaction is not your responsibility.
• You can care about someone’s feelings without changing your limits.
• Boundaries protect relationships from resentment and burnout.

Finding a Middle Ground
Healthy boundary-setting isn’t about being cold or rigid. It’s about balancing empathy with self-respect. Sometimes, explaining your reasoning helps maintain connection: “I love our traditions and I know they’re important to you. I just need to adjust this year to make space for our family’s needs. I hope you can understand.”

Kindness and firmness can coexist — being compassionate doesn’t mean being a pushover.

Recognizing Unhealthy Boundary Patterns
If you consistently feel guilty saying no, overextend yourself, or feel emotionally drained after family interactions, that may signal an unhealthy boundary pattern. Therapy, journaling, or talking to supportive friends can help you explore these patterns and develop new ways of relating that align with your values.

Final Thoughts:

Starting Small With Boundary-Setting Goals
Boundaries take practice — especially around the holidays, when emotions and expectations run high. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once.
Start small:

• Pick one area where you feel most overwhelmed.
• Set a clear, kind limit.
• Practice holding that limit even if it feels uncomfortable.

Each time you do, you strengthen your ability to stay grounded and authentic in your relationships.

Remember: the goal isn’t to avoid family or disconnect from loved ones — it’s to create space for connection that feels safe, mutual, and sustainable.
​
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of peace — by honoring your boundaries.


If you feel like you need extra help this holiday in setting boundaries, please feel free to reach out.

​

We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team, Faythe Brennan, a therapist whose compassion, curiosity, and commitment to justice shine through in everything she does. With a background rooted in sociology, a passion for supporting marginalized communities, and a deeply collaborative approach to healing, Faythe brings a grounded, thoughtful presence to her work with clients. Come with us on a deep dive on Faythe and who she is as a therapist. 

A Journey Rooted in Curiosity & Connection
Faythe’s path to becoming a therapist began with a love for understanding how societies and communities function—and just as importantly, how individuals navigate the world on a personal level. “Sociology helped me understand the bigger picture,” she shares, “but I’ve always deeply enjoyed working with people one-on-one.”
This blend of macro and micro perspectives now shapes her holistic approach to therapy.

Her Philosophy: A Collaborative, Authentic Path to Healing
​Faythe views therapy as a collaborative journey—one centered on helping clients truly understand themselves and create lives that feel authentic and fulfilling. She works with clients to process past and present stressors or traumas while building effective, compassionate coping skills.

“Therapy looks different for everyone,” she explains. “My work is individualized to each client’s needs, strengths, and goals.” Her values of empathy, humility, open-mindedness, and justice guide every step.

Proudly Supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Clients
As someone who identifies within the LGBTQ+ community and BIPOC communities, Faythe is deeply committed to supporting individuals who experience systemic harm, oppression, and barriers to healing.
“These are communities I’m proud to be a part of,” she says. “I want to support people in their healing and help break cycles that prevent lasting justice.”

Her clients experience a therapist who sees them, understands the context they live within, and advocates fiercely for their wellbeing.

Creating Safety Through Authenticity
Safety and trust aren’t buzzwords for Faythe, they’re intentional practices. From the moment a client walks in, she focuses on physical and emotional comfort. These include:

• inviting clients to sit wherever feels right
• adjusting lighting to their preference
• offering snacks, beverages, and orientation to the space
• clearly explaining confidentiality and boundaries
• listening deeply and collaborating openly

Her therapeutic style is warm, grounded, and infused with respect.

Therapeutic Approaches:
Faythe blends elements of several evidence-based frameworks, always tailoring her approach to the individual. These approaches include:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
• IFS (Internal Family Systems)
• Person-centered & strengths-based approaches
• Trauma-informed practice

She also provides affirming, validating, and flexible support for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ clients, recognizing the powerful impact of stigma, historical trauma, and systemic harm on mental health.

What to Expect in Your First Session
First sessions can be intimidating for many and Faythe gets that. She begins with simple, grounding questions to better understand who you are, what brings you in, and what you hope to gain. She also encourages clients to use that first meeting to decide if working together feels like a good fit. Mutual fit is a core part of her philosophy; the relationship truly goes both ways.

Beyond the Therapy Room: The Human Behind the Therapist
Outside of work, Faythe finds joy in a little bit of everything—time with loved ones, exploring new hobbies, enjoying nature, running, reading sci-fi, and learning new facts about plants and the world around her.
She’s currently enjoying the Good Hang podcast with Amy Poehler, and her favorite form of self-care is simple but powerful: creating schedules and to-do lists to stay grounded when life gets busy.

As for the age-old question, coffee or tea?
Faythe loves matcha any time of day—but also enjoys a good latte when the mood strikes.

Growth, Learning & the Evolving Understanding of Mental Health Care
Faythe’s view of mental health has expanded significantly over the years. She no longer sees it as “just coping skills and talking”—but instead as an ongoing balance of emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.

Her clients consistently teach her about resilience, transformation, and the incredible capacity people have to grow. And as an avid researcher, she stays up to date on the latest insights in the field—another way she honors the trust clients place in her.

A Message for Anyone Considering Therapy
Faythe has a heartfelt message for those thinking about beginning therapy:

“You hold the power, and it’s courageous to reach out. Whether you’re working through current stressors or past experiences, just start somewhere. Explore your options, use free consultations, and remember—not every therapist will be the right fit, and that’s okay.”
​
We’re honored to have Faythe Brennan, APSW on our team and excited for the meaningful impact she’ll continue to make. If you’re looking for a therapist who is warm, curious, socially aware, authentic, and deeply collaborative, Faythe may be a wonderful fit for you.

Ready to meet Faythe?
Reach out today to schedule an appointment or consultation. 

Even witnessing traumatic events can lead to lasting effects.
A common misconception is that PTSD only affects soldiers or first responders. In reality, trauma impacts people from all walks of life. Another myth is that some experiences “don’t count” as trauma—yet no one else can define what feels traumatic for you. Unfortunately, these misconceptions prevent many people from seeking help.
​
Trauma can be difficult to recognize, but it may surface in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or chronic health issues. Research even shows that trauma can be passed down across generations, increasing risks for both mental and physical health struggles.
At our practice, we use trauma-informed therapy to help clients identify, process, and heal from trauma in ways that feel safe, empowering, and supportive.

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Not every client who seeks therapy has trauma—but trauma-informed care benefits everyone. It is an approach that shapes the entire therapeutic process by recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and striving to avoid re-traumatization.
Key elements of trauma-informed therapy include:

• Creating safety → Building an environment of trust and support
• Collaboration → Viewing therapy as a partnership between client and therapist
• Transparency → Providing clear communication to reduce fear or uncertainty
• Empowerment → Helping clients take an active role in their healing
• Cultural sensitivity → Understanding the diverse ways trauma impacts individuals and communities

This approach not only benefits clients but also reduces burnout for therapists, enabling us to provide more compassionate, effective care.

Why Trauma-Informed Therapy Matters
​Trauma-informed therapy helps clients:

• Recognize the role trauma may play in their symptoms
• Build coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and stress
• Feel empowered to advocate for themselves in triggering situations
• Develop resilience and healthier relationships

Healing from trauma takes time, but with the right support, it is possible to move forward and reclaim a sense of control, safety, and peace.

Resources

• PTSD Facts and Statistics – The Recovery Village
• Trauma-Informed Care: What It Is, and Why It’s Important – Harvard Health
• Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center

​

In an ever-changing environment, oppression is still extremely prevalent in our society. There are multitudes of instances of oppression that people experience every day. Fighting against oppression is something that one may take on, and many do. Activists every day feel the weight of a society that is continuously impacted by mistreatment, especially because many activists’ identities are impacted by oppression. ​

These constant states of stress can result in burnout. Christina Maslach defines burnout as “a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity.” Burnout leads to someone feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. This can result in people feeling extremely frustrated, disillusioned, uncaring, and cynical. Those involved with fighting oppression and being social justice activists can be extremely debilitating because of the high expectations they place on themselves. There is hope that they can make a significant difference in the world around them, and the emotional labor they experienced when the results are not what they expected. ​​

Activists often shoulder not only their personal challenges but also the burden of collective trauma. Many balance their advocacy with work and family responsibilities, all while tending to their own mental health. This combination of pressures can quickly result in exhaustion.

Symptoms of Burnout
Burnout can manifest in various ways. Here are five different categories:

1.  Affective manifestations: characterized by changes in mood, often related to depression and anxiety
2. Cognitive manifestations: characterized by lags in attention, memory, and concentration
3. Physical manifestations: characterized by health challenges such as headaches, high blood pressure, and illnesses
4. Behavioural manifestations: characterized by behavioural changes that impact productivity and health, ranging from increased procrastination to substance abuse
5.  Motivational manifestations: characterized by diminishing drive and increased feelings of alienation and despondency

Tips for Avoiding Burnout

Set Boundaries
​Knowing when to say no or step back is essential for protecting your mental health and sustaining your activism. Setting boundaries might mean attending fewer events or making space for quiet moments away from the noise. You don’t need to be present at every battle to remain part of the movement. Taking a step back from doom-scrolling social media is also important. 

Create Support Networks
Stay close to people who understand and affirm your experiences. Chosen family and community groups can provide a sense of emotional safety, while peer support offers space to process challenges and ease feelings of isolation. Connection is vital.

Celebrate Small Wins
Recognizing progress, even if incremental, fuels resilience. Victories don’t always have to be sweeping to be meaningful.

Engage in Joyful Resistance
Bring art, music, humor, or other joyful practices into activism to help keep the spirit strong. These reminders ground us in the vision we’re striving for—a life that is vibrant, fulfilling, and free.

Prioritize Mental Health
Therapy, meditation, and other wellness practices aren’t extras—they’re vital acts of care. The Trevor Project’s 2023 report shows that LGBTQ+ youth who embrace mental health support grow stronger and more resilient—and the same is true for adults

Take Tech Breaks
Social media can be a powerful tool for activism, but it can also take a toll. Taking regular breaks helps you recharge—sometimes even a short log-off can bring clarity and peace. Remember, fighting oppression doesn’t always need to be loud or public to make an impact.

​

The foster and adoption journey is complex—for biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and the children themselves. Each stage is often filled with ups and downs, hope and disappointment. Children in the foster and adoption system face unique challenges, and the adults who care for them also need space to process their own experiences.
Research shows that adopted children are almost twice as likely to develop a mood disorder compared to their peers. Factors such as age at adoption, location, family history, and contact with biological family all play a role. Many children experience trauma due to inconsistent care and nurturing in their earliest years, which can affect attachment and bonding later on.
At the heart of adoption and foster care is loss and trauma. Acknowledging this reality is essential to helping children and families heal and thrive.

Understanding the Trauma of Adoption and Foster Care
Every child in the foster or adoption system experiences some level of trauma and loss. Unprocessed grief can harm a child’s sense of self, especially as they reach adolescence and begin forming their identity. Adoptees may experience ambiguous grief—a complicated, often hidden sense of loss that can be difficult to talk about for fear of hurting their adoptive families.
These feelings vary widely depending on the adoption story, but many adoptees struggle to find safe spaces to process them. Therapy provides a place where their experiences are understood, validated, and supported.

Adult Adoptees and Those Who Spent Time in Foster Care

While many conversations around foster care and adoption focus on children, it’s important to recognize that adoptees and foster children often carry their experiences into adulthood. The effects of trauma, loss, and identity struggles may not surface until later in life, when individuals begin to process their stories more fully.
A term often used in the adoptee community is “coming out of the fog.” This phrase describes the process of moving from seeing adoption only through a positive or one-sided lens to recognizing the complex realities—such as grief, loss, identity struggles, and systemic issues—that can accompany adoption. For many adoptees, this stage can feel disorienting, emotional, and even isolating, but it can also be an important step toward healing.
Adult adoptees and those who spent time in foster care may seek therapy to work through:

• Identity struggles and questions of belonging
• Ambiguous grief and unresolved loss
• Relationship challenges tied to attachment experiences
• Trauma related to early separation or inconsistent care
• Feelings that emerge during major life transitions (marriage, parenting, becoming a parent, career changes, etc.)

Therapy provides a safe, validating space for adoptees and foster alumni to process these experiences, develop self-understanding, and build healthier connections in adulthood.

The Role of Biological Parents 
Biological parents are often left out of foster and adoption conversations due to stigma, discrimination, and systemic racism. In reality, racial disparities exist at nearly every stage of the child welfare system. Foster care is meant to be temporary while biological parents work toward creating a safe home, but systemic biases can create unrealistic barriers and timelines.

Some biological parents voluntarily terminate their parental rights and may face overwhelming grief and even have been made to feel like it is their only viable option. Others may hope for reunification but feel powerless in the system. Regardless of the circumstances, biological parents deserve compassion, understanding, and support. Therapy can provide a safe space to process grief, loss, and stigma.

Supporting Foster and Adoptive Parents 
Foster and adoptive parents also face challenges that are often overlooked. Foster parents step into children’s lives during incredibly vulnerable times, while adoptive parents often feel a loss of support after the adoption process is finalized. Both groups may struggle with:

• Attachment difficulties
• Navigating trauma-related behaviors
• Vicarious trauma and burnout
• Lack of post-adoption resources

Therapy can give foster and adoptive parents a safe place to process their emotions and gain tools to support children in their care.

C.A.S.E. and Training for Adoption Competency
The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) developed Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) to ensure that adoptive families receive high-quality mental health care. This training emphasizes understanding a child’s early history, building trust, and addressing trauma’s impact on the whole family.
We are proud to integrate TAC into our work with foster and adoptive families, supporting both children and parents as they navigate trauma, build healthy attachments, and strengthen family bonds.

Why Foster and Adoption-Informed Therapy MattersThe numbers are staggering:

• 80% of children in foster care experience mental health challenges.
• Nearly every child welfare agency reports insufficient services for these children.
• Almost 90% of children in foster care will have contact with law enforcement.

Foster and adoption-informed therapy provides children and families with resources, tools, and support to break these cycles. We aim to:

• Help foster children feel secure and understood
• Support biological parents navigating grief or systemic barriers
• Provide adult adoptees with space to process identity and loss
• Equip foster and adoptive parents with education, advocacy skills, and coping strategies

Resources

• C.A.S.E. – Nurture, Inspire, Empower
• Adopted Children and Mental Health – Claudia Black Center
• Most States Fail to Meet the Mental Health Needs of Foster Children – NCYL
• The Mental Health Effects of Living in Foster Care – Verywell Mind
• Child Welfare: Racial Disproportionality

The Role of Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a constant part of life. Whether it relates to finances, family, health, politics, or relationships, everyone faces moments of not knowing what the future holds. As human beings, we long for stability and a sense of control over our lives. When that feels out of reach, it can be emotionally exhausting, often leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, or even powerlessness.

Everyone has different levels of uncertainty they can tolerate. Some may find it thrilling to take risks and live unpredictably, while others need that structure and security. Despite everyone's tolerance, we all have a limit, and we all experience worry about uncertainty. You are not alone in this. 

Self-care is a way to balance the uncertainties of life and better deal with circumstances and experiences. ​

Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care means intentionally making choices that support our physical, emotional, and mental health. Far from being selfish, it is an essential practice for sustaining a balanced and healthy life. Self-care should be practiced daily and should not be seen as a luxury. No matter what goes on in your life, at work, or at school, taking care of yourself is crucial. 

What self-care can do:

• Enhances well-being by keeping us connected to ourselves and what matters most to us
  
• It can prevent illness from occurring or recurring
  
• Builds capacity to handle stress
  
• Recover from adversity
  

“Caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Self-care plays a role in maintaining mental health and in supporting treatment and recovery for people with a mental illness,” said Sumayah Abed, M.D.

Types of Self-Care

Physical self-care 

• Exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, etc.
  

Emotional self-care

• Journaling, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy. 
  

Social self-care 

• Focuses on nurturing healthy relationships and seeking support from loved ones.
  

Intellectual self-care

• Stimulate the mind through reading, learning, or engaging in creative pursuits. 
  

Spiritual self-care

•  Meditation, yoga, connecting with nature, praying, etc. 
  

Tips for What You Can Do

Sharing your feelings
Feeling a mix of emotions is completely normal and valid. Sharing your feelings with a trusted family member, friend, therapist, or religious leader can help you feel less alone and more empowered to cope. 

Taking breaks from the news and social media
With news and social media so accessible through current technologies, it can be very overwhelming. Remember that you are in control and can set boundaries around your media consumption, including who and what you follow, how you receive notifications, and when it is time to unplug. Taking time away from your phone has many positive mental health outcomes. 

Maintaining a self-care routine
During times of uncertainty, finding ways to maintain a routine can help our minds and bodies cope. Eat three meals a day, maintain a regular sleep schedule, connect with nature, make a gratitude list, and remember to try to enjoy the simple things. 

Connecting with others
As humans, we desire human connection and community to thrive. Just like uncertainty, there may be different levels needed, but it is very important to connect with those around you as an act of self-care. Be sure to check in with others and share how you’re feeling with those trusted sources around you.

​

​References:

Marquette Today. (2024, August 15). The importance of self-care for maintaining mental health. https://today.marquette.edu/2024/08/the-importance-of-self-care-for-maintaining-mental-health/

Robinson, L., & Smith, M. (2024, February 5). Dealing with uncertainty. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/dealing-with-uncertainty

University of Alabama at Birmingham. (2022, October 14). Self-care: What is it? Why is it so important for your health? UAB News. https://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/self-care-what-is-it-why-is-it-so-important-for-your-health

Wellness at Penn. (n.d.). Managing stress in uncertain times. https://wellness.upenn.edu/counseling/managing-stress-uncertain-times

While surveys show that fewer than 10% of adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, this number does not tell the full story. Twice as many millennials identify as LGBTQ+ compared to Gen X, and younger generations continue to embrace more open definitions of gender and sexuality. Increased acceptance, education, and media representation have helped people explore and express their identities in ways that weren’t always possible for older generations.
As this population grows, so does the importance of addressing the unique mental health concerns faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Unfortunately, research shows:

• LGB adults are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to the general population.
• Transgender individuals are four times more likely to attempt suicide, with nearly 40% reporting at least one attempt in their lifetime.
• Almost half of LGBTQ+ adults experience rejection from family members due to their identity.
• More than 80% of LGBTQ+ youth report harassment or assault at school.

These painful realities highlight that being LGBTQ+ is not a mental illness—but the stigma, discrimination, and trauma individuals face in a cis-heteronormative society can profoundly impact mental health.
Exploring gender identity and sexuality can already feel complex, and when individuals feel unsafe to do so, it can lead to isolation, shame, and distress.

What Is LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy?
LGBTQ+ affirming therapy is a mental health approach that validates and supports a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and lived experiences. It goes beyond tolerance—it actively affirms clients’ identities while helping them work through the challenges of living in a society that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ voices.
According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who had access to affirming spaces were significantly less likely to attempt suicide. This demonstrates how powerful and life-saving affirming care can be.

How We Support LGBTQ+ Clients

Our team includes both LGBTQ+ community members and allies dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment. We believe that therapy should be a space where clients can explore identity without fear of judgment.
We approach LGBTQ+ affirming therapy by:

• Providing safe spaces for clients to explore their gender and sexuality.
• Acknowledging trauma caused by stigma, discrimination, and cis-heteronormativity.
• Supporting trans clients through every step of transition, including writing gender-affirming care letters.
• Practicing client-centered therapy that empowers individuals to define themselves on their own terms.
• Building community and trust to reduce feelings of isolation.

Whether you are questioning your identity, coming out, navigating relationships, or seeking support in your transition, our affirming therapists are here to help.

Why LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Matters
When LGBTQ+ individuals are able to access mental health support that validates their identity, they experience:

• Reduced risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality
• Greater self-acceptance and confidence
• Healthier relationships with themselves and others
• Stronger resilience when facing discrimination or stigma

Affirming therapy isn’t just about healing—it’s about empowerment, self-discovery, and thriving authentically.

Resources

• How LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Benefits LGBTQ+ People – Included Health
• LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health – Mental Health America
• NAMI – LGBTQI Mental Health
• How Client-Centered Therapy Works – Verywell Mind

​