Are a mental health professional (therapist, counselor, herbalist, however you offer your brand of healing wisdom, I'm talking to you) looking for more support in your work with clients? Do you feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the problems your clients face and confused about how put all the pieces together? Would it help to have someone (or a non-judgmental group of someones) to talk through your specific questions and offer feedback on how to improve your work?
Over the years in my work in agencies and in private practice, I've found the support of knowledgeable peers and competent supervisors and consultants invaluable in helping me move through stuck places in my work with clients. Staying in communication about my work and current on the topics most relevant to my clients has also increased the overall base of knowledge that I bring to my work. Not to mention the relief that comes from realizing that you don't have to be alone in your work even if you're alone in your office with your clients.
My office is moving!
My office will be moving at the end of 2018 to 43 Grove Street. This new office will still have free, off-street parking behind the building and will also offer more space for yoga and somatic work, as well as room to host groups. Stay tuned for pictures in my January newsletter. In the meantime, I'd love to hear what groups, trainings, and workshops you would like to see in my new healing space. Comment on this post to share with me what connections you're hoping to make or resources you're longing to find in 2019. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to expand my healing work in this new space.
Yoga for Liberation
Thank you to everyone who has attended the first two classes of Yoga for Liberation! This class has felt different than any I've ever taught in a studio, and I'm so inspired by the folks who are showing up on the mat for the first time to explore this healing practice. We have one more class in 2018, this Friday the 14th at 10AM at BeLoved Asheville's Liberation Station at 10 North Market Street in downtown Asheville. We'll start back in 2019 with classes every other Friday at 10AM starting January 11th.
If you are curious and haven't joined us yet, this practice is trauma-sensitive, queer and trans-affirming, and welcoming to absolute beginners or seasoned yogis. Mats are available, but you're welcome to bring your own if you have one. The class is free and donations to BeLoved Asheville are welcome but not required.
I hope you’ll join us as we breathe the world we want to live in into existence together.
Transgender People #WontBeErased
Earlier this week media outlets reported on a memo that shows that the federal government is considering steps to legally define sex in a very narrow way in an attempt to deny the existence of transgender people. Let's be clear. Transgender people exist. Transgender people have always existed. This is not a topic to be debated.
I, along with many others who have spoken up on social media, am outraged and saddened at this most recent attempt to deny the existence and rights of transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming (GNC) people. I know that many of you who identify as trans, non-binary or GNC are scared. I know that many of you who have children or other loved ones who are trans are scared and, perhaps, wondering how to respond or what to say to your loved ones. Keep reading for some resources that may help.
On Stonewall and Solidarity
Originally published June 28, 2016 for Porch Light Counseling.
When I sat down to write a blog post to honor the Stonewall anniversary, I wasn’t sure exactly where to start. The complexity of the events of this month and this anniversary threatens to overwhelm my capacity to integrate them. June was chosen as LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969, which launched the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement. What is often left out of the story of Stonewall is the fact that trans and gender non-conforming people, in particular trans women of color, were on the front lines of this riot sparked by yet another police raid on a gay bar. In 1969, Sylvia Rivera was a 17 year old with Puerto Rican roots active in the civil rights and anti-war movements who refused to go quietly when the police attempted to arrest everyone present in the bar that night. Sylvia, along with others in the crowd, including her African-American friend Marsha P. Johnson, another transwoman and sex worker, fought back by throwing beer bottles at the police. The ensuing riot resulted in days of protests in Greenwich Village’s Christopher Street and served as the catalyst for formation of the Gay Liberation Front and other groups organizing for LGBTQ rights. The Pride parades that are held all over the country in June were originally intended to mark this occasion when the some of the most marginalized people resisted their oppression and worked together to secure their right to live and love with dignity.