My Therapist Is Out!

Let’s get one thing straight (lol jk, never): trauma lives in the body—and queer bodies have been through it. In this raw and real episode of My Therapist is Out!, Renae Johnson (they/them) and Kristen Crowe (she/they) break down how Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) helps us reclaim what the world tried to take from us: our bodies, our joy, our right to feel safe in our skin.

Forget sitting still on a couch trying to intellectualize pain you’ve been surviving for decades. We’re talking breath, sweat, shaking it out, and finding healing through movement—because sometimes, words aren’t enough.

💥 We get into: ⚡ Why trauma doesn’t just “live in your head” 🖤 Queer embodiment as resistance 🔥 What happens when you stop performing and start feeling 🛑 How DMT interrupts the constant internalized “shut up and sit still” 🕺🏽 Moving through gender, grief, and rage—on your own terms 💀 How healing can look like sweat, laughter, and getting weird 🌈 Why your body isn’t broken—it’s brilliant

If you’ve ever felt like traditional therapy missed the mark or pathologized your pain, this one’s for you. We’re ditching respectability and making space for the messy, beautiful, embodied truth.

🎧 Tune in. Let it move you.

Takeaways

• Dance movement therapy promotes emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration.

• Movement can help individuals process and integrate trauma.

• Consent is crucial in body-focused therapies.

• Body awareness is often the first step in healing.

• Trauma can manifest in physical symptoms and body tension.

• Therapists should work at the client's pace to avoid dysregulation.

• Healing involves recognizing and shifting body posture and breath.

• Dance movement therapy can empower clients to set boundaries.

• Therapeutic techniques should be spaced over time for effective integration.

• Self-expression through movement can be a powerful tool for healing.

Queer Moment of Joy Guests: Joe Fierke he/him @gayforgood, Anais Plasketes

Therapist Bio : 

Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.

Host Bio: 

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Events Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, and celebrate. 

As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping providers with the tools to do the same.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Keywords: dance movement therapy, trauma therapy, somatic work, body awareness, emotional integration, consent in therapy, healing through movement, queer and trans therapy, therapeutic techniques, body-mind connection

What does it mean to come out—not just once, but over and over again—as you uncover more of who you are? In this episode Renae (they/them) sits down with PJ Brescia (they/them), the heart and brains behind Baby Gay, a nonprofit devoted to supporting folks in their coming out journeys.

PJ shares their story of coming out later in life, discovering their non-binary identity, and what it’s like to rewrite your life in real time. From navigating family dynamics to finding queer joy in community events, PJ reminds us that coming out isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a lifelong process of becoming.

Whether you’re newly out, still figuring it out, or holding space for someone who is, this episode is full of heart, honesty, and hope.

Takeaways

• PJ Brescia founded Baby Gay to support the coming out process.

• Coming out can be a challenging journey, especially later in life.

• Therapy and journaling were crucial tools for PJ's self-discovery.

• Community support is vital for those navigating their queer identity.

• Internalized homophobia can impact the coming out experience.

• Creating inclusive spaces for all queer identities is essential.

• Labels can be limiting; authenticity is more important.

• It's okay to take time to figure out one's identity.

• Non-binary identity is valid regardless of appearance.

• Acknowledging mistakes in pronoun usage is crucial.

• Sharing coming out stories fosters connection and understanding.

• Mentorship between younger and older queer individuals is important.

• Baby Gay aims to create a safe space for open discussions.

• Queer history is vital for understanding identity.

• Building coalitions strengthens community efforts.

• The future of Baby Gay includes expanding support and resources.

Mentioned in this episode:

The history of the Black Cat

Baby Gay’s podcast!

Queer Moment of Joy Guests:

Nik Kacy & Nicolette J Pownall @nikkacy, @portraitsbynicolette

Willi Gardner @its.willi.g

Guest Bio : 

PJ Brescia (they/them) is the Founder of BabyGay, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports and empowers people through their coming out journey by fostering storytelling and community connection. They are also the Founder of the LA Queer Events Coalition, which unites queer community leaders to amplify collective power, protect rights, and create lasting positive change for the LGBTQ+ community of Los Angeles. Since its groundbreaking launch in 2023 at the LA LGBT Center, BabyGay has grown into a larger platform, spearheading the historic initiative to establish National Coming Out Day as an official Los Angeles city holiday in partnership with LA City Council and The Black Cat. Under PJ's leadership, BabyGay creates impactful events, provides essential resources through their Welcome-Wagon Box program. PJ is also the creator of BABY GAY, a semi-autobiographical comedy inspired by their experiences of coming out later in life.

Website: www.baby.gay

Newsletter: BabyGay Newsletter

IG: @babygaytv

TikTok: @babygaytv 

Host Bio: 

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them), is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Board-Certified Art Therapist with a deep commitment to advancing mental health care tailored to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. As the founder and CEO of Open Space Therapy Collective, Renae has built a group practice dedicated to fostering inclusive, affirming care that prioritizes the unique needs of queer and trans individuals.

A respected leader and activist in the mental health field, Renae is passionate about raising awareness and creating resources to ensure queer- and trans-informed care becomes a professional standard.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Keywords: 

PJ Brescia, Baby Gay, coming out, LGBTQ+, non-binary, mental health, support, community building, identity, non-binary, LGBTQ+, Baby Gay, community support, coming out stories, queer history, mentorship, identity, allyship

In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, Renae Johnson (they/them) and Terra Friedman (she/her) dive into the lived experience of hypervigilance—a survival response many queer folks know all too well. From growing up in environments where it wasn’t safe to be fully ourselves to navigating today’s political climate, hypervigilance can become second nature. What happens when that constant alertness starts impacting our relationships, our mental health, and our sense of safety—even when we’re not in danger?

Renae and Terra explore: ⚡ How hypervigilance develops (spoiler: it's not your fault) 💔 The impact it has on intimacy, friendships, and communication 🧠 How projection and unprocessed fear show up in our interactions 🌱 Grounding techniques and coping tools that actually help 🏳️‍🌈 The power of queer community in creating safer spaces for our nervous systems

This is a must-listen for anyone who feels like they're always “on,” always scanning, always holding their breath. Come exhale with us. 💨

Takeaways

• Hypervigilance is a heightened state of awareness often linked to trauma.

• It can negatively impact relationships and communication.

• Chronic hypervigilance can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

• Hypervigilance often starts in childhood, influenced by family dynamics.

• Queer individuals may experience hypervigilance due to societal pressures.

• Physical symptoms of hypervigilance include tension and overstimulation.

• Dissociative states can occur as a response to chronic hypervigilance.

• Creating safe spaces is essential for reducing hypervigilance.

• Understanding hypervigilance can help individuals navigate their experiences more effectively. Grounding techniques can help manage hypervigilance.

• Pets provide unconditional support and comfort.

• Hypervigilance can lead to isolation if not managed.

• Acknowledging your hypervigilant voice can help calm it down.

• Projection can distort perceptions of loved ones as threats.

• Communication is essential; mind reading is unrealistic.

• Creating a plan for overwhelming situations is crucial.

• Breathing exercises are fundamental for grounding.

• Curiosity can help shift hypervigilant thought patterns.

Queer Moment of Joy Guests :

Arianna W @soulinsession

Ken B @redpearlprince

Guest Bio : 

Terra Friedman AFMT (she/her) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Terra specializes in working with high achieving womxn who experience anxiety. Terra also works with couples and partners who are currently in or exploring non-monogamous relationships.

Host Bio: 

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and co-leads the LA Queer Events Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, and celebrate.

As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping providers with the tools to do the same.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: n/a

Keywords: hypervigilance, LGBT community, trauma, mental health, relationships, coping strategies, queer spaces, childhood experiences, safety, burnout, hypervigilance, mental health, relationships, grounding techniques, coping strategies, projection, emotional safety, self-care, therapy, community support

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity and build an inclusive brand? In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, Renae Johnson sits down with Crystal Whiteaker, founder of Crystal Lily Creative, to talk about how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) shape thriving organizations and happier teams.

Crystal shares her journey from building a photography business rooted in diversity to creating a values-driven branding and leadership consultancy. She opens up about the importance of finding core values, embracing authenticity in leadership, and serving community with intention. From the role of karma in corporate accountability to dreams of future LGBTQ+ leadership retreats, this conversation is all about showing up fully—personally and professionally.

If you’re ready to explore how mindfulness, discernment, and community engagement can transform leadership and business, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired to lead with heart, purpose, and authenticity.

#InclusiveLeadership #AuthenticBranding #LGBTQBusiness #DiversityEquityInclusion #MindfulLeadership #ValuesDriven #QueerEntrepreneurship #CommunityEngagement #LeadershipWithHeart

Takeaways

• Crystal Whiteaker runs an inclusive branding consultancy.

• Inclusion in leadership leads to better organizational performance.

• Organizations that prioritize their people outperform competitors.

• Personal experiences shape professional practices.

• Finding core values is essential for authentic leadership.

• Mindfulness and discernment are key in leadership roles.

• Diversity in representation is crucial in the wedding industry.

• Community engagement is vital for personal and professional growth.

• Karma plays a role in corporate accountability.

• Future aspirations include leadership retreats for the LGBTQ+ community.

Featured Queer Moment of Joy Guests:

Aaron Valeenzuela @Aaronvalenzuela

Bubbles aka Susan Esco @susanescoofficial  

Guest Bio : 

Crystal Whiteaker (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of Crystal Lily Creative, and Author of Brave Leadership is a Choice: An Inclusive Guide to Creating Belonging. Crystal is a coach, photographer, and inclusive branding and leadership development consultant who helps mission driven brands and leaders create values-aligned human-focused environments through aligned decision making. Crystal brings 20 years of practical, creative, relational, process driven experience across multiple industries. She is a Professional SPEAKer and "corporate trained, creative hippie” who puts a strong focus on core values to help people connect, communicate and lead with belonging in mind. Recognized as the 2024 Empowerment Leader of the Year by BRA Network, Crystal cares deeply about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is an advocate for leaders and organizations that provide resources and support for healing. Beyond her work, Crystal enjoys spending time in nature, connecting with people, practicing/teaching yoga, and exploring new places. 

To find more from us visit:

Website: CrystalLily.co

Email: [email protected]

Socials: @crystallilycreative

Host Bio: 

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them), is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Board-Certified Art Therapist with a deep commitment to advancing mental health care tailored to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. As the founder and CEO of Open Space Therapy Collective, Renae has built a group practice dedicated to fostering inclusive, affirming care that prioritizes the unique needs of queer and trans individuals.

A respected leader and activist in the mental health field, Renae is passionate about raising awareness and creating resources to ensure queer- and trans-informed care becomes a professional standard.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, Renae Johnson (they/them) and therapist Ernesto Martinez (he/they) dive deep into the many ways mainstream therapy often falls short when working with marginalized clients — and what we can do to create more inclusive, affirming care.

Ernesto shares powerful insights on the power dynamics in therapy, the definition of marginalized clients, and the importance of meeting people where they are by recognizing the intersectionality of identities and the impact of societal norms on mental health. They explore how mainstream therapy’s identity-blind approach can lead to harm, including the dangers of pathologizing clients and ignoring the systemic factors affecting their well-being.

This conversation also sheds light on the complexities of mental health — particularly how identity shapes diagnosis and treatment. Renae and Ernesto discuss the need for accessible, community-centered care and non-traditional therapeutic approaches, like those focused on sensory experiences rather than solely verbal communication.

At the heart of this dialogue is a call for therapists to empower clients to define their own health and wellness, creating spaces that truly honor individual experiences and collective healing.

🎧 Tune in now and join us as we reimagine what mental health care can look like.

Takeaways

• Mainstream therapy often fails to address the needs of marginalized clients.

• The power dynamic in therapy often positions the therapist as the expert.

• Health and wellness should be defined by the individual, not by societal standards.

• Marginalized clients may feel unseen or unheard in traditional therapy settings.

• Therapists should use language that resonates with the client's experience.

• Overgeneralizations in therapy can lead to misunderstandings and reinforce negative feelings.

• The importance of intersectionality in understanding client experiences.

• Pathologizing clients can lead to internalized shame and stigma.

• Therapy should focus on empowering clients to define their own goals and values.

• The societal standards of normality often exclude marginalized identities. Mainstream therapy often overlooks the impact of identity factors.

• Diagnosis can lead to criminalization based on societal biases.

• Therapy should be inclusive and adaptable to individual needs.

• Accessibility checks can enhance the therapeutic experience.

• Non-verbal therapy can be effective for many individuals.

• Community support is crucial for mental health and wellness.

• Therapists should focus on the whole person, not just symptoms.

• Person-first language helps destigmatize mental health issues.

• Therapy can include sensory experiences, not just talk.

• Building community connections enhances individual growth.

Queer Moment of Joy Guest: Cadence J Larrozza (they/he) with Rainbow Hill Sober Living @consciouscadence

Guest Bio : 

Ernesto Martinez APCC, AMFT (they/elle/he/el) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Ernesto specializes in working with Adults, Teens, & Parents of Gender Expansive Children, Adult Children of (im)Migrants to transform challenges into stepping stones towards self-compassion, fulfillment, and confidence. 

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 a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

Content transparency: na
Keywords: mainstream therapy, marginalized clients, mental health, therapy dynamics, cultural competence, intersectionality, client experiences, empowerment, pathologizing, therapy standards, mental health, therapy, inclusivity, accessibility, community, identity, wellness, non-traditional therapy, healing, support

Consent isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of trust, safety, and meaningful healing. In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, Renae Johnson sits down with Naima Merella, CAMTC, RYT, to explore what true consent looks like in bodywork, yoga, and holistic healing.

As a queer, BIPOC healer, Naima shares their journey as a massage therapist, yoga instructor, herbalist, and artist, emphasizing how identity, trauma, and accessibility shape their approach to care. They dive into the challenges of massage therapy education, the importance of community agreements, and how relational healing is built through mutual respect and communication.

Whether you’re a practitioner, a client, or someone interested in healing justice, this conversation unpacks the deep intersections of consent, power, and embodied safety in therapeutic spaces.

🎧 Tune in for an insightful discussion on making healing work more inclusive, intentional, and affirming for all.

Takeaways

• Naima integrates multiple healing modalities into their practice.

• Art serves as a personal healing practice for Naima.

• Accessibility in healing spaces is crucial for marginalized communities.

• Understanding trauma is essential in massage therapy.

• Community agreements can enhance relational healing.

• Naima's work is informed by their intersectional identities.

• Healing happens in relationships, not just individually.

• Creating safe spaces requires awareness of privilege.

• Massage therapy education often lacks trauma-informed practices.

• Naima aims to empower clients to take up space.

  
  

Featured Queer Moment of Joy Guest and where to learn more:  Sebastian Barry (he/him) with DTLA Proud and OSTC

Guest Bio : 

A student of life, art, yoga, bodywork, energetics, herbalism, nature and ancestral healing ways. Naima is a visual artist, yoga teacher, massage therapist, herbalist and energy worker. Naima is passionate about using these mediums to support the health and healing of oppressed peoples, specifically QTBNaimaPOC. Naima loves experimenting with cross pollinating healing practices. Raising awareness about the impacts of trauma and systems of oppression so that we can heal from cycles of trauma and work toward liberation. Naima teaches personal and group classes and creates community healing events that include art, music, tea and garden spaces.

To find more from Naima visit:

NaimaMerella.com

@Naima Merella 

@Rosey.Maple

@Massage.With.Naima

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 a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

Special Thanks to Inclusive Therapists for their support. https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/

Mentioned in this Episode: The Body Keeps The Score and Everybody Gym

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: issues around consent

Keywords: Naima Morella, healing arts, massage therapy, yoga, herbalism, creativity, intersectionality, community agreements, trauma-informed care, accessibility

In this special episode of My Therapist is Out!, we’re bringing you a powerful live recording from the LA Queer Events Coalition Wildfire Relief Town Hall. This panel discussion, moderated by Carla Ibarra (@lacivilrights), brings together LGBTQ+ leaders, mental health professionals, and community advocates to address the impact of the LA wildfires and how our community is coming together to rebuild.

Hear from Human Rights Campaign, local activists, insurance & financial experts, Open Space Therapy Collective founder, and more as they discuss disaster recovery through a queer lens, the role of chosen family in crisis, financial and housing resources, and the urgent need for environmental justice. With insights from incredible panelists—including Aaron Burns, Brittany Bennett,  James Hughes , James Santana, Queen Shannon Gibson, Renae Johnson , Wendy Nystrom—this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in LGBTQ+ resilience and mutual aid.

Because when disaster strikes, community is everything. 

Featured Queer Moment of Joy Guest and where to learn more:  Richardo Sebastian (they/them)

LA QEC Bio: 

LA Queer Events Coalition unites queer community leaders to amplify our collective power, protect our rights, and create lasting positive change for the LGBTQ+ community of Los Angeles.

Coalition members include: BabyGay, The Secret Circus, Them Fatale, Damn Good Dyke Nights, LA Drag/Nightlife, Girls Gays Theys, Pride Point, DoLA, Gay DoLA, Equality Fashion Week, NiK Kacy Presents, Open Space Therapy Collective, Sit Down & Breathe, The Queer SOL Collective, Inc., Los Angeles LGBT Center, The Unitē App, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Heart Throb, DTLA Proud, Kiso Los Angeles, DTLA Proud, The Black Cat, Third Space Social (THIRD), Yes Ma'am Club, The Ruby Fruit, LYNX, AT Center, Rainbow Labs, Everywhere is Queer, Empowerment in Heels, Camp Brave Trails

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 a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

Special Thanks to Inclusive Therapists for their support. https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: natural disaster, loss, trauma

Keywords: LGBTQ+ Community, Wildfire Relief, Disaster Recovery, Mutual Aid, Chosen Family, Mental Health Support, Environmental Justice, Queer Resilience, Community Healing, Crisis Resources

In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, hosts Renae Johnson (they/them) and Kristen Crowe (she/they) explore the intersection of politics and mental health, focusing on the emotional toll of recent political events. They dive into topics like political fatigue, burnout, and practical coping strategies, emphasizing the critical role of self-care and community support in challenging times.

Takeaways

Content transparency: political opinions

In this episode, Renae sits down with two frontline mental health professionals, psychiatric RN Gina Porter and hospice clinical social worker Dr. Jared Garcia, who are part of the NUHW Kaiser strike to uncover the challenges, hopes, and systemic changes driving their fight. 

We’ll dive into what it means to advocate for change in a broken system, how the strike reflects larger trends in U.S. healthcare, and the personal resilience that fuels their activism. Whether you're a mental health professional, an advocate for systemic reform, or someone passionate about equitable care, this episode will leave you informed and inspired to take action.

Join us to learn how you can support these efforts and help shape a future where quality mental health care is accessible to all.

Takeaways

Guest Bio: 

Dr. Jarde Garcia, LCSW (he/him): is a 15-year Kaiser Permanente Clinical hospice social worker. His clinical experience has been focused on bereavement counseling, end-of-life care and leadership positions that advocate for improvements in the death and dying sectors.

Gina Porter, RN is a 7-year Kaiser Permanente psychiatric nurse. Her experience focuses on general psychiatric care, client care coordination, and medical system navigation. 

To find more about the NUHW strike and support the providers visit:

Strike Support Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-care-providers-in-their-time-of-need

NUHW Website: https://home.nuhw.org/

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 a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: secondary trauma

Keywords: Kaiser, mental health, strike, psychiatric nursing, union, equity, healthcare, patient care, protected time, mental health professionals, mental health, Kaiser Permanente, employee well-being, strike, healthcare, patient care, union, staffing issues, mental health crisis, healthcare workers

In this episode, Renae and therapist Jenny Nigro discuss the emotional aftermath of the holiday season, particularly focusing on the queer community. They explore the importance of self-care, reconnecting with oneself, and the need for self-compassion as individuals transition into the new year. Practical tools for mental health check-ins and finding joy in simple pleasures are also highlighted, emphasizing the significance of nurturing oneself during this time.

Takeaways

Featured Queer Moment of Joy Guest:  Andres Gonzalez MFT (they/them), with Foothill Family

Therapist Bio: 

Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Jenny specializes in working with queer adults and older adults who struggle to understand their identity and behaviors and who desire to gain confidence and release shame from their past experiences.

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 a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: n/a

Keywords: self-care, mental health, holidays, queer community, emotional support, self-compassion, joy, wellness, reconnecting, new year