My Therapist Is Out!

My Therapist Is Out!

By Open Space Therapy CollectiveHealth & FitnessMental Health
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My Therapist Is Out! episodes

  • Growing Past Religious Trauma with Sierra Gruca (she/her)

    This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) and OSTC therapist Sierra Gruca (she/her) delve into the various ways individuals can experience religious trauma and the complex relationship with spirituality and community that often results.

     In this episode we answer:

    • If I come from a religious background and I’m queer, do I automatically have a trauma background?

      • Is religious trauma different than other types of trauma? What are some characteristics I can identify?

        • What beliefs or practices should I think about challenging if I have a religious background?

          • How can I figure out who the real me is when I come from a religious background or have religious trauma? 

            •  Join us as we explore the layers of complexity of spirituality, trauma, identity, and community.

            Therapist Bio: 

            Sierra Gruca AMFT (she/her/ella) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Sierra specializes in working with couples and partners in non-monogamous relationships, as well as adults experiencing overwhelm, loss, and guilt.

            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 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 non-profit organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses. 

            To find more from us visit:

            Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

            Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 

            TikTok: @openspacetherapy 

            Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 

            Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

            YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

            Content transparency: trauma

            Discussed in this episode: Gabor Mate

            44 min
          • The importance of Person Centered LGBTQ+ informed Chiropractic Care with Dr. Kindra Woo (they/them)
            This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Guest Dr. Kindra Woo (they/them)
            explore why having a LGBTQ+ informed Chiropractor can improve your treatment outcomes.
             
             In this episode we answer:
            What is person centered care in Chiropractic treatment?
            Why would a queer and/or trans person have different chiropractic needs?
            Chiropractic care has a bad reputation - is it valid?
            How does gender-affirming surgery change my chiropractic needs?
            Why is my relationship to pain important to discuss with my chiropractic provider?
             
             Join us as we dive into Dr. Woo’s journey to finding their unique person centered treatment approach to chiropractic care for the LGBTQ+ community.
             
            Guest Bio: 
             
            Dr. Kindra Woo (they/them) is a Los Angeles native that graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic from Southern California University of Health Sciences, Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in Whittier, CA. Dr. Woo specializes in neuromusculoskeletal disorders, sports injuries, rehabilitation, neck and low back disorders, and disc injuries. Their treatment approach includes assessing the person as a whole, educating to empower, and implementing strategies to overcome obstacles in their daily lives. Within the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Woo strives to bridge the gap between manual therapy providers and apprehensive patients and is passionate about bringing accessible chiropractic care where all bodies feel welcomed. Currently, they work at their private practice in Everybody Gym in Glassell Park as well as at the LA LGBT Center in Hollywood. 
             
            To find more from Dr. Woo or book an appointment
            https://thechirocollective.com/
            https://thechirocollective.janeapp.com/
            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 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 non-profit organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses. 
            To find more from us visit:
            Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com
            Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 
            TikTok: @openspacetherapy 
            Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 
            Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout
            YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective
             
            Content information: n/a
             
            Discussed in this episode: 
            Aids Life Cycle
            Everybody Gym
            LGBT Center
            59 min
          • How to Have Health Open Relationships with Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her)
            This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her) explore the nuts and bolts of how to create healthy open relationships.
             
             In this episode we answer:
            What’s an open relationship? Is it the same as a poly relationship? What kinds of open relationships are there? 
            I don’t think I’m ready for monogamy, but I’m not sure if I’m poly. Is there a way to explore this even if I’m not actively dating? 
            I’m thinking about going to my partner to talk about opening up our relationship but there’s a good possibility that it’s going to backfire. I don’t want to lose them but I feel like I have to make a change, so if they’re not ready for it, well I guess they’re gonna have to deal with me!
            I’m a woman who dates women and I keep coming up against that stereotype but I feel like I’m the weird one because I want an open relationship and to keep dating people and I just don’t want to Uhaul with someone in the second month. Is there anyone out there who will get me? 
             
             Join us as we dive into the feelings, behaviors, vulnerabilities and desires of what a healthy open relationship can be.
             
            Therapist 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 (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 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 non-profit organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses. 
            To find more from us visit:
            Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com
            Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 
            TikTok: @openspacetherapy 
            Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 
            Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout
            YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective
             
            Content information: sexuality
             
            Discussed in this episode: Esther Perrell
            42 min
          • Break Free from Being the 'Mom Friend' & Enrich Your Relationships w/ Sierra Gruca, AMFT (she/ella)
            This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Sierra Gruca (she/her/ella) explore why you might be stuck in the 'mom friend' role—taking care of everyone else except yourself.
             
             In this episode we answer:
            How do I know when I’m being the mom to my friends? 
             
            I like caring for people because it’s my way of showing love. What’s wrong with that?
             
            Sometimes I like being the stable person in the group because it makes me feel more in control.
             
            Spending time with friends makes me feel burnt out. What can I do to offload some of this work? 
             
            My friends depend on me too much. Why aren’t they getting their shit together?
             
            Join us as we dive into how role lock may be affecting your friendships and learn how you can set yourself free to have enriching relationships where you also feel taken care of.
             
            Therapist Bio: 
             
            Sierra Gruca AMFT (she/her) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Sierra specializes in working with couples and partners in non-monogamous relationships, as well as adults experiencing overwhelm, loss, and guilt.
             
            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 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 non-profit organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses. 
            To find more from us visit:
            Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com
            Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective 
            TikTok: @openspacetherapy 
            Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut 
            Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout
            YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective
            Content warning: n/a
            34 min
          • Building Queer Community with Erin Detroit-Vesey (they/she)
            This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and LA Queer Community Builder Erin Detroit-Vesey (they/she) dig into what it really means to build and be in community with your LGBTQ+ peers.
             
             In this episode we talk about:
            Prioritizing principles over personality
            How to find and evolve in community
            The balance of asking for and providing help
            When to say no to leadership roles
            How AIDS Life Cycle has provided personal friendships and being of service to our bigger LGBTQ+ community
             
            Join us as we dive into Erin’s story and the richness they have gained from building queer community over the past 15 years.
             
            Guest Bio: 
            Erin Detroit Vesey (they/she), originally from Utah and raised in Los Angeles, has spent 16 years dedicated to sobriety. For the past 7 years, they have actively participated in AIDS/Lifecycle, a testament to their commitment to supporting a cause close to their heart. Guided by these profound experiences, Erin deeply understands the transformative power of community. Fueled by a desire to contribute meaningfully, they strive to offer their service wherever it is needed.
             
            To find Erin and donate to AIDS Life Cycle visit:
            https://www.instagram.com/erindetroitvesey/
             
            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 and Board Certified Art Therapist
             
            To find more from us visit:
            https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com
            https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
            https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
             
            Content warning: addiction, homelessness
             
            Discussed in this episode: AIDS LifeCycle, San Francisco AIDS Foundation,  LGBT Center
            47 min
          • Will my therapist judge me for my BDSM Desires? with Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/she)
            This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Kristen Crowe (they/she) explore how to understand your kink/BDSM desires and explore them in therapy.
             
             In this episode we discuss:
            I am in a BDSM relationship and I tried to talk about it once with my therapist, but they said it reflected a deeper self esteem problem. Is there something wrong with me?
            I have been interested in exploring BDSM but don’t know how to bring it up to my therapist. We haven’t talked about sexuality except “I’m dating so-and-so” and I don’t know if it’s appropriate to talk about actual sex. 
            Will my therapist understand that I have a “play partner” outside my primary relationships, and we go to “play parties” and I don’t want to stop? 
            Someone I’m dating is interested in exploring BDSM with me and I’m feeling a little nervous. If I’m nervous, what kind of support can I ask from my therapist? 
            One thing I like about BDSM is that it feels dangerous, but I don’t want my therapist to think I’m practicing “risky behaviors” or tell me to stop. How do I ask for a safe space in general with my therapist? 
             Join us as we dive into the tantalizing curiosities of these sexual experiences and find ways to explore with safe partners and find an sex-positive therapist.
             
            Therapist Bio: 
            Kristen Crowe (she/they) is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults, couples, and people in ENM relationships to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.
             
            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.  
             
            To find more from us visit:
            https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com
            https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective
            https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
            Content warning: This is episode discusses sexual desires and actions
             
            Discussed in this episode: Gayish Podcast, Pleasure Palace, Reddit, AASECT
            48 min
          • How to Protect Your Mental Health When Being Misgendered with Jenny Nigro, ASW (they/them)
            This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Jenny Nigro (they/them) explore the different tactics to protect your mental health when you are being misgendered.
             In this episode we answer:
            What does being misgendered look/sound like?
            If you feel comfortable sharing, can you talk a little about your personal journey with pronouns and why they matter? 
            How does misgendering affect mental health?
            How can you protect your mental health when being misgendered?
            What are some ways you can respond to misgendering?
            How should you correct yourself if you misgender someone unintentionally?
            How can you advocate for someone when witnessing misgendering? 
             
             Join us as we dive into the serious and playful ways to correct misgendering and when sometimes blowing it off is the best way to protect your peace. 
             
            Therapist Bio: 
            Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them) is a therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Jenny specializes in working with adults and older adults who struggle to understand their identity and behaviors and desire to gain confidence and release shame from 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 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.  
             
            To find more from us visit:
            https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com
            https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
            https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
             
            Content warning: n/a
            38 min
          • How to Cope with Burnout with Terra Friedman (she/her)
            Ep 35 How to Cope with Burnout with Terra Friedman (she/her)
            This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy therapist Terra Friedman (she/her) discuss the reality of what it feels like to be burned out and ways to cope.
             In this episode we answer:
            What are the symptoms of burnout? How do you know if it’s happening to you?
            Who is likely to experience exhaustion and burnout?
            How can therapy help with burnout?
            What types of tools or skills will help to deal with burnout?
            Join us as we dive into the ways burnout can happen in our daily lives and strategies to help you decrease burnout symptoms and take care of yourself.
             
            Therapist Bio: 
            Terra Friedman (she/her) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Terra specializes in working with high-achieving women who experience anxiety. Terra also works with couples and partners who are currently in or exploring non-monogamous relationships.
             
            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.  
             
            To find more from us visit:
            https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/
            https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
            https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
            31 min
          • Why you need a poly-friendly therapist with Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/she)
            Ep 34 Why you need a poly-friendly therapist with Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/she)
            This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective Clinical Director Kristen Crowe (they/she) discuss the importance of having a therapist who is knowledgeable about polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and open relationships.
             In this episode we answer:
            What’s polyamory and what different forms or arrangements does it come in? Who decides to do polyamory and why? Is poly something that only queer people do?
            When might polyamory come up in therapy? 
            How can therapists help with understanding poly identities and poly relationships?
            How shame can show up in the therapy room
            How to identify if your therapist can support you in all of your relationships
            Join us as we dive into the complexities of these relationship experiences and find ways to grow your poly/ENM relationships in the way that is most fulfilling for you.
            Therapist Bio: 
             
            Kristen Crowe (she/they) is a Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults, couples, and people in ENM relationships to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.
             
            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.  
             
            To find more from us visit:
            https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie
            https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
            https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
            https://www.tiktok.com/@mytherapistisout
            https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout
             
            Content warning: n/a
            Discussed in this episode: Polysecure, Polywise, Field App
            46 min
          • What is intergenerational trauma? with Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them)
            My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 33 What is intergenerational trauma? with Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them)This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Jenny Nigro (they/them) discuss what intergenerational trauma is and how it shows up in our lives.
             
             In this episode we answer:
            What is intergenerational trauma and why should we be thinking about it?
            How can I tell if I am experiencing intergenerational trauma? Is it going to just pop out and give me a breakdown some day?
            Is intergenerational trauma something that happens more often to queer and trans people? 
            How does intergenerational trauma show up in my life and relationships if I am queer? 
            How can I heal from intergenerational trauma if I am not even close to my family? 
             
            Join us as we dive into the complexities of intergenerational trauma and how it shows up in our lives. 
             
            Therapist Bio: 
             
            Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them) is a therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Jenny specializes in working with adults and older adults who struggle to understand their identity and behaviors and desire to gain confidence and release shame from 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 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.  
             
            To find more from us visit:
            https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie
            https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/
            https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy
            https://www.tiktok.com/@mytherapistisout
            https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout
             
            Content warning: trauma, violence
            38 min

          About My Therapist Is Out!

          From the publisher's feed

          Welcome to My Therapist is Out! An Open Space Therapy Collective Podcast. We are your hub for queer and trans mental healthcare. Each episode therapists from OSTC and guests to deep dive into mental health and community building through unapologetic queer conversations.

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