My Therapist Is Out!

Ep 32 Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community from the Inside Out Swapcast with The Trauma Therapist Podcast

This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Guy Macpherson (he/him) from The Trauma Therapist Podcast explore what it truly means to be a queer-informed therapist and why it’s so important.

 In this episode, we answer:

What is queer-informed therapy?

Why a client should never have to educate their therapist about queerness

Does being queer inherently mean you will have experienced trauma?

How is the queer life different from the het life?

Join us as we dive into the complexities of queer-informed therapy and the differences of living life as a queer person, the joys and the struggles.

 

Guy Macpherson & The Trauma Therapist Pod Bio: 

“I’m a connector, of sorts. I bring together people and resources. I’ve done that for as long as I can recall.

And here, with a Doctorate in clinical psychology, and with The Trauma Therapist Project, The Trauma Therapist | Podcast, and Trauma Therapist | 2.0, I bring together resources for clinicians and therapists of all kinds who are starting out on their trauma-informed journey.

For the last several years I have dedicated myself to the study of trauma, post-traumatic growth, and most recently, the intersection of trauma and psychosis, specifically assessing and treating signs of early psychosis.”

 

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. Before 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

This week the My Therapist is Out! and Open Space Therapy Collective teams are taking a break to celebrate our 1 Year Podcasting Anniversary!

 

It’s been an amazing year, with really interesting conversations ranging from dives into Psych Meds to Polyamory to personal stories about their LGBTQ+ life journeys. As I am sitting here reflecting on the past year, 31 episodes, and the amazing people I got to talk with, I am feeling so lucky. This past year has been full of professional and personal learning and growth, much of which I did not expect (who thought a therapist would end up needing to know about video formatting and audio quality 😂). The podcast has been front and center as part of this journey.

 

The BIGGEST thank you to Alex Arinsberg at Smash and Grab Studios who has offered us so much grace as he has taught and supported us through the new podcasting process. If you are looking for any design, audio, or video support 5000% recommend reaching out to Alex.

 

Of course all of my gratitude to our OSTC therapists Kristen Crowe, Debbie Whyte, Jenny Nigro, Terra Friedman and consulting Psych NP Mikey Whyted.

 

And last, but never least our incredible guests this season who came and shared their personal journeys: Lynsi Stevens, Bryan Kosserk, Kane Konggpien, and Kia Sisowath.

 

Changes for Year 2 of My Therapist is Out!:

Audio quality improvements!

More in-person interviews!

More LGBTQ+ Community Member Guests!

And New Therapists! (Have you met Sierra Gruca yet?)

What topics do you want us to cover? What guests do you want us to talk with? 

 

We’d love to hear more from you! Email us at [email protected]

 

And now my friends, time for a restorative nap… See you in two weeks!

 

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

Ep 31 Finding The Balance Between Dedication and Needing Rest with Artist & LGBTQ+ Community Leader Kia Sisowath (he/him)

 

This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Artist & LGBTQ+ Community Leader Kia Sisowath (he/him) unpack the complex process of being a dedicated artist and when you’ve sacrificed too much.

 

In this episode we unpack:

Breaking gender stereotypes in performance art 

How to step up when your artistic vision and collaborators need you

The signs of burnout and sacrificing yourself for your art

The role rest plays in creativity

How collaboration and passing on the torch is key to growing your artistic self

 

Join us as we dive into the details of being an LGBTQ+ artist and leader as Kia shares his personal excitements and struggles over the past few years.

 

Guest Bio: 

Kia Sisowath (he/him) is a dance teacher & choreographer for Avanti Dance Company in Costa Mesa, CA. He is a co-founder of the The Vixen Show est. 2007 - a female cabaret burlesque troupe that currently has a west coast group here in Southern California and an east coast group in North Carolina, and The Foxes Show est. 2015 - an all-gay male cabaret troupe. Kia is a: 

Performer for BEARLESQUE - a body-positive burlesque group. 

Choreographer for today's innovative Drag Artists 

Producer of many LGBTQ-focused cabaret shows here in So Cal

 

Kia is the Director of Parades for Orange County Pride - a 501(c)(3) non-profit LGBTQ+ Organization Committed to funding community projects, hosting events, raising awareness, and understanding in our incredible LGBTQ+ family.

 

To find more from Kia visit Instagram:@foxydaddykia@thevixenshow@thefoxesshow

 

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 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. 

 

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: drug use, SI

Discussed in this episode:  Taylor Tomlinson 2022 comedy special

Ep 30 What are mood stabilizers? with Psych NP Mikey Whited (they/he)

This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Psych NP Mikey Whited (they/he) real talk about what “mood stabilizer” medications really do (and don’t do).

 In this episode we answer:

What does a mood stabilizer do? How does it work? 

Who would benefit from being on a mood stabilizer?

If you start, do you have to stay on mood stabilizers forever? 

How long does it take to feel the benefits of a mood stabilizer when taken regularly?

Are mood stabilizers  addictive?

 Join us as we dive into the medical details and social stigmas of these medications to get a clear picture if it can help you feel better and reach your personal goals.

 

Guest Bio: 

Mikey Whited, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (he/they) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.

 

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 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. 

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: drug use, SI

 

Discussed in this episode:  Taylor Tomlinson 2022 comedy special

My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 29 Building Trust as a Creative Leader with Artist Kane Kongppien (he/him)

This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Artist, Dancer, and Creative Leader Kane Kongppien (he/him) explore the depth of what it truly means to build trust and emotional safety with your creative colleagues.

 In this episode we answer:

What emotional safety means in a professional environment

How leading LGBTQ+ Pride events at Disney and in SoCal cities builds community

What changes in Kane’s life inspired him to break his own intergenerational cycles 

Compassionate and mindfulness strategies to utilize in your workplace to enhance connection and emotional safety

 Join us as we dive deep into Kane’s experience and how shifting his leadership style enhanced the safety, mental health, and creative expression for himself and his team.

 

Guest Bio: 

Kane Kongppien (he/him) has been a resident of Orange County for most of his life. Since high school, he's had a passion for the arts and later pursued theater and dance in college. After a few years in college, Kane auditioned to be a parade performer for the Disneyland Resort and has been working there for nearly 25 years. He has worn multiple hats over that time including Parade Specialist, Production Coordinator, Talent Casting Coordinator/Monitor, and now a Maintenance Choreographer. His work has been featured throughout many of southern California's pride celebrations, Disneyland Resort, local schools, and most recently choreographed for the first Pride celebration at Disneyland's inaugural Pride Nite event last June. Kane has taken his passion for dance, and mental health awareness, to help grow a support system within the LGBTQIA community along with his previous service as a director on the OC Pride Board for almost 15 years. 

 

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: 

OC Pride

DisneyLand Resort

My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 28 Gender Identity, Religious Trauma, and the Why behind OSTC Swapcast with Mental Illness Happy Hour

This week’s episode is a swapcast with the Mental Illness Happy Hour. Host Paul Gilmartin (he/him) interviews Open Space Therapy Collective founder Renae Johnson (they/them) about their personal story and how it led them to founding OSTC as a hub for queer and trans mental health care.

 In this episode Paul & Renae talk about:

How religious trauma numbs us from ourselves

How feeling like “not fitting anywhere” was the clue to help unlock the exploration into gender fluidity

The never ending process of self-discovery

Finding love in chosen family

Importance of LGBTQ+ community building 

 

Join us as we dive into how Renae’s journey of intergenerational trauma and queer self-discovery led to finding chosen family, an authentic sense of self, and the desire to build a welcoming landing spot for the greater queer and trans community.

Mental Illness Happy Hour & Paul Gilmartin Bio: 

 

Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts a weekly, hour-long audio podcast consisting of interviews with artists, friends and the occasional doctor. The show is geared towards anyone interested in or affected by depression, addiction and other mental challenges which are so prevalent in the creative arts.

 

Paul’s hope is that the show and this website will give people a place to connect, smile and feel the return of hope. The biggest myth about mental illness is that you are alone and there is no help.

 

From 1995 to 2011 Paul Gilmartin co-hosted TBS’ Dinner and a Movie. As a standup he has appeared 0n Comedy Central Presents: Paul Gilmartin and numerous other shows that everyone has since forgotten. He is a frequent guest on the Jimmy Dore Show performing political satire as right-wing Congressman Richard Martin. 

 

Paul was thrilled to be diagnosed with clinical depression in 1999 because it meant he wasn’t just an asshole. By 2003, he realized he was still an asshole and an alcoholic. Since 2003 he has been sober, mostly happy and a tiny bit less of an asshole.

OSTC Founder Renae Johnson 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 Paul & MIHH visit:

https://mentalpod.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mentalpod/

 

To find more from OSTC 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: religious and intergenerational trauma, sexual abuse

My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 27 How do you ”feel your feelings”? with Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her)

It’s holiday time, are you stuffing your feelings or are you ready to do something different and feel through them!?

This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Terra Friedman explore what it actually means to feel your feelings.

 In this episode we answer:

What it means to actually feel your feelings

The difference between feeling and emotion

How to appreciate and learn from negative feelings

Difficulties accessing our feelings 

And how that can be different in the Queer & Trans experience

Join us as we demystify the feeling process and help you have your feelings become an ally instead of an enemy.

Therapist Bio: Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her) is a therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Terra specializes in working with  women who overachieve and experience anxiety, and with partners who are in or wanting to explore non-monogamous relationships.

 

Host Bio: Renae is an art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists 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.  

 

Mentioned in this episode: Girli (musician) https://www.instagram.com/girlimusic/?hl=en

 

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

Host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Debbie Whyte (she/her) explore the healing process from being rejected by your biological family.

 

 In this episode we answer:

Common reasons someone may experience rejection from their family

Trauma caused by being rejected from your family

Coping strategies for dealing specifically with parental rejection

The beginning process of healing

What “creating your own family” really means

Ways the holidays trigger rejection  

Join us as we dive into the complexities of these relationship experiences and find ways to work through the healing process and develop strong chosen family bonds

 

Therapist Bio: 

Debbie Whyte APCC, ATR (she/her) Is an Associate Therapist and Art Therapist  with Open Space Therapy Collective. Debbie specializes in working with queer and BIPOC teens and young adults who are looking to grow into themselves and find their voice.

 

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 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: family abuse, religious trauma

Episode Description

My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 25 Why is my queer relationship mirroring hetero dynamics? 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 why your queer relationship can end up behaving in heteronormative ways.

 In this episode we answer:

 Why do I feel like I’m stuck in a toxic hetero relationship model I can’t break out of?

But to reel it back, what are the problems with hetero relationships? 

I love my partner, but I can’t get them to see that I want more than just a role-play of a white picket fence and a house relationship. They’re so cottage core. How can I get them to break free?

My partner is older and they seem to want me to play a certain role and I just want more than that hetero model. But there’s no “model” if you’re queer, just stereotypes. 

I broke up with my last partner because we fought so much. But now the same thing is happening with my new partner. Am I the problem?

 

Join us as we dive into the complexities of these relationship experiences and find ways to step out of the heteronormative dynamics and create the queer relationship you are longing for.

 

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.

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

My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 24 Listener Q&A with Jenny Nigro ASW and Terra Friedman AMFT 

 

This week we dive into the questions that you sent in for us!  Host Renae Johnson LPCC, ATR-BC, CCTP (they/them) with Open Space Therapy Collective Therapists Jenny Nigro ASW (they/them) and Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her) discuss:

 Holding Boundaries

 Exploring Gender Identity  

 Queer Experience & Mental Health

As queer folks we often find ourselves sitting with a cis-het therapist wondering why we can’t connect or why things don’t feel safe. Sometimes we push through and swallow the dismissal of our experience, or we just leave the queer part of ourselves out of the therapy room. Even more frustrating we find that we are spending the therapy session educating the therapist on the queer experience! 

 

Join us as we dive into the affects these experiences have on our wellbeing and find ways to create self-compassion and connection with your community.

 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Bottoms Movie

 

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.

 

Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her) is a therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Terra specializes in working with  women who overachieve and experience anxiety, and with partners who are in or wanting to explore non-monogamous relationships

 

To find more from Jenny and Terra 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: suicidal ideation