In Part Two of this closing Q&A episode, Renae Johnson and Kristen Crowe turn toward healing — not as a finish line, but as an ongoing, collective practice. Responding to listener questions, they talk openly about navigating hate-based violence, political attacks, and community trauma without shutting down or spiraling.

The conversation explores when storytelling can be healing — and when it can feel unsafe or draining — along with how to tell the difference between staying engaged and pushing ourselves past our limits. Renae and Kristen reflect on burnout, activism, therapy during crisis, and what it means to care deeply while still protecting our nervous systems. They close the series by reminding listeners that healing doesn’t require perfection, isolation, or constant resilience — it happens in relationship, in community, and often in small, imperfect steps taken together.

Takeaways

Showing up for marginalized communities requires humility and a willingness to learn.

Performative activism can be harmful; genuine support is essential.

Community dynamics can amplify emotional responses, both positive and negative.

Using privilege to support marginalized voices is necessary but should be approached carefully.

Everyone needs support, especially in times of crisis.

Noted in this episode: The follow-up Bonus Episode with Jose and Renae is coming soon - subscribe to TTP: thetraumatherapistproject.com/podcasts

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Beth Rosenberg She/Her @squishicactus

Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: James He/Him 

Host Bios: 

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.

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, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. 

In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, 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 healthcare and wellness 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: LGBTQ+ mental health podcast, identity-based harm, queer trauma and healing, community care in LGBTQ+ spaces, hate-based trauma recovery, radical healing for marginalized communities, queer therapists podcast, LGBTQ+ collective healing, trauma-informed community care, storytelling as healing in queer communities