Episodios

  • What to Look for When Choosing Your Chosen Family with Debbie Whyte (she/her)

    What to Look for When Choosing Your Chosen Family with Debbie Whyte (she/her)
    Sep 11 2024

    This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and OSTC therapist Debbie Whyte (she/her) explore how to be open and discerning when searching for chosen family. Finding your chosen family takes time. It’s all about surrounding yourself with those who really see and support you. But how do you actually do that?


    In this episode we discuss:

    • What does it mean to “choose” your family? Are these just your friends?

    • It’s hard to find friends and close people in your community, much less, “choose” them. Should I be cutting people out if I see a red flag?

    • I’m trying to figure out what to do for the holidays and I don’t know if I can count on my chosen family to be there for me. Does this mean they’re not up to par?

    • If I decide to have a chosen family, does this mean I am leaving my related family behind?

    • I’ve never been close with my related family, and I moved to LA because there was nothing back there for me. I’m usually only close to people I’m sleeping with. Am I supposed to choose a family from this?

    Join us as we dive into the real process of Choosing your family and finding people who genuinely get you.


    Therapist Bio:

    Debbie Whyte ATR, APCC (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 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: family dynamics
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    34 m
  • Live Beyond ACEs & Toxic Stress Awareness Campaign

    Live Beyond ACEs & Toxic Stress Awareness Campaign
    Aug 27 2024
    This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) is joined by ACEs awareness advocates Dr. John Blosnich (he/him) and Juniper Brown (he/they) to explore the importance of understanding and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the long-lasting adverse effects of this toxic stress. In this episode we discuss: Importance of Freedom from Pain: Recovery and resilience-building should aim for freedom from pain, not just better pain management, as emphasized by LGBTQ activist Juniper Brown. California's Live Beyond Campaign: The state is investing in educational campaigns like Live Beyond to increase awareness of ACEs and provide accessible tools and resources for healing. Impact of ACEs and Toxic Stress: ACEs and toxic stress can affect relationships and health well into adulthood, but simple activities like exercise and sleep can significantly aid in healing. Community Support in Healing: Juniper Brown's story highlights how finding a supportive community can be a crucial step in overcoming fear and starting the healing process. Accessible Resources for All: ACEs are not destiny; there are resources available to everyone, and even small steps can have a big impact on one's future. Join us as we explore how our past experiences shape us. While they don't define us, they can leave a lasting impact on our mental and physical health, as well as our relationships. ACEs are not our fault—we had no control over when or why they occurred. However, we can move beyond ACEs and take meaningful steps toward healing. This episode is Sponsored by the Live Beyond ACEs and toxic stress awareness campaign developed by the Office of the California Surgeon General. To find resources and support visit livebeyondca.org or follow them on TikTok or Instagram @livebeyondca Guests: Juniper Brown (he/they) serves as a Youth Advocate with the Live Beyond ACEs campaign. He is passionate about sharing his experience and healing process related to ACEs, hoping to inspire others to do the same. In addition to being a mental health advocate, Juniper is pursuing his dream of becoming a veterinarian for exotic animals, with a special interest in cavies. Learn more about Juniper’s ACEs story at https://livebeyondca.org/stories/juniper/. Dr. John Blosnich (he/him) serves on the advisory board of the Live Beyond ACEs campaign. He is an associate professor and the director of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Dr. Blosnich's primary area of expertise is disparities in suicide risk and prevention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) individuals, with a specific emphasis on social determinants of health. He has conducted numerous studies utilizing secondary analyses of existing survey data, helping to fill gaps in knowledge about LGBTQ+ health. Learn more about Dr. Blosnich’s work with the Surgeon General’s ACEs awareness program at https://osg.ca.gov/theacescampaign/. Host Bio: Renae Johnson (they/them) is the founder of Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub focused on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, as well as their allies. Renae is a licensed therapist and board-certified art therapist specializing in working with queer artists exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Before founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and serving as an Operations Director in non-profit organizations supporting people with 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: childhood abuse
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    57 m
  • Can Therapy Help with Pain During Sex? with Kristen Crowe, LPCC, BC-DMT (they/she)

    Can Therapy Help with Pain During Sex? with Kristen Crowe, LPCC, BC-DMT (they/she)
    Aug 14 2024

    This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Kristen Crowe (they/she) explore how pain during sex can be more (or not) than just physical symptoms. Our somatic experience, even during pleasure is uniquely tied to our subconscious, personal history, and relationship dynamics.

    In this episode we discuss:

    • I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with me. I feel like I’m attracted to people but after painful sexual experiences, if makes me wonder if sex is for me.

    • I often experience pain during penetrative sex. I can’t help but feeling like I’m letting my partners down but I just have to stop sometimes.

    • Why after years of having sex in the same exciting ways has it turned painful recently? Is something wrong with me?

    • Sex has always been painful for me and I’m coming to the realization that this isn’t normal, or maybe it’s normal for me but it shouldn’t be.

    Join us as we dive into the fun pleasure and unexpected pain your sex life can bring.


    Therapist Bio:

    Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (she/they) 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 (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: sexuality, trauma
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    36 m
  • Growing Past Religious Trauma with Sierra Gruca (she/her)

    Growing Past Religious Trauma with Sierra Gruca (she/her)
    Jul 31 2024

    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
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    43 m
  • The importance of Person Centered LGBTQ+ informed Chiropractic Care with Dr. Kindra Woo (they/them)

    The importance of Person Centered LGBTQ+ informed Chiropractic Care with Dr. Kindra Woo (they/them)
    Jul 17 2024
    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
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    58 m
  • How to Have Health Open Relationships with Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her)

    How to Have Health Open Relationships with Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her)
    Jul 3 2024
    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
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    41 m
  • Break Free from Being the 'Mom Friend' & Enrich Your Relationships w/ Sierra Gruca, AMFT (she/ella)

    Break Free from Being the 'Mom Friend' & Enrich Your Relationships w/ Sierra Gruca, AMFT (she/ella)
    Jun 19 2024
    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
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    33 m
  • Building Queer Community with Erin Detroit-Vesey (they/she)

    Building Queer Community with Erin Detroit-Vesey (they/she)
    Jun 5 2024
    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
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    46 m