My Therapist Is Out!

By: Open Space Therapy Collective
  • Summary

  • Welcome to My Therapist is Out! An Open Space Therapy Collective Podcast. We are your hub for queer and trans mental healthcare. Each episode therapist and host Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC, CCTP (they/them), will speak with one of our therapists or LGBTQ+ community member about mental health and building community. To book a free consult call with one of our therapists visit: openspacetherapycollective.com/book-appointment
    Open Space Therapy Collective
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Episodes
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins

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