What's Up with The Network?

• Happenings of the Network
• Featured Member - new next issue.
• Network Meetings
• Groups Offered
• Related to Therapists
• Conferences & Workshops
• Upcoming Events
• Participants Wanted
• LGBT News Bits
• 2010 Conference Notes
• Quote of the Day
• NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, November 1; Submissions due by: Fri., 8/28.

New next issue:  Featured Member Category.....Do you want to be a featured member in this eNewsletter? Let us know. Are you doing a group? Or do you work with a particular client population? Doing a workshop? Have info that other LGBTQ therapists might want to know? Advertise your business in this eNewsletter! It is a perk of your paid membership. Send us your stuff.
This eNewsletter now reaches 130(!) LGBTQA psychotherapists and organizations, and is growing every week!  Become a member! FIND YOURSELF ON OUR WEBSITE!

Contact the editor: irenegreene@earthlink.net
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: www.LGBTtherapists.org

Happenings of "THE NETWORK"!

(1) The Network's Next CEU Program: Friday, September 25
Brief meeting & Networking: 12-1230. Speaker: 1230-2pm.

Title:  Your Gender Identity (Oh yeah, and your clients' too)
As therapists working (or considering working) with transgender clients, we are often focused on the nuances of their gender identities. However, in order to better understand our clients' experiences, it is critical that we get in touch with our own gendered experiences in the world. With this knowledge, we are equipped to more effectively meet our clients where they're at and truly join them on their gendered journeys. Whatever your experience with gender, come to learn and share about this multifaceted and ever-evolving topic.
Presented by: Xavier Schmitz, MSW, LICSW,
Minneapolis, MN
Date & Time:  September 25, 2009. 12:30 to 2p.m.
Where:  The Nancy Baltins Room at Plymouth Congregational Church located at 1900 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis.
Cost: Non-Members: $20. Members: $15. Students & Seniors: $10
Some snacks provided. Bring your lunch.

(2) Join us!  Walk With The LGBT Therapists' Network and Support NAMI:
When:  Saturday, September 26, 2009. 1pm.
Where: Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis
What: 5k walk for NAMI

LGBT Therapists is joining with the Rainbow Health Initiative to form the first ever LGBT walk team for NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI's signature walkathon event. (NAMI is the National Association for Mental Illness.) The team is sponsored by The Rainbow Health Initiative and is the first ever LGBTQ walk team formed in the nation, in the history of the NAMIWalks.  This team was formed to raise awareness about Mental Health in the LGBTQ community and raise awareness in Mental Health Communities regarding LGBTQ persons.

You are invited to walk with this team for no fee. We will wear our own LGBT Therapist Network t-shirts and carry our Network banner. We would like to see a great turnout for this event so let Dennis Christian support@dennischristian.com know if you will participate. If you can't walk with us, you can contribute to our effort by sending a check to Dennis Christian or making a donation to {email address was here} .  Designate NAMI as the recipient.

NAMI is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses.  This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers,  law enforcement communities and policy makers.  NAMI has 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office. NAMIWalks goals are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness that our mental health system needs improvement, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission. NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make is tax deductible.  NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

For more info & to RSVP contact Network member: 
Dennis V Christian   612.940.7033
support@dennischristian.com

(3) DO YOU WANT A NETWORK T-Shirt or Baseball Cap?
Sport a Network t-shirt! They are savvy, smart-looking, and oh, so fashionable! They have our Network logo; the same neat and colorful design that graces our Network business cards. (Big thanks to Owen!) $5 will get you one. Caps are a bit more. FFI: Contact: Owen Konecnik, 612-558-6094 (owen@counselorminneapolis.com ) T-shirts will also be available for purchase at the 9/25/09 workshop and at the 9/26/09 NAMI walk.

Be a Featured Network Member!!!
We want to know more about our Members!  Don't be shy! Let's have a virtual handshake.

If you would like to be a featured member in our next eNewsletter contact me, Irene Greene at irenegreene@earthlink.net or 612.874.6442  I have some questions for you to answer and you can share info about your counseling services, yourself and what being a Network member means to you.
Let's all get to know each other!! 

"The Network" Meetings:

All members are welcome to join the steering committee or Conference Planning sub-committees or come to meetings!  We need help and ideas!

Next Conference Planning Meeting: 
(UM & Network Conference Committee Planning Meeting with Anne Phibbs, UM GLBT Programs Office)
DATE: Friday, September 11, 2009
TIME: noon-130pm
PLACE: Office of Irene Greene, Suite 203, 100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404    irenegreene@earthlink.net   612.874.6442 
 
Program Committee Meeting: Friday, September 11, 2009 - precedes above meeting. same location.
Program Committee, Chair: Bonnie Burg (bburglcsw@aol.com )
1030-Noon: agenda: set criteria and calendar for Workshop proposal review process.

Next Network Steering Committee Meeting:
The next meeting date to be announced. We are currently all caught up.

Contact Irene @ irenegreene@earthlink.net or 612.874.6442 if you would like information about any of these above activities and/or to help.
The Network Steering Committee:  Dennis Christian, Mindy Benowitz, Phil Oxman, Owen Konecnik, Bonnie Berg, & Irene Greene.

www.LGBTtherapists.org
Check out our website:www.LGBTtherapists.org  
Find your member information and check out other therapists' information.

Groups Offered:
(Group notices list for two consecutive issues.)

(1) Anger Management for Women Class
This is a 6 session psycho-educational class for women to learn to identify and express their anger in respectful and effective ways. Through presentations, handouts, practice and discussion, participants will focus on analyzing and understanding individual patterns of stress and anger, negative self-talk, and developing tools for managing emotions and positive conflict resolution.

The class meets: Thursdays, September 24 - October 29, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Cost $135.00. Eden Prairie Counseling Services, 9531 W. 78th St., Suite 145, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

FFI: contact Sue Cromwell , MSW, LICSW at 651.268.0751 or by e-mail at skceden@comcast.net

(2) Group Psychotherapy for Couples:
 "Working Through Couples' Drug/ Alcohol Issues"
A twelve week, one evening per week group meeting for three to five couples co-facilitated by Barbara Goodman-Fischtrom, LICSW, LMFT, LADC and husband Ed Fischtrom, BA, LADC. The group is intended for couples experiencing conflict, stress, or other difficulties, and who: have one or both members with drug/alcohol addiction, abuse, or related issues; are having difficulty with anger management, personal resentments, or child-rearing or family of origin problems; or who simply seek greater harmony and functionality within the relationship in the aftermath of treatment or significant behavior change. Group goals to include: exploring interpersonal dynamics, looking at emotions, attitudes, "triggers" and rationales; encouraging the emergence of healing positive emotions, such as respect and empathy; finding the "mindful" way to de-escalate, slow reactivity, and adapt realistically to interpersonal challenges; understanding the nature of addiction/abuse related behavior in relationships, while encouraging non-judgmental awareness and having compassion; learning about yourself and your partner through the Group Interpersonal therapeutic approach; finding support and encouragement; know that there is hope through change and awareness.
FFI: Barbara Goodman-Fischtrom  952 288 5335 Goodfisch@aol.com <mailto:Goodfisch@aol.com >   or, Ed Fischtrom at: 952 210 9421. Most insurance coverage accepted. We are willing to negotiate fees on a sliding scale basis.
Meetings will be held at our office building, located at: 11812 Wayzata Boulevard, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305

Related to Therapists: Resources Requested & Resources Offered:
(Referral requests come to us through our web site. Any member may respond.)

Resounces Requested:
1. Looking for f2m therapy:
Sat,  8 August 2009
I am a 32 yr old looking for some place I am able to go so I can go forward in my process of being f2m.  I am not sure if my insurance covers something like that.  I have Health Partners through the state.  I hear that some ppl do sliding scales.  I know I have to do the counseling for a while to get on T. Just basicly looking for a cheap but not shady place.  You know??
 Thanks,
A.J.   <aj.letourneau@yahoo.com >
2. LGBT Therapy Group Wanted:
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Comment: I have a gay therapist and he and I would like me to find a GLBT therapy group for gay people who have mental illness such as major depression disorder, Bipolar disorder and others. My disorder is major depressive disorder and bipolar two. I am looking for therapy, support and socialization.
Contact info: 651-647-0527

3. Looking for a gay male therapist who works with DID:
I am looking for a therapist who is gay and who works with depression and maybe DID (or is willing to learn about DID); for a client who I have been seeing as the adjunct therapist. (I work a lot with DID so I am willing to do consultation. In this case, I am not the primary therapist, though.)
Thanks, Irene Greene, 612.874.6442   irenegreene@earthlink.net

4. Help for Hoarders:
Can someone in the membership recommend a person who helps hoarders? Plenty of family challenges, too, but first problem requested is to help with major hoarding problem in the home.
Thanks, Susan Zimmerman, Psychotherapist
susan@mindfulplanning.com

Resources Offered:
1. Sam Willis, MD, a Family Medicine Physician in Minneapolis, announces the opening of his new medical practice August 17th, 2009.  Dr. Sam, who works collaboratively with MNTHC and RHI, invites everyone, especially those persons who identify as gay, queer, lesbian or transgender, to consider his practice when looking for a primary health care provider. Initially, office hours will be Mondays and Wednesdays 2:30pm to 6:30pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 3:30pm.  However, appointments may be scheduled in advance of that date by calling (612) 353-4034 or sending an email to doctorsamwillis@gmail.com
Appointments at other times may be requested and will be considered on a case by case basis. For more information about the unique features of this medical practice, check out www.doctorsam.us , a secure/encrypted website.  

2. Gay Men Recovering/Relapsing from Meth Addiction:
Hi,
Although I am an "ally" I see only LGBT clients in my private practice in Edina. I would have to say that a niche at the moment is working with gay men recovering/relapsing from meth addiction. Since traditional 12-step approaches are often ineffective, I have used Harm Reduction and Humanistic-Existential theories as an alternative. This addiction is complicated by its strong affiliation with sexual compulsivity and there is no one and/or simple approach. If anyone has clients that fit this category, I would be happy to see them or consult with the current therapist.
Contact Information:
Kathy Vader, M.A., M.A., L.P.
6950 France Ave South   #14
Edina, MN  55435
(952)929-3123  (office)
Website - www.kathyvader.com

Conferences & Workshops:
(These notices will run here for two issues.)

(1)  WORKSHOP: Secrets of Successful Relationships:
This fall, learn about the core set of emotional habits that are key to successful love relationships. Attendees will learn the basics of how people get their partners to treat them well. Includes a workbook and weekly handouts.  People of all relational inclinations are welcome. Therapists can receive a professional discount and a Certificate of Attendance. Clergy may attend for the cost of the workbook.
Meets 3 consecutive Tuesdays starting Oct 27th, 6:30-8:30 pm, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Snelling Avenue South in St Paul. Individuals...$75; Couples...$125. Co-presented by Rebecca Chesin, MA, LAMFT and Pam Lipe, MS, LP.
See www.TimeForClarity.com/workshops.html <http://www.TimeForClarity.com/workshops.html>  for details and registration.
FFI: Rebecca Chesin <rebecca@timeforclarity.com>
Please share this information with your clients and colleagues. Thank you.

(2) Sexual Healing From Sexual Abuse:
 A psycho-educational Workshop for Heterosexual, Bisexual and Gay and Lesbian Couples. For couples where one or both partners are survivors of sexual abuse.
 Wednesdays, Oct. 7-Nov. 11, 2009 from 6:30-9:00 PM.
 For further information contact Ruth Markowitz at rumark@aol.com <mailto:rumark@aol.com>  or 651-222-5457
 or Jeff Brown at jeffbrownmnpsychologist.com <mailto:jeffbrownmnpsychologist.com> .

(3)   MN Coalition for the Homeless Announces Annual Conference:
Make Room at the Inn: End Minnesota Homelessness
Where: The Minneapolis Hilton
When:  September 29-30, 2009.
Visit www.mnhomelesscoalition.org for registration information.
Keynote speakers include: Karen Diver (Fond du Lac Tribal Chair); Donna Smith (Michael Moore's film SiCKO); Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman (Temple Israel); Melvin Carter (St. Paul City Council and Wellstone Action); RT Rybak (Minneapolis Mayor)
MCH is commemorating its 25th year of service with renewed commitment to ending homelessness and providing the technical resources and broad vision necessary to accomplish our goals.  Conference workshops are targeted toward frontline services staff; program managers; community allies; and people experiencing homelessness.
Tues, Sept 29th, the Conference will host a Gubernatorial Candidate forum focused on housing, homelessness, and poverty. (6:30p-8:30p).  The candidate forum is free and open to the public.

(4) THE 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference:
"Moving Beyond the Trauma of Homophobia, Transphobia and Reparative Therapy":
When: November 20-22, 2009
Where: Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, FL
Presented by: Soulfource, Box Turtle Bulletin, Truth Winos Out, The National Black Justice Coalition and Equality Florida
Includes a special pre-conference institute by Beyond Ex-Gay for survivors of ex-gay ministries and reparative therapy.
For more information: http://www.soulforce.org/anti-heterosexism

NOTE: A Call for Workshop Proposals to our Network members from the above conference planners in Palm Beach:
To: Members of the MN LGBT Therapist Network
From:  Marsha McDonough, Ph.D. <marsha@conversing.us>
Please consider presenting a workshop related to the ethical treatment of LGBT clients at the 2009 Anti-Heterosexism Conference in November. For information on submitting a proposal see: http://www.soulforce.org/anti-heterosexism.

Upcoming Events:
(events for our members & our clients)

Participants Wanted:
 
(1) ASIAN AMERICAN SAME SEX ATTRACTION STUDY:
Dear Participant:
We are a culturally diverse sexual minority research team conducting an empirical study examining attitudes, feelings, and experiences associated with being an Asian American who experiences attraction to members of the same sex. Historically, researchers have neglected the lives of Asian American gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons, and very little research has looked specifically at attitudes, feelings, and experiences that sexual minority persons have based on their race and sexual orientation. We sincerely invite you to participate in this survey to help us learn more about the Asian American sexual minority persons in our communities!

To be eligible for this study, you must be an Asian/Asian American who is at least 18 years old, has experienced same-sex attraction, and currently resides in the United States. The survey is anonymous, and takes about 30 minutes to complete. As an incentive to participate, all participants will be given the chance to enter a raffle awarding $100 Amazon.com gift certificate to one randomly selected person. For those interested in participating in this study, please contact us at the emails below.

Please feel free to forward this e-mail announcement to eligible friends/colleagues and other gay/lesbian/bisexual or Asian American related listserves. Thanks in advance for your help with this project!
 
Sincerely,
 
Dawn M. Szymanski, Ph. D  dzzymans@utk.edu
Mi Ra Sung, M. A.  mira7277@gmail.com
Department of Psychology, Austin Peay Bldg
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-0900
Office: 865-974-3302
Fax: 865-974-3330

(2) From The MN Rainbow Health Initiative-Two surveys:
The Rainbow Health Initiative is conducting exploratory research through a series of focus groups.
 (A) We are trying to listen to the experiences of people who:
*Identify as LGBTQ
*Are 18- 24 years old
*Have experienced pregnancy while age 15-23
We are able to compensate participants for their time. Dinner will be served and all information is kept confidential.   Groups will be scheduled based on participant availability and will take place in several areas around Minnesota.
For more information please contact me @ ani.koch@rainbowhealth.org or 877-499-7744.

(B) Subject: LGBT Health Assessment Survey
Please go to the link below to take our MN LGBTQ health assessment survey.
FYI:  ani.koch@rainbowhealth.org
It only takes a few minutes!  The information that is collected helps us to better serve our communities!  Please FWD This to every LGBTQ Minnesotan you know!!!!

LGBT News Bits:
  

Saint Paul City Council Passes

Domestic-Partner Registry Ordinance

The Saint Paul City Council voted on the domestic-partner registry ordinance on July 22nd. Several Saint Paul residents spoke in favor of the ordinance at a hearing on July 15th, 2009 expressing their appreciation that the state's capital city was taking the steps it can to recognize same-sex couples and their families as respected and valued members of the community. The ordinance passed with a vote of 6-0.

"The Network" & UM's GLBTA Program's Office
Conference Information & Call for Workshop Proposals!!!

Please Distribute & Post and Cut and Paste...Send to your colleagues (queer and straight)...from near and far. We have already received proposal inquiries from three other states!

"Beyond the Boxes: Emerging Trends in LGBTQ Mental Health: A Regional Conference on Mental Health Topics as They Relate to the LGBTQ Communities"

Friday, March 26, 2010
Presented by:
The Minnesota LGBT Therapists' Network &
The GLBTA Programs Office of the University of Minnesota
Held at the University of MN - Coffman Memorial Union

The proposal deadline is November 1, 2009. Proposals available online. See info below.

General Information:
This cutting edge conference will offer over 40 workshops that will
explore changing paradigms in research and clinical practice as they
relate to our understandings of diverse sexual and gender identities, as well as to issues of race, class, ability and sexual practices. This one day conference is committed to challenging stereotypes and bias, providing current mental health information, expanding perspectives, and engaging participants in the areas of clinical work, research and community involvement. This conference will be of particular interest to mental health professionals, health care practitioners, researchers in the health sciences, educators, and students in these fields and is open to any and all interested lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, genderqueer and allied individuals. CEUs in these fields will be available.

Keynote Speaker:
Katherine "Kit" Rachlin, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in New York and a certified sex therapist. She is an experienced clinician as well as an energetic advocate for transgender people, their families and partners. Kit has served on the board of directors of organizations such as FTM-International and The Harry Benjamin Association/World Professional Association for Transgender Health. A member of the American Psychological Association's Taskforce on Gender Identity, she is the author of many published papers and book chapters on transgender health and well being.

Download a Workshop Proposal (PDF) at either website:
MN LGBT Therapist Network at www.lgbttherapists.org
University of MN GLBTA Programs Office at www.glbta.umn.edu

Or contact Bonnie Burg, Conference Program Committee Chair & she will send you one:  651.647.4412

For General Conference Information:
Email: mnlgbtqconference2010@gmail.com
(1) Conference Co-Chair - MN.LGBT Therapist Network:
Irene Greene, 612.874.6442 irenegreene@earthlink.net
(2) Conference Co-Chair - University of Minnesota GLBTA Programs Office: 
Anne Phibbs, Director, 612.625.8519 phib0001@umn.edu

2010 Conference Notes:

(1) Do you have a LGBTQ mental health topic that is on the edge or of interest to our peers and allies? Wanta talk about it?
Present at the LGBTQ Mental Health Issues MIDWEST Conference at UM!        Friday, March 26, 2010!
PROPOSAL FORMS ARE  NOW AVAILABLE!
Do you want to present a workshop or facilitate a panel at the Conference or know someone in the country or world who would? Workshop Proposal Applications are NOW available for download at our website:
www.lgbttherapists.org
Proposal due date is November 1, 2009

(2) Help us publicize the conference through your website.
If you have a website, would you be willing to post information about our 2010 Conference and put a link to the Network for more information? We will supply you with the content. PLEASE contact Dennis Christian, Conference Publicity Chair at <support@dennischristian.com >  Starting mid-June, we WOULD LIKE TO PUBLICIZE THE REQUEST FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS .

(3) Serve on A Committee:
Network Members may participate in the Conference Planning in the following ways:
1. General Conference Planning Committee, Co-Chairs: Irene Greene (irenegreene@earthlink.net ) & Anne Phibbs, UM GLBTA Programs Office)
2. Program Committee, Chair, Bonnie Burg (bburglcsw@aol.com ) (The next formal meeting of the Program Committee is Friday, 9/10, 10:30-Noon at 100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis)
3. Community Liaison Committee, Chair, Owen Konecnik (owen@counselorminneapolis.com )
4. Publicity Committee, Chair Dennis Christian (support@dennischristian.com )
5. Resource Fair Committee, Co-Chairs Mindy Benowitz, (mbenowitz@aol.com ) & Owen Konecnik, (owen@counselorminneapolis.com )

Sign Up.  Be Involved.  Spread the Word. Think about doing a workshop proposal. WE WILL HAVE MORE COMMITTEES & DO NEED MORE HELP!

WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"I am so sick and tired of the seemingly infinite levels of heterosexism and homophobia and the resulting fear, violence, ignorance and discrimination.... We're queer. We're here. Get the #&#^#$% over it and get a life."
                                                               ~ Irene Greene, Your eNewsletter editor's Blog Blurb

Welcome to the MN LGBTQA Therapists eNewsletter of "The Network." The Network is a MN based grass-roots group of queer & allied mental health therapists, students in mental health related fields, and community mental-health related agencies. Our group shares information and resources that impact our varied work in the mental health fields and that is unique to the particular needs of the LGBTQ communities we live in and serve. We welcome submissions to this eNewsletter that are pertinent to mental health and LGBTQ issues ! All Network members are welcome to contribute to this  bi-weekly eNewsletter. Just send your referral question, announcement, member accomplishment, space available information, event, conference, workshop, group information, or other pertinent notice to irenegreene@earthlink.net .

The MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter is sent out every second Tuesday of the month.  All responses to questions, ads, workshops, etc. should be emailed directly back to the contact person in the notice. If you want your name added or deleted from the Network email list, please contact us.  Please note that if you do decide to delete your email, you will no longer receive general Network communications, such as event announcements.

If you want to become a member of this organization please visit:  <http://www.LGBTTherapists.org >
Thank you! Irene Greene, MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter Coordinator