Minnesota's LGBTQ+ Mental Health Providers' Professional Network

        

          Volume II, Issue 6

The MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter
3.17.09

Invitation

Members are invited to submit notices & announcements!
Do you run a Group? Or know of an upcoming workshop or event for our clients or us? Know something that other QLGBTA mental health professionals may also want to know? Please submit it for the next eNewsletter! See end of eNewsletter for details.

About This eNewsletter

The Minnesota LGBT Therapists eNewsletter is a free networking tool for members of the LGBT Therapists network. All network members are welcome to contribute to this grassroots bi-weekly eNewsletter. Just send your referral question, announcement, member accomplishment, space available information, event, conference, workshop, group information, or other pertinent notice to enews@LGBTtherapists.org. The LGBT Therapists 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 eNewsletter email list, use the links below.  Please note that if you do decide to delete your email, you will no longer receive general LGBT Therapists network communications, such as event announcements. If you want to become a member of this organization please visit the LGBT Therapists website.

Thank you! Irene Greene, Minnesota's LGBT Therapists eNewsletter Coordinator

Sign up for our eNewsletter 

What's Here?
BIG EXCITING NEWS!

  • LGBT Therapist Network:  Our Spring Workshop; Our PRIDE Table; MN LGBT Mental Health Conference
  • Network Steering Committee: Next Meeting
  • Groups Offered
  • Upcoming Classes & Workshops
  • Upcoming Events
  • Consultation & Referrals Wanted
  • Announcements

PLEASE SHARE INFO REGARDING GROUPS, EVENTS or WORKSHOPS!
Submissions due by: Fri., 3/27.
Advertise your business here.
This eNewsletter reaches over 100 psychotherapists and organizations, and is growing every week! 
Members are invited to submit notices & announcements!
Do you run a Group? Or know of an upcoming workshop or event for our clients or us? Know something that other QLGBTA mental health professionals may also want to know? Please submit it for the next eNewsletter! See end of eNewsletter for details.

LOOK WHAT'S UP with THE MN.LGBT THERAPIST NETWORK!
I. Spring workshop:
Thursday, May 7 or 14, 12-2pm.
(exact date, location & more details to be announced in the next eNewsletter)
Topic: "No Time to Be Shy: Selling Yourself in Today's Market"
This workshop will include advice from a panel of three advertising, business development & marketing people in our communities who will discuss surviving & thriving in the current economic climate. Network members will be able to share their marketing successes and ask questions. There will be extra opportunities for networking and advertising our members' psychotherapy businesses. Bring your brochures, business cards, and flyers!
Some snacks provided. Bring your bag lunch.
CEU certificate available. 
Price:  $ 20.00 nonmembers
$ 15.00 members
$ 10.00 students & retirees

II. LGBT Therapist Network Table at PRIDE 2009!
All Network members who responded to our survey in the last eNewsletter supported The Network having a table at The Twin Cities Pride Festival. We are planning a fun table that will distribute info about The Network & our 100+ members. We need more help: set-up, 2 hour shifts, take-down. Contact the Steering Committee (below) with your staffing availability and ideas. TC Pride Week-end is June 27 & 28.

III. LGBT Mental Health Issues Conference at UM: Spring 2010!
The Network and the UM GLBTA Programs Office are going to partner with other UM offices and community groups to coordinate a mid-west conference on LGBTA Mental Health Issues!! The one-day conference, which will be held at the UM in Spring 2010, will be open to all mental health professionals and students in the mental health fields. We are in the early planning stages.We need your help! (See Steering Committee Update below.)

Steering Committee Update:

EXCITING NEW THINGS ARE HAPPENING!
JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE!


All members are welcome to join the steering committee or come to meetings! 
We need help and ideas!

Next Meeting:
Friday, April 10, 2009!
Meeting Location: 100 West Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55404   (office of Mindy Benowitz, 612.870.0398)
 
Agenda:
12:00-12:30: Network Business Meeting;
12:30-2: Coordination with UM about 2010 LGBT Mental Health Issues Conference

Steering Committee Agenda:

(1) Finalize the plans for our our Spring 2009 workshop:
Topic: "No Time to Be Shy: Selling Yourself in Today's Market"
Thursday, May 7 or 14, 12-2pm. (exact date, location & more details to be announced in the next eNewsletter)

(2) LGBT Therapist Network table at Pride 2009: TC Pride Weekend: June 27-28:
We need help to plan, set up, take down and staff the booth (2 hour shifts). It will be a fun booth and a great opportunity to advertise The Network & our members.

(3) LGBT Mental Health Issues Conference for Spring 2010: (coordinated by the MN.LGBT Therapist Network and the University of MN & other metro LGBTA agencies)
We need help on the planning committing and we need Network members to review workshop proposals.

Contact Irene @ irenegreene@earthlink.net or 612.874.6442 if you would like information about any of these above activities and/or to help.

We welcome more help on the Network Steering Committee:
Dennis Christian, Mindy Benowitz, Phil Oxman (welcome Phil!), & Irene Greene.

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

Groups Available:

(1) Exploring Identity: an Affirming Experience for Gay Men:

How we feel about ourselves is oftentimes a reflection of messages received during the course of our lifetime.  For gay men, negative or oppressive messages about sexuality can harm self-concept and lead to problems in relationships with family, friends, partners, and co-workers.  This group encourages members to
explore personal beliefs about sexuality and learn new ways to create success and happiness in their lives.

The group meets on Monday evenings from 5:15 to 6:45 pm at River City Clinic, 1360 Energy Park Drive, Suite 340, St. Paul, MN.
 
Insurance and private pay options available. 
For more information, please contact
Doug Jensen, MSW, LICSW, BCD at 651-312-4565.

(2) MindBody Skills Group:
Led by Linda C. Nelson, MA, LP
Grove Psychotherapy, Inc., 219 SE Main St, #400
Tuesdays from 6-8 pm beginning mid-March
Intake required
Cost:  $375 for the series

This 10 week MindBody Skills group is not a therapy group but a skills group that focuses on self-care, utilizing principles of "mind-body medicine."  This philosophy honors the connections between our physical health, our emotional well-being and our spirituality.  In a MBS skills group, simple healing techniques drawn from research studies are utilized to help people increase personal awareness, reduce their stress level and feel more relaxed, confident, clear and hopeful.  These techniques include meditation, breath work, imagery and others offered in an intimate and supportive environment.  It is based on the protocol taught by the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of a flyer with more detailed information, you may contact me at my office at lcnelson2@msn.com or 612.379.2640 x15.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops:

(1) The Sexual Health Institute presents
Sexual Compulsivity Educational Workshop for Clients:

Starts: Wednesday March 18, 2009
6 weeks through Wednesday April 22, 2009
Time: 6pm to 8 pm

A discussion group for understanding sexual compulsivity and treatment approaches.  This workshop is for individuals who have questions about sexual addiction/compulsivity, or avoidance of sexual behavior (sexual anorexia). The format will be a discussion format based on the following topics. 
The workshop contents will be:
    Week 1: Acting out cycle/Safety Plans
    Week 2: Sex Timeline/Behavioral Analysis
    Week 3: Understanding your Timeline
    Week 4: Co-factors of Sexual Compulsivity
    Week 5: Prevention Planning
    Week 6: Creating a Personal Definition of Sexual Health.

Group size is limited to 8 individuals. Register early.  Space is limited.
Cost is $170 for the entire 6 week series and includes the cost of materials, paid at the first session.
For More Information,
Contact Dr. Weston Edwards, PHD, LP at 612 987 4482

(2) REIKI TRAINING CLASS SCHEDULE for March 2009:
Reiki Training will add a new tool to your repertoire: it can be used either alone or to support & supplement other therapeutic modalities. Use Reiki  "hands-on" or "hands-near", or send it through time [future or past] and space [across the room or city or ocean!] Learn to give Reiki to yourself, clients, patients, students, family & friends. Both receiver & practitioner experience peace and well-being.   Touching the client is not necessary.
 
Level 1: (Prerequisite: Level 1)  1 day   $165
March 7  (Saturday)    9 am to 6 pm
Level 2: (Prerequisite: Level 1)   1 day   $165
March 14  (Saturday)    9 am to 6 pm
Levels 1 & 2 for Healing and Helping Professionals:  2 days  $265
Any combination of  Levels 1 & 2 dates
Advanced (ART): (Prerequisite: Levels 1 & 2)   1 day    $185
March 28   (Saturday)         9 am to 6 pm
Small Classes are held at Crescenterra Health Center, 245 N Prior, St Paul MN 55104
Non-refundable deposit:  $50   CEU's: $5

Request Registration Form:
    Barbara M. Simmonds, M.A., Reiki Master- Teacher
        Phone:     612 827-2877
        E-Mail:     barbarasimmonds@bmsreiki.com
FFI:    Web:    www.bmsreiki.com   describes Reiki in much more detail!

(3) The Spirituality Institute: Exploring Mindfulness:

Awakening Our Inner Wisdom Workshops:
College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas School of Social Work
These workshops explore core foundations and applications of mindfulness
practices includes: experiential, didactic and applications to your life and work
with clients.
1. March 20th Wisdom of the Body
2. April 24th, Surfing the Waves of the Dark Emotions
1:00-4:00pm          University of St. Thomas Campus
FFI: karon@skate.edu Kathy Caron 651-690-6722
Submitted by MWP member Merra Young.

(4) Announcing an Intermediate Poetry Therapy Course:
Join us for a stimulating 3-day learning experience to deepen, expand and
practice the art and skills of poetry/Bibliotherapy.
OPEN: to individuals who have completed an introductory course in poetry
therapy or its equivalent.
COURSE OVERVIEW: Building upon skills learned in the introductory course,
you will practice and receive feedback on your poetry therapy facilitating in a
supportive learning environment, while deepening your awareness of the
therapeutic possibilities of not only poems, but also stories, films, and
journaling.

TIME: Wednesday, June 3rd - Friday, June 5th
Course meets daily from  9:30AM to 4:30PM with an hour lunch break
PLACE: Home of Geri Chavis, 6509 Ryan Ave, Edina MN 55435

INSTRUCTOR: Geri Chavis, Ph.D., Certified Poetry Therapist,
Licensed Psychologist, Poetry Therapy Mentor/Supervisor, and
Professor at the College of St. Catherine
Maximum # of students: 12
COURSE FEE: $370.(includes tuition, course materials and coffee break snack.
(An additional $20 fee will be charged for CEU certificates)
A deposit of $100 is required by May 5 to hold your place in the course.
Please mail deposits to the above address.
The remainder of the fee will be due at the first class.
FFI: Geri Chavis (ggchavis@stkate.edu <mailto:ggchavis@stkate.edu > )
or 651 690-6524 for information and registration
 

Upcoming Events: 

(1) 14th Annual Rainbow Families Conference:
The conference is April 18, 2009 and held at Anwatin/Bryn Mawr School, 256 Upton Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Take advantage of early bird rates now!

Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Rainbow Families Conference! www.familyequality.org/conference
Special rates are available for E-12 educators, college students and adult volunteers, and sliding fee scale is also available. 

The Rainbow Families Conference is the premier community building and learning event for current and prospective LGBT parents, their children, family members and friends, educators and community members in Minnesota and surrounding states.

Keynote Highlight: Mandy Carter Nobel Peace Prize nominee Mandy Carter is one of the country's leading African-American lesbian activists. She has a 40-year movement history of social, racial, and LesBiGayTrans justice organizing since 1968. Raised in two orphanages and a foster home for her first 18 years as a ward of the state of New York, Ms. Carter brings her unique perspective on the support of LGBT families.

(2) Interfaith Roundtable for Marriage Equality:
 
People of Faith Allies is an interfaith roundtable convened by OutFront MN. It brings together people, congregations and denominations working together in support of marriage equality in Minnesota. The group is still in formation and would like to ensure the LGBTQ community of color is represented at the table. Join your voice with others in an interfaith effort supporting marriage equality. Meetings are held third Thursdays of each month at 4:00pm at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis. Contact Jo Haberman at 612-822-0127 x103 or 800-800-0350 x103, or jhaberman@outfront.org
 
(3) One Voice Mixed Chorus:
 Spring Schedule:
April 4, 2009 - Spring Fever & Silent Auction
Zuhrah Shrine Center, Minneapolis
Our annual fundraising cabaret, with One Voice sharing a stage with some of the Twin Cities' top performers. Hosted by Dan Chouinard.
April 24, 2009 - In-School Concerts
In honor of Earth Day, One Voice performs at three Saint Paul-area schools-Humbolt Junior High, Community of Peace Academy and Wellstone Elementary-for environmentally-themed concerts!
May 3, 2009 - Unity Unitarian Worship
Unity Church-Unitarian, Saint Paul
May 3, 2009 - May Day Celebration
Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis With In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre Free event!
June 1, 2008 - Queer Music Consortium Pride Concert
Como Park Pavilion, Saint Paul Free event!
June 13 and 14, 2009 - Lavender Green: Thinking Globally, Singing Locally History Theatre, Saint Paul
Three children's choirs join One Voice for a concert honoring the environment.
(more info at: http://www.ovmc.org/concerts/lavendergreen.html )

(4) The 4th Annual Q-Quest Youth Fest!

A Conference Exploring and Celebrating the Voices of Queer Youth & Allies
Sponsored by Minnesota School OUTreach Coalition
www.mnschooloutreach.org <http://www.mnschooloutreach.org/ >
 
DATE:  Saturday, March 28, 2009
TIME: 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
LOCATION: Webster Community School 425 Fifth Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 
Please visit this link to register: http://sss.mpls.k12.mn.us/Registration.html   «   
Explore Identity: Explore personal identity and voice within the context of a
diverse queer community. «   
Plan for the Future: Consider options for education, career, and family. «   
Make Connections: Think, create, and celebrate with youth from diverse backgrounds.
 
Who should come? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersexed youth and straight allies ages 18 and under. (Youth aged 19-21 are also
invited to join the event and share their experiences, but the conference focuses on high school students.) We warmly welcome GSA advisors or other school staff and
parent volunteers to attend as chaperones.
 
Cost: The entire event is free, including workshops, lunch, dinner, and entertainment.
 
Conference sponsor:   The Minnesota School OUTreach Coalition, a coalition of Minnesota students, educators, families, community members and organizations working within the broad context of schools to address the
issues of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people.
 
Registration:   Every participant (including school staff, volunteers and presenters) must fill out a registration form online.
 
Transportation: Some transportation is available. Please contact Jessi Tebben at jessi.tebben@mpls.k12.mn.us for more information regarding transportation.  Students can also come in individual vehicles and park in the Webster parking lot (ample free parking).
 
What should I bring? Bring a positive attitude and the willingness to network with other youth!  Please do not bring any valuables, weapons, drugs, or alcohol.
 
Interested in Volunteering?
Contact Leigh Combs at lcombs@everyfamilymatters.org or 612.728.2079

(5) 2009 Minnesota AIDS Walk:
2009 Minnesota AIDS Walk Sunday, May 17 at Minnehaha Park, Minnesota
Every Step You Take Makes a Difference
The HIV problem is growing while funding is getting tighter. Now more than ever, the Minnesota AIDS Project needs you to step forward in the fight against HIV. Join us for the 2009 Minnesota AIDS Walk to support those affected by HIV and help us work to prevent further infections.  The Walk ceremony will be our best yet with Broadway entertainment and other great Walk day activities scheduled.
Take the first step: Sign up today.
You can choose to walk solo or start a team with your friends, family and coworkers. Every dollar you raise stays in Minnesota to stop HIV.
Is running more your speed? This year we are offering the Run for the Ribbon 10k as an officially timed race.
The early registration fee is just $20, with any additional funds you raise supporting the Minnesota AIDS Project's mission.
Register for the Minnesota AIDS Walk today: www.mnaidswalk.org or sign up for the Run For The Ribbon 10k today: www.runfortheribbon.org

 

Consultation & Referrals Wanted:

(1)
I am looking for progressive LGBTA mental health professionals and body workers who would be willing to be on a support referral list for activists and persons arrested during the RNC. These folks need help with PTS: psychological, emotional and physical results of events surrounding the RNC.
Contact: Irene Greene, 612.874.6442 or irenegreene@earthlink.net

(2)
From: <sklndr@gmail.com >
Date: Mon, 2 Mar 2009
To: LGBT Therapists
Name: Kris
Comment: Looking for anger management therapist locally in Burnsville, Apple Valley area that takes BluePlus Insurance. Please email me back if you know someone who could help.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

(1) Online Survey for Mental Health Professionals from The Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition:

Greetings!

We hope you have the third annual Minnesota Trans Health and Wellness Conference on your calendars; it's being held on May 15 and 16, 2009, at Metropolitan State University, 700 East 7th Street in Saint Paul. Friday will be Provider Day, focused on educating health care professionals and students on transgender basics and health needs, and Saturday will be Community Day with content for trans people, partners, family and allies.

If you are a health professional / provider or health care student, please take a moment to complete this brief online survey; the information you provide will help us tailor the conference to the needs of the health care community. Your responses are confidential and will be used only for the planning of this event and for other event planning.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=CqjSieOzBE6AD5nsThCstw_3d_3d

Feel free to forward this email to your friends and colleagues in health professions. Let us know if you have any problems opening up the survey link.

Thanks for your help,

The Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition
www.mntranshealth.org <http://www.mntranshealth.org >
612-823-1152
mntranshealth@yahoo.com

(2) A photo contest called, "Living Tobacco-free LGBT":
Tobacco-free Lavender Communities is sponsoring a photo contest called, Living Tobacco-free LGBT: A Picture of Health. "We want LGBT Minnesotans to submit photos depicting healthy living in our communities so that more of us will see positive role models that reinforce a more affirming narrative about us as individuals and as a larger community." Deadline is March 30 for photos! Send yours in today!
 
Judges will select winning entries to be used on the organization's website, in a photography book and other products and publications. For more information on the contest visit, www.MNTLC.org <http://www.mntlc.org/ > and click on the photo contest page.

(3) Life-in-Motion Coaching practice:
Hello! My name is Barbara Simmonds!
I'd like to introduce you to my Life-in-Motion Coaching practice. I help people to be in balance while gracefully moving towards-and achieving-their dreams, goals and life purpose. I bring to my coaching 5 years as a Personal-Life Coach, and 25 years' work with people recovering from Trauma.
I'd like to tell you about my gift to you-a sample session. Please call or e-mail me soon so we can set up your appt.  I'll be very curious to learn more about you and your work, too so I can make referrals to you, too!
I hope to hear from you soon!
Barbara M. Simmonds, M.A., Life~in~Motion Coach ~ Reiki Master-Teacher ~ Post-Trauma Healing Practitioner
        Phone:     612 827-2877
        E-Mail:     barbarasimmonds@bmsreiki.com

(4) UN DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY:

In 1948 the United Nations passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but for many the promise of universal, equal rights has not been fulfilled. On December 18, 2008, the UN General Assembly made an historic declaration: "Those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, those who are transgender, transsexual or intersex, are full and equal members of the human family and are entitled to be treated as such," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay. The declaration marks the first time that the General Assembly has formally addressed rights violations, violence, harassment, and stigmatization based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Supporting nations asked all states and nations to "promote and protect human rights of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity" and to stop persecution and execution of GLBT individuals. The statement read to the General Assembly also encouraged the UN Human Rights Council to continue to incorporate GLBT inclusive language into future mandates. This is a big step toward the recognition of sexual rights as fundamental human rights. Sixty-six of the one hundred and twenty-nine member nations signed the declaration. Unfortunately, the US was not among them, citing concerns that the declaration might commit the federal government to regulations under state jurisdiction. France and the Netherlands co-sponsored the declaration. Supporting nations included all 27 European Union members, Japan, Australia, and Mexico. Opposition came from the Vatican and Muslim nations...

This is a step toward improving the international dialogue around gay rights, but progress must continue as homosexuality remains a crime in more than 70 UN nations and in 10 regions it is punishable by death. In the US several states lack explicit protections for GLBT individuals, leaving them legally open to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. http://www.fm.umn.edu/fm/phs/newsletter/winter09UN.html


(5)_ FAMILY SUPPORT OF GLB TEENS CAN MAKE THEM HEALTHIER:

Research published in the January issue of Pediatrics finds that GLB teens rejected by their family are more likely to report depression, suicide attempts, unprotected sex, and illegal drug use than GLB teens that experienced little to no rejection. Health care providers must play a key role to begin the conversation around sexuality and sexual identity to educate families and provide resources for support.

Researchers at San Francisco State University gave surveys to 244 white and Latino self-identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults between the ages of 21 and 25 who were living in the San Francisco area... "[T]here's a connection between how families treat gay and lesbian children and their mental and physical health," lead author Caitlin Ryan, PhD, told US News and World Report. Study authors recommend that physicians take an active role in helping families to provide support for their GLB youth by investigating family dynamics, cautioning against rejecting behavior, and providing resources.     http://www.fm.umn.edu/fm/phs/newsletter/winter09teens.html

About this eNewsletter:
The MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter is a free networking tool for members of the
LGBT Therapist Network. All Network members are welcome to contribute to this
grass-roots 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 

Renewal Time

Have you renewed yet?  We sent out a renewal letter in December.  If you are not current, please respond in a timely manner so that we may continue your membership without interruption.  Thanks always for supporting LGBT Therapists!

Questions?  Ready to pay?  Visit the new LGBT Therapists website

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