UpLift’s Post

At UpLift, we know that affirming care looks different for everyone, and that holds true for the LGBTQIA+ population. Timed with this past month’s Pride celebration, UpLift hosted a webinar for mental health providers and TAO’s higher ed counseling center staff to discuss how to better serve LGBTQIA+ clients. The topic: “Building Bridges–Sharing What Works in LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Care,” offered deep insight and learnings that are valuable, practical, personal and actionable. Thank you to our moderator, Emma Holland, a community activist, and to all the clinicians who shared their experiences of what’s worked for them to provide affirming care. The panel included Caitlin Hughes, LPC (Staff clinician at Fairfield University), Victor Rivera Sink, LCMHC (UpLift therapist), and Dr. Rajkaran Sachdej MD (UpLift psychiatrist). Here’s why affirming care matters: A landmark 2018 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that transgender youth who could use accurate names and pronouns experienced 71% fewer symptoms of severe depression, a 34% drop in reported suicidal thoughts, and a 65% decrease in suicide attempts. Inclusive care saves lives. In a world where hatred, discrimination, and violence threaten the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of LGBTQIA+ people, mental health providers can hold space for people to feel safe. UpLift’s integrated behavioral health platform helps members find the right team of providers that match with their needs and comfort level, all based on their clinical and non-clinical needs. We deliver next-day, in-network therapy and psychiatry through a national network of thousands of highly vetted, licensed providers. We gathered eight overarching takeaways and resources for providers seeking to deepen their understanding, so clients can trust they’re getting the care they need and deserve. You can read about the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eRDSUBub and, as always, we welcome your ideas and comments.

Understanding LGBTQIA+ and mental health 🏳️🌈 Many people identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, queer individuals, those who are questioning their identity, intersexual identities, and asexuals. (Although it's important to remember this spectrum is vast, and some may define themselves differently.) However, while mental health issues can affect anyone, LGBTQIA+ individuals face a higher risk of experiencing low self-esteem, depression and anxiety (including social anxiety), substance abuse, self-harm and suicidal thoughts as they face greater risk of being exposed to : 👉 Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia 👉 Stigma and discrimination 👉 Difficulties surrounding coming out 👉 Social isolation, exclusion, and rejection But here at Mikesyline, we want to help spread a message of hope and inclusivity, reminding you that you are not alone. By reaching out to us today, we can help you find the support you need from experienced professionals who are on hand to help you take those next brave steps towards self-discovery and acceptance. At Mikeysline, we offer a safe space to explore your feelings, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and connect with your authentic self. By embracing your true identity you can unlock a world of confidence, positivity, and a newfound sense of belonging. #MentalHealth #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA #SuicidePrevention #HighlandCharity #MentalHealthScotland #BeeTheChange #Mikeysline #Itsoknottobeok

🎙️🏳️🌈This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Kristen Crowe (they/she) explore how to understand your k!nk/B*SM desires and explore them in therapy. In this episode we discuss: ❤️🔥I am in a B*SM relationship and I tried to talk about it once with my therapist, but they said it reflected a deeper self esteem problem. Is there something wrong with me? ���I have been interested in exploring B*SM but don’t know how to bring it up to my therapist. We haven’t talked about sexuality except “I’m dating so-and-so” and I don’t know if it’s appropriate to talk about actual sex. 🫦Will my therapist understand that I have a “play partner” outside my primary relationships, and we go to “play parties” and I don’t want to stop? 👀Someone I’m dating is interested in exploring B*SM with me and I’m feeling a little nervous. If I’m nervous, what kind of support can I ask from my therapist? ⛓️One thing I like about B*SM is that it feels dangerous, but I don’t want my therapist to think I’m practicing “risky behaviors” or tell me to stop. How do I ask for a safe space in general with my therapist? 🏳️🌈🎙️ Join us as we dive into the tantalizing curiosities of these sexual experiences and find ways to explore with safe partners and find an s3x-positive therapist. #Podcast #LGBTQ #SexPositive #Therapy #Kink #BDSM #MentalHealth #SexualWellness #TherapistSupport #OpenConversations #SafeSpace #RelationshipGoals #SexualExploration #OpenSpaceTherapyCollective #InclusiveTherapy #RenaeJohnson #KristenCrowe

A recent paper exploring the stress of being "outed" to parents - lack of agency and links with mental health difficulties. #gender #research #adolescentmentalhealth #lgbtq #lgbtqcommunity #genderdiversity #sexuality #identity #queercommunity

#Happiness doesn’t just help you feel good. It also enables you to cope with #stress and #anxiety during difficult times. People with a positive outlook on life are more resilient to stress than those who aren’t. They also cope better with anxiety and #depression. So, to build resilience, focus on cultivating happiness. To schedule a session with Dr Laura click here: https://buff.ly/2Va1qe6 #drlaura #counseling #therapy #mentalhealth #therapist #counselor #depression #anxiety #lgbtq #healing #healthyrelationships #happinesshappensmonth

#Happiness doesn’t just help you feel good. It also enables you to cope with #stress and #anxiety during difficult times. People with a positive outlook on life are more resilient to stress than those who aren’t. They also cope better with anxiety and #depression. So, to build resilience, focus on cultivating happiness. To schedule a session with Dr Laura click here: https://buff.ly/2Va1qe6 #drlaura #counseling #therapy #mentalhealth #therapist #counselor #depression #anxiety #lgbtq #healing #healthyrelationships #happinesshappensmonth

We’re 🔦 spotlighting another wonderful Queer human Laura Ferguson as we continue to celebrate Lesbian Visibility Week 🩷🥳✨ 🔦 Hey Laura can you tell us a little about your wellness business? 🏳️🌈 I created my business with the intention of supporting LGBTQ+ folks on their journey of self discovery and empowerment. Helping to grow their courage and confidence to be able to express themselves in this world however they choose to. I do this via person-centred life coaching and hypnotherapy through a lens of holistic wellness. 🔦 How do you support your clients with their wellness? 🏳️🌈 I see our wellness as the overall wellbeing of our mind, body and soul and therefore encourage my clients to look at all parts of themselves in their entirety. I aim to guide clients on a journey of self-discovery, helping them uncover their core beliefs and patterns that may be limiting them. By shining a light of awareness, one can then make empowered decisions to take courageous action to implement changes and grow confidence in oneself to prioritise one’s needs, create healthy boundaries and to live in authentic alignment with one’s values. 🔦 Can you tell us about the unique skills and experience that you bring to your work? 🏳️🌈 As a queer person having experienced first hand the difficulties and internal struggles our community face in being seen, heard and expressing their authentic selves, I incorporate various practices and modalities to offer an exploratory space of self discovery for clients to grow their self compassion and self awareness in order to support all aspects of their wellness. Some of which include: 👉 Trauma informed transformational coaching Hypnotherapy 👉 NLP 👉 Mental health first aider 👉 Rahanni energy healing 🔦 How can we get in touch with you? Please send me a message here Laura Ferguson or my via website www.lauraferguson.co.uk - I offer a free 90 minute “confusion to clarity” coaching session for anyone who would like an intro to working with me. This can be booked via my website or email me on coaching@lauraferguson.co.uk ✨🩷✨ >>> Keep your eyes peeled for another fabulous LVW 🔦 spotlight post tomorrow!!! #lesbianvisibilityweek #LVW #LGBTQIA #LGBTQCoach

The LGBTQ+ community thrives on chosen families – the friends, partners, and allies who celebrate and support our true selves. But for some of us, the people we're born into don't offer that same acceptance. Facing homophobia from loved ones can be incredibly isolating, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. This can be especially challenging for young people navigating their sexuality or gender identity, who often rely on their families for guidance and support. Homophobia aren't always blatant acts of aggression. Sometimes they manifest in more subtle ways that can be equally destructive. Disapproving glances across the dinner table, dismissive comments about chosen partners, or the refusal to acknowledge someone's chosen pronouns – these seemingly insignificant actions chip away at one's sense of self-worth and belonging. In more extreme cases, homophobia can present as outright discrimination, denial of basic rights like marriage or adoption, or even physical threats. Regardless of the form it takes, experiencing rejection from loved ones can leave a lasting scar on an individual's mental health. Here at NYC Affirmative Psychotherapy, we understand the complexities of navigating relationships with unsupportive families. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced homophobia from loved ones. We offer a safe and affirming space to explore your feelings, develop coping mechanisms, and build strategies for navigating challenging family dynamics. Our therapists can also help you cultivate strong relationships within your chosen family network, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Click the link in the bio or send us a message today #NYCAffirmativePsychotherapy #mentalhealthreminder #mentalhealthmatters #affirmativetherapy #POCLGBTQ+ #traumarecovery #healing #mentalhealthsupport #

Why Feelings and Emotions Aren't Enough Last week, I wrote a post titled "Navigating LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Church" which sparked a lot of discussions. The reality is that Christians (and churches) strive to find the best path forward but struggle. This should serve as a follow-up post since similar questions kept coming up in the conversations following the post. The intersection of faith, mental health, and LGBTQ+ issues has become increasingly complex and sensitive. Addressing real-life situations requires us to have both theological grace and a compassionate understanding, while not turning a blind eye to the physiological and psychological realities involved. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 - ESV) This article aims to shed light on these nuances, providing cultural observations supported by current research. Read the post at https://lnkd.in/g-X9Z_FK or check link in bio.

Confession #68 : I'm a 27-year-old woman grappling with my sexual identity. While I've long seen myself as heterosexual, I've recently felt a pull towards women. The fear of what this might mean for my relationships and understanding of myself is overwhelming. It's as if I've been hiding from my own truth, and I'm unsure how to navigate this new reality. Response from our Counsellor : It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and uncertain when experiencing a shift in one's sexual identity. It's important to acknowledge the courage it takes to confront these feelings and to seek support during this exploration. Remember, self-discovery is a journey, and it's okay to take your time in understanding and accepting your truth. Consider seeking guidance from a therapist or support group specializing in LGBTQ+ issues to help navigate this process and find clarity in your identity. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to support you every step of the way. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and uncertain when experiencing a shift in one's sexual identity. It's important to acknowledge the courage it takes to confront these feelings and to seek support during this exploration. Remember, self-discovery is a journey, and it's okay to take your time in understanding and accepting your truth. Consider seeking guidance from a therapist or support group specializing in LGBTQ+ issues to help navigate this process and find clarity in your identity. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources available to support you every step of the way. #MentalHealth #Wellness #SupportPlatform #MentalWellness #SelfCare #Therapy #Counseling #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthSupport #EmotionalWellBeing #Mindfulness #SelfHelp #HealthyMind #PositiveMindset #WellBeingJourney #SupportiveCommunity #MHSLife #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealth #Wellness #SupportPlatform #MentalWellness #SelfCare #Therapy #Counseling #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthSupport #EmotionalWellBeing #Mindfulness #SelfHelp #HealthyMind #PositiveMindset #WellBeingJourney #SupportiveCommunity #MHSLife #MentalHealthAwareness Fly Fare Technologies One Life Healthcare