Hi everyone - Just a quick update.  I hope you are all doing well (as expected).  I know life has been so hard for all people over the last several months and therapists feel this with you.

I feel for everyone suffering in some way and also see the resiliency of my clients, friends, and community.   While the road isn't easy and times are uncertain -- we have love.  Love is bigger than shadows and the hardest times and love is bigger than hate.

The transition to Telehealth has been stable and most clients have relayed that Telehealth has been a convenient option without a loss of the quality of care.  We continue to work out platforms and internet connections and these minor glitches will continue to get better as I continue to adapt .  Given the unknowns from the pandemic and my office space having concerns regarding ventilation, as well as close quarters, I've decided to continue Telehealth and let my office go.

Certainly, there are some concerns about insurance plans covering this for the future and social workers will be advocating our legislature for 2021 and pressing legislators to pass mental health parity - to include unrestricted telehealth.  In the interim, we are living with some variables about coverage for Blue Cross and Blue Shield clients.  It's been relayed that some clients will be expected to switch to the insurance company's contracted therapists on their own online platform but *most* will continue to be covered until February, 1, 2021.  We are waiting for clarification on which clients this will impact but in the end, it will be up to clients to call about their own specific plans.

I'm not taking new clients on right now but may after September.  I've listed some clinicians on my home/landing page in the metro who were previously taking new clients and all LGBTQ+ affirming to help those I cannot e-mail back requesting appointments.  My e-mails also auto-reply with their contact information should I not be able to respond to new clients.

In the meantime, I'm continuing to work on Enneagram certification and continuing online psychotherapy.  I really appreciate everyone's flexibility and kindness throughout the transition and understanding about my office space decision.   I also hope you're finding something you love in a world that feels fluctuating, inconsistent, and painful.  Don't forget to look around you *right now*.  Don't forget to pet your dog, hug your family, turn off the news, and sit in the sun.  Right now.  Balance acceptance and change - a dialectic.

I hope you focus your attention continuously if you find yourself going into the future or drifting into the past.  Don't forget to focus on your breath and ground yourself.

Finally, I wanted to make sure I said this:  All change towards equality and justice often comes with great pain.  Whether it's Covid-19, political unrest, or civil rights moving towards something better.  Change is incremental and each step forward is a step worth taking.

Many of us in the LGBTQ community realize the pain and activism directly paved the way for our own better conditions we have today.  I stand with you.

Black Lives Matter.

Peace and love.

Jill

Another one that might be helpful regarding COVID-19.

I speak out after a recent autobiography I read from a psychologist I admire.  Marcia Linehan.  She struggled with the question her client's would directly ask her for 60 years.  "Are you one of us?"  She took the advice of other clinicians to never answer that question directly.  

I contend that this increases stigma.  I'll be brave and will answer this directly.  Yes, I'm one of you.  

I can still help and am a wounded healer in the middle of this with you.  I am also proudly proud of those of you who speak of mental health and reducing stigma.  I'll do my part, too.

I'm human with you and in this together.  

Hi everyone, in the middle of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I turn to writing and thought I'd share my thoughts as a fellow human, capable wounded healer, mom, writer, and human.

In 1979, Cass articulated the process that many LGBTQ individuals have in the struggle to embrace themselves while transforming stigma.   I was first introduced these stages during a SAMHSA training of trainers I participated in during my time working as a clinical therapist at Prairie Ridge Addiction Treatment Services. While there are many models attempting to explain the coming out process for people, I felt Cass nailed it on the head and briefly want to describe them.   Some information taken from: A Provider's Introduction to Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals.

Stage 1 - Identity Confusion
This is when people start to recognize their sexuality may differ from the larger populous.   There is a greater risk for drug/alcohol use occurring at this stage due to the conflictual feelings people may face.  In addition, much of the history of the LGBTQ population has centered on the acceptance people find in bars - which may lead to greater risks of addiction.  

Stage Two: Identity Comparison
This is the stage where people are recognizing that their sexually is, in fact, LGBTQ and are attempting to find meaning and peace in this fact but may vaciliate between I am/I am not different.   This stage can encompass a great deal of pain and vulnerability.  Substance use disorders are prevalent in this stage.

Stage Three: Identity Tolerance
Identity Tolerance, people begin to notice the feelings they have towards same-sex feelings are probably not going away and the need for acceptance starts.  People can still feel very isolated and alienated.  At this stage, a person may seek out others in the community to find some sense of peace. 


Stage Four: Identity Acceptance
The Identity Acceptance stage is characterized by increasing contacts with others identifying as LGBTQ.  Normalizing experiences at this stage is common - many begin to socialize in bars leading to greater risks for addiction.   The person can find some relief at this stage, however - feeling not so isolated and starting to recognize there are others who have similiar experiences as them.

Stage Five: Identity Pride
People now understand the injustice with homophobia and discrimination and set out against it.  There is a tendancy to become very angry with the world and see things as "gay or straight".  Many people become involved in activist activities but can completely reject supportive heterosexual people who may be potential support to the person.  This is where you'll see the Ani flags flying (thanks, Sarah).

Stage Six: Identity Synthesis
This stage encompasses a sense of peace.  A person's identity is no longer consumed by the definition of LGBTQ.  The person starts to realize this aspect is an important part of the self but not the only self. 
In stage six, Identity Synthesis, an awareness develops that the dichotomy of “them and us” is not valid.   Addiction may be significant at this point due to many years of heavy drug/alcohol use.

Why are these stages important?  It helps us understand where we are, what a person might be going through, and the struggle to develop the self when pressured with stigma.  These stages may be applicable to many non-predominant populations.  Knowledge is power - both for providers and for those who might be wondering what may be occurring within them.  Communities can embrace people when you're ready.

Jill