Love Positive Counseling
  • Home
  • Counseling
    • Polyamory Support Group
    • Expressive Arts LGBTQ Teens Group
    • Transgender Support Group
  • Meet the Team
  • Appointments
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact

Upcoming Events: Conferences and CEUs for Therapists

8/30/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
I have a couple busy months ahead of me and I'd like to share the awesome events I'll be attending (and hosting) in the remainder of 2016. 

September 24, 2016: Alternative Relationship Education Workshop Event

I will be joining a team of local mental health professionals and the Relationship Equality Foundation to present a special CEU workshop designed to educate therapists, counselors, and others who seek to learn about sexual, gender and relational diversity – specifically alternative relationship structures.

Despite efforts to maintain non­judgmental attitudes, most mental health professionals know so little about this area that their responses to clients who “come out” to them can range from off­putting surprise to a disapproval that has anecdotally even done damage to clients, and created barriers to future treatment. We hope to prevent these experiences by educating mental health professionals in the areas of sexual, gender and relational diversity – specifically alternative relationship structures, considerations of relational attraction, sexual identity, and gender expression. Presenters have been selected from local professionals with experience in treating these populations, many with involvement and national exposure in the development of mental health standards in this area.

This workshop will provide six CEUs just in time for license renewal deadline. There will be a lunch break in the middle of the day, and a box lunch available for purchase during registration.

Please join us September 24th and share with any friends or colleagues who may be interested! For more information and to register, please visit arewe.relationshipequalityfoundation.org

Picture
October 13-15, 2016: Sex Down South

This year I will be attending Sex Down South for the first time! Last year was their first year and I heard lots of rave reviews so I'm looking forward to attending this year. I did not submit any class proposals because I want to enjoy learning and connecting with other educator and advocates of sex-positivity and inclusion. 

From the Sex Down South website:

"​Sex Down South was born out of a desire to create a safe space in the Southeast where folks could explore sex and sexuality.  Our focus is intentionally broad, catering to a diverse range of people: from those who are curious but not quite committed, to those who have been around the block…and then some! Our mission is to create a sex-positive space for people of all walks of life to come together, explore, connect, and share knowledge and skills. It’s your exploration destination for all things sex and erotic."

"Our goal is to foster learning, inspiration, and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter. From sex education and sexual health, to healthy communication and relationship skills; from alternative lifestyles such as kink and polyamory, to sex and spirituality and navigating sexual trauma."

Picture
November 3-6, 2016: THEA's PeachState Conference

Last year's inaugural PeachState conference was my first experience presenting at a community event and I'm glad to be back! I will be presenting a couple classes on transgender experience (specifics topics currently unknown). 

THEA's PeachState conference is a health and education conference for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Gender Non-Conforming adults. 

Picture
November 11, 2016: Ethical Social Media Marketing for Therapists

The LGBTQ Therapist Resource network and Foundations Atlanta are co-hosting a 3-hour CEU event and they have invited me to present the basics and best practices of Ethical Social Media Marketing for therapists. In case you didn't know, before I went full-time as a counselor with Wellspring Counseling Center, I was a social media marketing manager for leading sex and relationship therapists. This presentation will cover social media and internet marketing how-tos from the most basic level, as well as the ethical implications and guidelines of having an online presence as a clinician.

Members of the LGBTQ Therapist Resource Network save $15 on registration for this class.

Register for this event on eventbrite.com

0 Comments

Loving A Transgender Person: Let’s Talk About Sex!

9/8/2015

0 Comments

 
Many transgender people struggle with dysphoria, body dysphoria in particular. Body dysphoria means the body they have doesn’t match what they envision for themselves.

Being a romantic partner to a transgender person means you’re likely present for all of their experiences: happy, sad, angry, and dysphoric. Sexual partners of transgender people have a huge opportunity to effect their lover’s gender and body dysphoria. Many transgender person’s body dysphoria includes, and may even focus on, their genitals. Sexual intimacy puts you in direct contact with the part of their body that likely causes them the most discomfort. What you say, how you react, how you approach this intimate space and time has a huge impact on how your transgender partner will feel about their body. 

I was inspired to write about my experience as a partner to a transgender person after reading Melissa A. Fabello’s How to Reassure Your Partner That They’re Hot When They Hate Their Body. She wrote about the heterosexual cisgender narrative of a woman who’s body issues revolve around weight or shape, but I think her advice applies for partners of transgender people as well. 
Picture
When I first met my partner, before we were intimate, I worried that using gendered terminology in relation to his genitals would be hurtful. So I was honest about my concern and asked about what language heightens his body dysphoria and what language reduces his body dysphoria. Thankfully my partner was self-aware enough to share with me what language he has used over the years in reference to his anatomy that makes him feel sexy and confident. The idea is to challenge the cultural belief (for yourself and your partner) that certain genitalia means a certain gender. 

Along with language, we can challenge the idea that certain sexual activities are done by certain genders. Creative play provides lots of opportunity for gender affirmation. The human imagination is highly influential over the body and the mind. Explore with your partner what sexual activities and stimulation feels good to them and respect their boundaries around what feels uncomfortable for them. The goal is physical and emotional intimacy with a person you admire, right? 
As a loving and supportive partner, I want my partner to know they are lovable and desirable, body, mind, heart, and soul. 

For partners just beginning the transgender journey with your lover, changing how you relate to their body can take time. Be patient with yourself and your partner. It will be much easier if you both engage your creativity and explore new fun ways of relating to each other.


Relationship counseling can help couples wanting to Live and Love Authentically explore what's sexy for them in a safe, comfortable space.
0 Comments

Improve your self-esteem with love

1/11/2015

1 Comment

 
The most important relationship we all have is with ourselves. The center of your social environment, the common element in all of your relationships, is you. You have likely heard the common advice, "If you don't love yourself, then how can anyone else love you?" I don't believe this is 100% true, but I do believe that in order to truly live a vibrant life with healthy relationships, we need strong self-esteem and sense of self-worth. But how does someone trapped in a world of depression, anxiety, shame, or anger build self-esteem? 

In my blog about Love Languages I discussed how every person speaks and perceives love through specific methods, which sometimes differs from our partners. Our Love Language can also impact our self-esteem and our sense of self-worth. An example: If my primary Love Language is Words of Affirmation but my mind constantly berates me and insults me like a schoolyard bully, then my self-esteem is going to wither away. Alternatively, if I make a point of congratulating myself on my accomplishments and identifying aspects of my character that I appreciate, I will feel more loved and my self-esteem will improve.

Try this: Take the Love Language assessment and consider how you currently treat yourself in your love language. Write down a list of actions you can do that use your love language to show yourself a little more love and compassion. Each day, do one of the items from the list. At the end of a week, reflect on all the love you have expressed for yourself and consider this question: do you feel loved?


1 Comment

Do you speak love? Discover your Love Language

12/10/2014

1 Comment

 
Many couples seek counseling because something seems lacking in their communication or the passion has fizzled after many years together. One of my favorite questions to new couples in my office is, "What is your love language?" 


Most people communicate in one or more of the five love languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Giving/Receiving Gifts, Quality time, and Physical Touch. While some people may communicate in more that one most people have a primary language of love. Dr. Gary Chapman developed the Love Languages theory and has changed the way people around the world interact with each other.

These languages not only apply to romantic relationships but also those with coworkers, children, and teenagers. Since his first book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, Chapman has written more books each breaking down how to apply these principles to other areas and relationships in your life.

There is not one language that's 'better' or 'more effective' than any other. Just finding what works best for you in your relationships is the more important part. It can be easy to discover your love language and you may already know it; just think about what brings you closer to the important people in your life.

Words of Affirmation - This language uses words to affirm other people. People who value this type of communication need to hear you say that you love them, appreciate them, and respect them. To them words speak louder than actions and hearing you verbally confirm what they are hoping you feel is critically important to developing a relationship with them.

Acts of Service - For these people, actions speak louder than words. These people know you love them when you do things to prove it. Helping them with tasks, chores, or anything they are struggling with proves your intentions. Many people get this confused with Receiving Gifts, but this is more about doing something than giving something.

Receiving Gifts - For some people, what makes them feel most loved is to receive a gift. Those with this communications style like physical reminders of your love for them. Everything from a small everyday gift to a large special occasion purchase. Normally it is not the value or size of the gift but the thought behind it.

Quality Time - This language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention. A phone call, visit, email, or text are always that you show you are making time for the person in your life. IT lets them know you are important to them and that it's worth your time to make a space for them. As with Receiving Gifts; it's often not about the amount of time but rather the intention behind it. 

Physical Touch - To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate touch. This language relies on consistent physical contact through out the day. Hugs, hand holding, kissing, snuggling -- everything that brings the two of you close physically will bring you closer emotionally as well. 

No matter what your love language is it's important that you find it and communicate with your partner about what you want and need from your relationship. Holding feelings back and doing things for them but not you is one of the quickest ways to build up resentment and distrust in a relationship.

Check out more of Dr.Gary Chapman's work, including his books; The Family You've Always Wanted, The Marriage You've Always Wanted, Desperate Marriages, God Speaks Your Love Language, How to Really Love Your Adult Child, and Hope for the Separated. With Dr. Jennifer Thomas, he co-authored The Five Languages of Apology.
1 Comment

    Anna Baxter

    A counselor passionate about love, communication, and happiness for all. I feel called to help people find internal and external peace by living and loving more authentically.

    verified by Psychology Today

    Archives

    January 2023
    October 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    August 2018
    March 2018
    October 2017
    April 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

    Categories

    All
    Acceptance And Commitment Therapy
    Communication
    Counseling
    Equality
    Events
    Love
    Relationship
    Self Esteem
    Self-esteem
    Stigma
    Transgender

    RSS Feed

Content © 2021 Anna Baxter   |   700 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy, Ste 300, Roswell, GA
anna@lovepositivecounseling.com   |   678-210-9907  |  fax: 404-891-5746
verified by Psychology Today
Contact  |  About  |  Blog
Design © 2015 Tiny Bear Designs