I certainly have personal and professional experience with the intersection of being LGBTQ and polyamorous. I'm thrilled to share that scholars in APA's Consensual  Non-Monogamy Task Force are conducting a study to better understand the lived experiences of people who's identity and relationships reflect this intersection. There's not enough research completed or in process regarding CNM, so any research on the topic is thrilling to see. If you're LGBTQ and identify as CNM or have multiple sexual or romantic relationships, please considering adding your voice to this important study. 

To participate in the study, please complete this online survey

After an exceedingly busy June full of professional and personal growth, my work schedule has opened up. I am again able and willing to accept new clients. If you, or someone you love, has been wanting, wishing, hoping to see me as a counselor now is your/their time. 

I would much prefer that new clients are ideal clients - working through self acceptance and relational trauma while being polyamorous, kinky or transgender. If this is you, I invite you to put in an appointment request and let's begin your journey to healing and authenticity. 

Announcing a new therapy group (yes, it's different from a support group) especially for polyamorous people. To my knowledge, this does not yet exist anywhere and it certainly is a new offering in the Atlanta area.

For all of the information about the group, click over here. 

I'm excited to share that my colleague at Wellspring Counseling Center, Wyatt George is starting a new support group on Tuesdays, especially for transmasculine adults. He's modeling the group after our existing and highly successful North Fulton Transgender Youth Support Group (and adult group). Just in case this group would be helpful for you or someone you love, here's the details you'll need to attend:

This group will be devoted to providing a safe space for transmasculine people to share personal experiences and support among their peers. Open to all individuals, regardless of specific gender identity, though there will be a focus on the experiences of transmasculine individuals.

Every two weeks on Tuesdays starting October 10th (6:30-8pm)

Wellspring Counseling Center
700 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy, Suite 300
Roswell, GA 30076

No need to RSVP or consult with a facilitator before the event, but if you have questions and would like to speak with Wyatt beforehand, contact him at WyattGeorgeCounseling@Gmail.com

As a LGBTQAI2S person who struggled through my adolescence, I know personally the pain of seeking understanding, belonging, acceptance from my family, peers, and most importantly myself. Hearing horror stories of the supposed mental health treatment that so many LGBTQAI2S youth endure, I vowed to myself to be a safe place where youth can feel free to explore, express, and assert themselves for at least the time they spend in my office. 

The pain of confusion, rejection, and shame LGBTQAI2S youth face as they're determining who they are and who they will be is life-threatening for many. It can be totally unbearable, leading youth to at least seriously considering suicide, and many attempting (or worse, succeeding) suicide. I found this infographic that helps explain why it's so important for mental health providers and family members to contribute to the empowerment and acceptance of LGBTQAI2S people, including youth. 

​(Click Read More to see the full image)

Yesterday will likely go down in history books because America elected Donald Trump as our next President. Normally I don't think it's appropriate to talk politics with my clients, or even potential clients (that's you dear reader). Today it's not about politics. It's about hate. And fear. And Love.

I woke up this morning to my friends, family, colleagues, and communities fearful for their lives, hearts, and souls. I felt a sense of dread in the pit of my heart that I haven't felt ever before. I imagine this is exactly what many people of color, Muslim, and openly transgender/queer people feel daily as they walk in the world, in communities that hate them with such violent passion. I look around me in a traditionally conservative part of town and wonder how many of my neighbors voted for a man who not only condones but brags about perpetuating sexual assault. 

Meeting with my colleagues at Wellspring Counseling Center this morning, I'm reminded that we have kind, loving, and supportive communities who will shelter and protect our hearts and souls. As we wait in worry to see how this election will affect the future of America, I vow to hold space for the traumatized, the fearful, the desperate, the hurting. I will do my part to heal hearts and provide rest for weary souls who fight daily for everyone's right to live and love authentically and in power.

If you are reeling from the results of this election, please take good care of yourself. Reach out to your support network, seek the support and kindness available to you. Practice gratitude for all the love, peace, and beauty in your world for we attract more of what we are grateful for. We are inviting all of our clients at Wellspring to leave an anonymous note of love for all the hearts who pass through our office. If you need to feel unconditional love and acceptance, come visit us. 

Last month (October 6th) I was invited to guest host on my friend and colleague Courtney Geter's podcast, Let's Talk Sex. In this episode she interviews researcher, educator, and coach Dr. Eli Sheff about polyamory and her work with polyamorous adults and families. It was a lot of fun and I'm honored to be included. I believe I represented the Atlanta Poly community well. 


​​Please give it a listen and share with anyone in your life who is curious about polyamorous relationships.

Here's the episode description: Courtney talks with expert witness, researcher, author, and relationship coach, Dr. Eli Sheff about the polyamory lifestyle including managing dating and families. Also joining, is guest host Anna Baxter, LAPC and President of Atlanta Poly Meetup. Tune in to this live audience show to learn about poly AND hear questions and answers from our audience! To find out more about Dr. Sheff visit elisabethsheff.com, and to find out more about Anna and Atlanta Poly Meetup, visit www.meetup.com/Atlanta-Polyamory