The world is currently facing a threat I don't believe we've ever known before. As a result all of our routine activities have been interrupted or changed in some way. I haven't written about my thoughts, feelings, and opinions around COVID-19 until this moment because I've been incredibly busy holding space for all my clients as our personal worlds change. All of us are experiencing a scary time in the world and we (as individual people and as society) will be changed forever as a result. I specialize in working with often oppressed populations who face difficulty getting quality medical care on a good day (never mind when there's a potentially life threatening virus traveling around the world). Many of us are worried about ourselves, our loved ones, the effect of the precautions on our economy, and what the local and federal governments' response will be to the virus and the effects of physical distancing on our economies. Physical distancing is a privilege not afforded by all, and can exacerbate a tendency to isolate. Social and physical isolation has long term negative effects on mental health. If you're able to #stayathome please be sure to use video event platforms (like Zoom) and social media to remain connected to your loved ones and your community. It's too easy to fall into a belief that we are alone in our feelings when we don't talk to or see other people. If you're struggling with strong emotions during this time, please know there is help and support available. Reach out to schedule an appointment with me. 

Due to our collective efforts to #flattenthecurve including a statewide shelter in place order, all counseling sessions with me will now be conducted over video (through my secure client portal video platform) or telephone. Many have already made the switch during the previous three weeks. If you're a current client of mine with an appointment scheduled, I will contact you directly ahead of your scheduled appointment to determine which method you'd like to use for your session. 

Living or working in North Fulton (Roswell, Alpharetta) area? You’re invited to a networking event for local counselors, therapists, and social workers. This event will be a casual environment to meet your neighbors in the business to “talk shop,” build referral networks, and support each other in our important work.

Light refreshments will be provided. Please bring business cards to trade with colleagues who seem interesting to you.
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Details:
Friday February 21, 2020 at 11:00am – 1:00pm
Wellspring Counseling Center
700 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy Suite 300
Roswell, GA 30076
 
About us:
We are a group therapy practice that values diversity, authenticity, and safe space. We provide individual, relationship, and family therapy for adolescents and adults. Our therapists each specialize in different therapy modalities, psychological and developmental concerns, and relationship styles but one thing unites us: a positive and accepting attitude towards sexuality and gender. We most commonly support clients struggling with mood, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harming behaviors, family-of-origin issues, and/or life transitions.
http://www.wellspringlife.com/

Today I want to share a community resource that a friend and colleague is offering because in both my personal and professional life, learning how to savor the pleasure in every day life experiences has been the key to unlocking greater happiness and satisfaction. 

Savoring: The Golden Hours by Orion Crook,  The Practice

If we understand that evolution has set us up to be savoring machines when negative shit is happening, then we may begin to question what to do in order to outweigh the biological reactive response we have to negative cues.

This Gabshop is a way deeper look at how to develop a skill set that uses enjoyable chemicals and experiences to re-traumatize ourselves with the good. There will be a mix of learning, sharing, and experiential expressive activity to offer a well-rounded glimpse into the possibilities of savoring.

Learning Objectives
1. Detail the 3 states that a client may be into beginning practicing savoring.
2. Identify how awareness is the first step towards a savoring practice
3. Explore the potential effects of how savoring can modify emotions, thoughts, and life direction.
4. List examples of ways one might be blocked psychologically from practicing savoring.
5. Develop a Practice that through time leads one to gain awareness, acceptance, all while we collecting savorable data for our psyche to store more deeply and be more attuned to noticing.

This Gabshop is Orion's desire to help bring what they feel is so critical to developing mental health out into the community. It's also a process put in place to help them dive in, grasp on, and surface with articulation.

Learn more about this gabshop and how to join in on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savoring-the-golden-hours-tickets-65865340005

I'm really glad to see another support group resource for transmasculine folks in the Atlanta area. So glad to spread the word to everybody who may need to know about this! Note: This group is in no way hosted/facilitated/sponsored by Anna Baxter, LPC or Love Positive Counseling - Please do not contact me regarding participation.

Are you post-op phalloplasty or metoidioplasty?
Are you actively seeking one of these surgeries?

Join us for Atlanta’s only peer-led support group for transmasculine folks going through lower surgery. Our first meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 4th, 2019. Refreshments will be provided.

Please send an email to carepackagetransmasc@gmail.com for time and location information.
Please note that this group is only open to people on the transmasculine spectrum who are having or have had gender-affirming lower surgery.

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