North Fulton Transgender Youth Support Group
Ongoing, open group for youth 13-23 years old who are transgender, gender non-conforming, or questioning.
What do we do? Mostly, we simply talk. We share information about ourselves, transgender friendly events, and recent events involving transgender and gender non-conforming youth. We welcome all attendees to express your fears, confusions, concerns, hopes, or excitement and to support each other through this journey of self-discovery and self-affirmation.
In addition to talking, we occasionally have group outings for socialization or trans advocacy events. At times, we have a speaker come in to talk about some issue relevant to transgender people.
What to expect: This is a free support group, open to the LGBTQ+ community. Some call it a "therapy group", but technically it is more of a support group. While there is no charge for attending, any donations for expenses and time are gratefully accepted. There will be a vessel available for donations in the group space. You are welcome to come in any gender presentation you like, queer, androgynous, whatever.
Confidentiality: At the beginning of each session, the group participates in a verbal agreement and promise to keep other people's private information private. What's said in the group stays in the group. And what's shared with you outside of group should stay there as well, unless you have that person's permission to share something specific. As an example, at times someone from group has asked me to share some bit of news with the group, like... "Susie is in a funk and could use a phone call or email offering support.”
Sharing: This is a friendly group, so new-comers will be encouraged to introduce themselves and interact. First name only, legal, chosen, or alias, it makes no difference. However, you are never under any obligation to speak or share about yourself. If you wish to just observe quietly, that is fine too. We respect each other's boundaries.
Therapy: Yes, sometimes we deal with strong emotions and rather personal issues, but if someone's need for ongoing therapy becomes evident, I will recommend they hire a therapist to work with individually. Some of the group members see me individually, as I am a professional counselor, but others aren't currently in therapy or are seeing another therapist in the community who works with gender identity. Either way is fine, and I am happy to refer you to someone.
Dinner: There is a tradition of going out to dinner after group, so you will be welcome to join. There are two or three local restaurants that the group frequents on Thursday nights, and each of them is friendly and provides good service. If they didn't, we wouldn't go back, right?
What do we do? Mostly, we simply talk. We share information about ourselves, transgender friendly events, and recent events involving transgender and gender non-conforming youth. We welcome all attendees to express your fears, confusions, concerns, hopes, or excitement and to support each other through this journey of self-discovery and self-affirmation.
In addition to talking, we occasionally have group outings for socialization or trans advocacy events. At times, we have a speaker come in to talk about some issue relevant to transgender people.
What to expect: This is a free support group, open to the LGBTQ+ community. Some call it a "therapy group", but technically it is more of a support group. While there is no charge for attending, any donations for expenses and time are gratefully accepted. There will be a vessel available for donations in the group space. You are welcome to come in any gender presentation you like, queer, androgynous, whatever.
Confidentiality: At the beginning of each session, the group participates in a verbal agreement and promise to keep other people's private information private. What's said in the group stays in the group. And what's shared with you outside of group should stay there as well, unless you have that person's permission to share something specific. As an example, at times someone from group has asked me to share some bit of news with the group, like... "Susie is in a funk and could use a phone call or email offering support.”
Sharing: This is a friendly group, so new-comers will be encouraged to introduce themselves and interact. First name only, legal, chosen, or alias, it makes no difference. However, you are never under any obligation to speak or share about yourself. If you wish to just observe quietly, that is fine too. We respect each other's boundaries.
Therapy: Yes, sometimes we deal with strong emotions and rather personal issues, but if someone's need for ongoing therapy becomes evident, I will recommend they hire a therapist to work with individually. Some of the group members see me individually, as I am a professional counselor, but others aren't currently in therapy or are seeing another therapist in the community who works with gender identity. Either way is fine, and I am happy to refer you to someone.
Dinner: There is a tradition of going out to dinner after group, so you will be welcome to join. There are two or three local restaurants that the group frequents on Thursday nights, and each of them is friendly and provides good service. If they didn't, we wouldn't go back, right?
|
Parents, and other family members and loved ones: Loving someone who is transgender or gender non-conforming can be difficult. It involves shifting their perspective of not only you, the transgender person in their life, but their own identity as a person who loves a transgender person. When someone they love comes out as transgender, it can be shocking because they have not had time to understand what that means. As you are discovering your true, authentic self, they are adapting to this change in their life as well. In this group we will discuss how being LGBTQ+ impacts the youth, family, and community.
This group is one of three groups offered at Wellspring Counseling Center. Anna Lisa Derenthal facilitates a group for transgender adults, and Tom Query facilitates a group for SOFFAs (Significant Others, Family, Friends & Allies) at the same time each week. |
|