Living in a heteronormative world presents unique challenges for queer individuals. The assumption that heterosexuality is the norm can lead to marginalization, discrimination, and limited opportunities. The challenges faced by queer individuals in a heteronormative world are substantial and unavoidable. How do you navigate and thrive in various aspects of life? What’s your path to […] Read more “Thriving in a Heteronormative World: Queer Empowering Skills and Actions”
How did you first learn about LifeWorks? I first learned about LifeWorks through word of mouth. I applied for a fellowship in another group practice, Free Life, led by Dr. Ian Bonner. Fortunately (!), their position was covered, and he referred me to LifeWorks, given my interest and experience working with diverse populations. What drew […] Read more “Welcome Laura Andreas Santos, Ph.D.”
We are pleased to introduce Becca McCormic, MA, who recently joined LifeWorks as a therapist intern. How did you first learn about LifeWorks? When I was researching pre-doctoral internship sites, Lifeworks was the only one that mentioned specialties close to what I hope to achieve in the future: sex therapy, queer & trans populations, and […] Read more “Welcome to Becca McCormic”
We are pleased to introduce Kurt Kiswaled, LSW, who recently joined LifeWorks as a staff therapist. How did you first learn about LifeWorks? I joined KPACT and found out about LifeWorks through those events. What drew you to LifeWorks? There is an intention towards intersectionality that I find very compelling. It’s how I provide therapy […] Read more “Welcome to Kurt Kiswaled”
At LifeWorks, we believe that the infinite experiences of gender that exist make the world a more vibrant and beautiful place. However, for those whose upbringing modeled only two very narrowly defined categories of gender, it can be difficult to know how to learn more. We are living in a time when we (at least […] Read more “Nurturing Understanding of Trans Experiences”
You know that psychotherapy can play a vital role in supporting the self-care, self-expression, and personal empowerment you want as an LGBTQIA+ individual. Yet, navigating the complexities of identity, societal challenges, and emotional well-being can be overwhelming. How does psychotherapy help and what steps can you take to build momentum in a positive direction for yourself? Read more “LGBTQIA+ Self-Care and Empowerment: How Can Therapy Help?”
We are pleased to introduce Magali Quiroz, LCSW, who recently joined LifeWorks as a staff therapist. How did you first learn about LifeWorks? I first learned about LifeWorks through my group supervisor in my first year of graduate school. She did not share much other than she thought it was the place for me and […] Read more “Welcome to Nancy Magali Quiroz, MSMFT”
Internalized stigma and shame can have a profound impact on the well-being and self-worth of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Society’s prejudice and misunderstanding often lead to the internalization of negative beliefs and feelings of shame. Exploring the impact of internalized stigma and shame on LGBTQIA+ individuals, I offer some strategies for healing and building inner strength. By […] Read more “Queer Inner Strength: Overcoming Internalized Stigma and Shame”
It’s been nearly eight years since LifeWorks launched the Green House fellowship, a postgraduate clinical training program for mental health clinicians. The Green House is a yearlong, part-time program for clinicians seeking theoretical training and hands-on experience serving LGBTQ+, polyamorous, kinky, and sex worker clients from a psychodynamic and depth-oriented framework. I am an alumnx […] Read more “What the Green House means to me: Catching up with Fellowship Alumni”
Aging is a process we all experience whether we are very mindful of it or not. From the moment we are formed, we begin to encounter the material and psychic impacts of a body governed by time. These experiences, nested within cultural, historical, and sociopolitical contexts, evoke myriad thoughts, feelings, and sensations across a lifespan. […] Read more “The Otherness of Aging Transgender”
We are pleased to introduce Mickala Randby, LCSW, who recently joined LifeWorks as a staff therapist. How did you first learn about LifeWorks? I’ve had my eye on Lifeworks for years! My plan was to get some clinical experience with a broad population and then move to a clientele that I feel passionately about and […] Read more “Welcome Mickala Randby, LSW”
How did you first learn about LifeWorks? I first learned about LifeWorks through a former LifeWorks employee, Dawnn Marie Pirani Brumfield. Knowing my clinical background and research, she thought that I would be a perfect fit for LifeWorks. What drew you to LifeWorks? What drew me to LifeWorks was the commitment to learning and to […] Read more “Meet Myron Krys Florence”
We are pleased to introduce you to Diane Duan, M.A., who recently joined LifeWorks Psychotherapy as a Pre Doctoral Intern for 2022-23. How did you first learn about LifeWorks? I initially learned about The Greenhouse Program from my BDSM/Kink Therapist Mentor through the CARAS Mentoring Program (Thank you, Sharon Glassburn LMFT)! During my APA Internship […] Read more “Meet Diane Duan, M.A.”
We are pleased to introduce you to Mars Vallon, MSW, who recently joined LifeWorks Psychotherapy as a therapist. How did you first learn about LifeWorks? I initially became aware of LifeWorks because the practice was listed with the Pros Network, an online directory of sex-work informed providers sponsored by SWOP. I made a mental bookmark […] Read more “Welcome Mars Vallon, MSW”
We are pleased to introduce you to Arielle Zimmerman, MSW, who recently joined LifeWorks Psychotherapy as a therapist. How did you first learn about LifeWorks?I’d been hearing positive things about LifeWorks from my LGBTQ+ peers, and saw on their website that the practice was hiring. What drew you to LifeWorks?I was first drawn to LifeWorks […] Read more “Welcome Arielle Zimmerman, MSW”
Appreciation and thanks go to Christy LK Darcangelo, LCSW, Zac Palmer, LMFT , and Elizabeth Duke, Psy.D. who made substantive contributions respectively to the sections of this article on social workers, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists. When you are looking for a psychotherapist, the wide array of titles and credentials can be confusing. There’s […] Read more “Who’s Who? LCSW, LCPC, LMFT, Psy.D., and more!”
Choosing the right therapist can be daunting. Therapy is an endeavor where the relationship itself is perhaps the most important element. So, choosing the right therapist is not an easy task and there are things you can do increase the chances you find someone with whom you can work well, grow and meet your goals. Read more “The Right Therapist for You”
The holidays can be a challenging time for so many of us. We may find ourselves feeling isolated, stressed out, anxious — perhaps a combination of all three. The holidays can amplify feelings of loss. They can serve as reminders of the past, or of goals we perhaps haven’t yet reached, or milestones we have […] Read more “How Pets Help Us Through the Holidays (And Other Tough Times)”
Every Tuesday, our very own Antonia Jurkovic, Psy.D., hosts the Queer Mindfulness Drop-In Practice Group. We spoke with her recently about what this group is and how it can be a useful space for the queer community. What is the Queer Mindfulness Drop-In Practice Group?Queer mindfulness is weekly, virtual, drop-in support group where queer folks […] Read more “A Conversation About Queer Mindfulness”
It’s our privilege to introduce you to LifeWorks’ pre-doctoral intern for 2021-22, Carolina Arboleda, M.A. How did you first learn about LifeWorks?I learned about LifeWorks through the pre-doctoral internship process. What drew you to LifeWorks? I was drawn to LifeWorks due to the emphasis on depth psychotherapy and the diverse populations served at this site, including […] Read more “Meet Carolina Arboleda, M.A.”
