UpLift’s Post

At UpLift, we know that affirming care looks different for everyone, and that holds true for the LGBTQIA+ population. Timed with this past month’s Pride celebration, UpLift hosted a webinar for mental health providers and TAO’s higher ed counseling center staff to discuss how to better serve LGBTQIA+ clients. The topic: “Building Bridges–Sharing What Works in LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Care,” offered deep insight and learnings that are valuable, practical, personal and actionable. Thank you to our moderator, Emma Holland, a community activist, and to all the clinicians who shared their experiences of what’s worked for them to provide affirming care. The panel included Caitlin Hughes, LPC (Staff clinician at Fairfield University), Victor Rivera Sink, LCMHC (UpLift therapist), and Dr. Rajkaran Sachdej MD (UpLift psychiatrist). Here’s why affirming care matters: A landmark 2018 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that transgender youth who could use accurate names and pronouns experienced 71% fewer symptoms of severe depression, a 34% drop in reported suicidal thoughts, and a 65% decrease in suicide attempts. Inclusive care saves lives. In a world where hatred, discrimination, and violence threaten the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of LGBTQIA+ people, mental health providers can hold space for people to feel safe. UpLift’s integrated behavioral health platform helps members find the right team of providers that match with their needs and comfort level, all based on their clinical and non-clinical needs. We deliver next-day, in-network therapy and psychiatry through a national network of thousands of highly vetted, licensed providers. We gathered eight overarching takeaways and resources for providers seeking to deepen their understanding, so clients can trust they’re getting the care they need and deserve. You can read about the webinar here: https://lnkd.in/eRDSUBub and, as always, we welcome your ideas and comments.

The Power of LGBTQ-Affirming Therapy LGBTQ-affirming therapists create safe spaces where clients can be their authentic selves. Acceptance and understanding are at the core of this approach. And it’s not just for LGBTQ individuals. It's a safe and supportive space for everyone to discuss all issues – including gender, sexuality, and relationships – in a very open way and an atmosphere of understanding, empathy, and compassion. It's a place where everyone's story is heard and respected, ensuring that all individuals feel welcomed and accepted. While many things have improved from a legal and societal standpoint, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) people still face significant stigma, bias, harassment, and discrimination because of their sexuality and gender identity, even in major cities. And these experiences harm our mental health. Check out my blog post on this topic, and share it with anyone you think this might be helpful to. https://lnkd.in/gy_Zp5P6

A recent paper exploring the stress of being "outed" to parents - lack of agency and links with mental health difficulties. #gender #research #adolescentmentalhealth #lgbtq #lgbtqcommunity #genderdiversity #sexuality #identity #queercommunity

Understanding LGBTQIA+ and mental health 🏳️🌈 Many people identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, queer individuals, those who are questioning their identity, intersexual identities, and asexuals. (Although it's important to remember this spectrum is vast, and some may define themselves differently.) However, while mental health issues can affect anyone, LGBTQIA+ individuals face a higher risk of experiencing low self-esteem, depression and anxiety (including social anxiety), substance abuse, self-harm and suicidal thoughts as they face greater risk of being exposed to : 👉 Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia 👉 Stigma and discrimination 👉 Difficulties surrounding coming out 👉 Social isolation, exclusion, and rejection But here at Mikesyline, we want to help spread a message of hope and inclusivity, reminding you that you are not alone. By reaching out to us today, we can help you find the support you need from experienced professionals who are on hand to help you take those next brave steps towards self-discovery and acceptance. At Mikeysline, we offer a safe space to explore your feelings, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and connect with your authentic self. By embracing your true identity you can unlock a world of confidence, positivity, and a newfound sense of belonging. #MentalHealth #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA #SuicidePrevention #HighlandCharity #MentalHealthScotland #BeeTheChange #Mikeysline #Itsoknottobeok

Why Feelings and Emotions Aren't Enough Last week, I wrote a post titled "Navigating LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Church" which sparked a lot of discussions. The reality is that Christians (and churches) strive to find the best path forward but struggle. This should serve as a follow-up post since similar questions kept coming up in the conversations following the post. The intersection of faith, mental health, and LGBTQ+ issues has become increasingly complex and sensitive. Addressing real-life situations requires us to have both theological grace and a compassionate understanding, while not turning a blind eye to the physiological and psychological realities involved. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 - ESV) This article aims to shed light on these nuances, providing cultural observations supported by current research. Read the post at https://lnkd.in/g-X9Z_FK or check link in bio.

🎙️🏳️🌈This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Kristen Crowe (they/she) explore how to understand your k!nk/B*SM desires and explore them in therapy. In this episode we discuss: ❤️🔥I am in a B*SM relationship and I tried to talk about it once with my therapist, but they said it reflected a deeper self esteem problem. Is there something wrong with me? 🫣I have been interested in exploring B*SM but don’t know how to bring it up to my therapist. We haven’t talked about sexuality except “I’m dating so-and-so” and I don’t know if it’s appropriate to talk about actual sex. 🫦Will my therapist understand that I have a “play partner” outside my primary relationships, and we go to “play parties” and I don’t want to stop? 👀Someone I’m dating is interested in exploring B*SM with me and I’m feeling a little nervous. If I’m nervous, what kind of support can I ask from my therapist? ⛓️One thing I like about B*SM is that it feels dangerous, but I don’t want my therapist to think I’m practicing “risky behaviors” or tell me to stop. How do I ask for a safe space in general with my therapist? 🏳️🌈🎙️ Join us as we dive into the tantalizing curiosities of these sexual experiences and find ways to explore with safe partners and find an s3x-positive therapist. #Podcast #LGBTQ #SexPositive #Therapy #Kink #BDSM #MentalHealth #SexualWellness #TherapistSupport #OpenConversations #SafeSpace #RelationshipGoals #SexualExploration #OpenSpaceTherapyCollective #InclusiveTherapy #RenaeJohnson #KristenCrowe

Ensuring the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals through effective therapy practices is not just a task, but a profound responsibility that therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals carry. Read more at my blog post below! #pridemonth #LGBTQ+ #therapypractices #mentalhealth https://lnkd.in/d5mDWZQ7

😍 🌈2 Months of The Queerness Diaries 🌈🌷 I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone that has been part of the journey so far, for me it´s not about the views that is the success, it is meeting amazing people and getting to have this incredibly healing journey for myself to. Doing this on top of my day job would be a lot if I didn´t absolutely love what I do, so I want to express my gratitude for all the incredible stories that have been shared with me. It has been amazing to see the courage and vulnerability in opening up about our authentic experiences as queer individuals, and discussing important topics such as mental health. I truly appreciate all the stories that have been shared so far. As someone who has struggled with finding my identity, navigating body dysmorphia and ADHD in the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the importance of having a safe space to talk about these challenges. I wish I had someone to listen to me when I was going through similar struggles in Madrid at 25, trying to find connection while feeling lost. Despite the pressures and prejudices that the LGBTQ+ community faces, I have seen firsthand the resilience and strength that comes from sharing our stories. I am grateful for the opportunity to create a platform where we can come together to discuss important topics and support each other. I am excited to continue this podcast and hear from different guests each week. Your willingness to share your personal experiences is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from each and every one of you. Thank you for your ongoing support and for being a part of this important conversation. 🌈 🌈 🌈 🌈 - Relationships - Being emotionally open about our queer lives with our friends/family/partner - Dating Apps - Workplace discrimination - Social media and effect on body image - Sexual Health - Being queer and also having mental health struggles (for me ADHD/Epilepsy) - Peter Pan Syndrome - Religion - Partying, Escapism and Chills - Queer Identity - PTSD & Recovery - Bullying within our community experiences - Trauma (Both mental & physical) - Internalized homophobia - Ageing and loneliness (and many more topics) If you are interested and have a story to tell lets hear it 😍 . #mentalhealth #podcast #gay #lgbt #lgbtqia+ #relationships #grindr #tinder #gays #pride

Let's explore how faith and mental health intersect with LGBTQ+ inclusion. Learn how we can navigate these complex issues with grace and truth. #Faith #MentalHealth #LGBTQInclusion

The LGBTQ+ community thrives on chosen families – the friends, partners, and allies who celebrate and support our true selves. But for some of us, the people we're born into don't offer that same acceptance. Facing homophobia from loved ones can be incredibly isolating, leading to feelings of loneliness and depression. This can be especially challenging for young people navigating their sexuality or gender identity, who often rely on their families for guidance and support. Homophobia aren't always blatant acts of aggression. Sometimes they manifest in more subtle ways that can be equally destructive. Disapproving glances across the dinner table, dismissive comments about chosen partners, or the refusal to acknowledge someone's chosen pronouns – these seemingly insignificant actions chip away at one's sense of self-worth and belonging. In more extreme cases, homophobia can present as outright discrimination, denial of basic rights like marriage or adoption, or even physical threats. Regardless of the form it takes, experiencing rejection from loved ones can leave a lasting scar on an individual's mental health. Here at NYC Affirmative Psychotherapy, we understand the complexities of navigating relationships with unsupportive families. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in working with LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced homophobia from loved ones. We offer a safe and affirming space to explore your feelings, develop coping mechanisms, and build strategies for navigating challenging family dynamics. Our therapists can also help you cultivate strong relationships within your chosen family network, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Click the link in the bio or send us a message today #NYCAffirmativePsychotherapy #mentalhealthreminder #mentalhealthmatters #affirmativetherapy #POCLGBTQ+ #traumarecovery #healing #mentalhealthsupport #