Hello!
Welcome to the MN LGBTQA Therapists eNewsletter!

What's Up with The Network?

• Happenings of the Network
• Network Steering Committee Update
• 2010 Conference Notes
• Groups
• Therapist Wanted/New Consultation Group
• Conferences & Workshops
• Upcoming Events
• LGBT News Bits
• Resources of Interest
• Office Space Wanted & For Rent
• Quote of the Day
• NEXT ISSUE: MEMBER NEWS UPDATES!  Are you doing a group or a workshop? PLEASE LET US KNOW. Get free publicity here! Submissions due by: Fri., 6/5.

Advertise your business in this eNewsletter! It is a perk of your paid membership. Send us your contact info and client populations & see it printed in the next eNewsletter on Tuesday, 6/9.
This eNewsletter reaches over 115 psychotherapists and organizations, and is growing every week!  Become a member! YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF ON OUR WEB!

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: www.LGBTtherapists.org

Happenings of "THE NETWORK"!

I.  The MN.LGBT Therapist Network Booth at PRIDE 2009!
TC Pride Week-end is June 27 & 28. Look for our table at PRIDE!
 
If you want to participate on the PRIDE Booth Creative Team (which will design the Booth), CONTACT Dennis Christian <support@dennischristian.com > We will be having a meeting within the next couple weeks.

PUBLICIZE YOUR PRACTICE AT PRIDE!
INCENTIVE FOR MEMBERS!! There are a few more spots remaining. Contribute $20.00 (to offset the cost of the PRIDE booth) and you may leave a stack of your business cards or brochures at the table to be passed out with our MN.LGBT Therapists' Network card.   If you have signed up but have not yet paid your $20 please do so soon, as spots are now limited. Pay on our website through PAYPAL or mail a check to the address on the website. www.LGBTtherapists.org

II. LGBTQ Mental Health Issues MIDWEST Conference at UM:
March 26, 2010!

Do you want to present a workshop or facilitate a panel at the Conference? Workshop Proposal Applications will be available from our website by June 15.
(See more info below-Steering Committee News)

Conference Date: Friday, March 26, 2010
Title: "Beyond the Boxes: Emerging Trends in LGBTQ Mental Health"
Location: Coffman Memorial Union, Third Floor, UM-Minneapolis Campus Three Tracks: clinical, research, community
MN.LGBT Therapists' Network is in collaboration with the GLBTA Programs Office at the University of Minnesota to co-spnsor an all-day midwest conference on LGBTQ mental health issues. Planning has begun and your participation will help guarantee a successful conference.

This one-day conference, which will be held at the UM in Spring 2010, will be open to mental health professionals and students in the mental health fields.

"The Network":
Steering Committee Update:
JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE or the PRIDE Table sub-committee or the 2010 Conference sub-committee.

All members are welcome to join the steering committee or Conference Planning sub-committees or come to meetings!  We need help and ideas!

Next Steering Committee Meeting:
DATE: Friday, June 5, 2009
TIME: 11-1pm (bring your bag lunch)
PLACE: The Semple Mansion: Office of Irene Greene, Suite 203, 100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, 55404
Located across from the Plymouth Congregational Church. Ample free parking in front of the building and in the Plymouth Congregational Church lot across the street (across LaSalle Avenue). All members welcome!

Steering Committee Agenda: (first 1/2 hour: The Network steering committee business mtg; second part: Conference Planning Committee Mtg):
11-1130: The Network Business Meeting
 
11:30-1:00: Conference Planning Meeting

Contact Irene @ irenegreene@earthlink.net or 612.874.6442 if you would like information about any of these above activities and/or to help.

The Network Steering Committee:  Dennis Christian, Mindy Benowitz, Phil Oxman, Owen Konecnik, Bonnie Berg, & Irene Greene.
www.LGBTtherapists.org
Check out our website:www.LGBTtherapists.org  
Find your information and check out other therapists' information.

2010 Conference Notes:

(1) Help us publicize the conference.
DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE?
If you do, would you be willing to post information about our 2010 Conference on your website and put a link to the Network for more information? We will supply you with the content. PLEASE contact Dennis Christian <support@dennischristian.com >

(2) Serve on A Committee:
Network Members may participate in the Conference Planning in the following ways:
1. General Conference Planning Committee, Co-Chairs: Irene Greene (irenegreene@earthlink.net ) & Anne Phibbs, UM GLBTA Programs Office)
2. Program Committee, Chair, Bonnie Burg (bburglcsw@aol.com ) (The next formal meeting of the Program Committee is Friday, 9/11, 10:30-11:30am at 100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis)
3. Community Liaison Committee, Chair, Owen Konecnik (owen@counselorminneapolis.com )
4. Publicity Committee, Chair Dennis Christian (support@dennischristian.com )

Sign Up.  Be Involved.  Spread the Word. Think about doing a workshop proposal.

WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION.

A Note from White Ash about our Web Site:
(White Ash is our website master! Thank you!)
Greetings!  It was a pleasure meeting many of you at the last panel discussion.  Check out the changes to the LGBT Therapists website <http://www.lgbttherapists.org/ > .  We have added "allied" to our header and mission statement.  The home page now shows a listing of events that link to more details and an archive.  We have changed out all of the pictures.  Enjoy the freshness!

GROUPS:

Sexual Abuse Therapy Group for Women:
Therapy group for survivors of childhood and/or young adult sexual abuse or trauma. This group for high-functioning women offers: opportunities for sharing abuse stories; explores the impact of abuse on self-esteem, relationships, & sexuality; explores strategies to deal with intrusive memories, feelings of anger, shame and self-hate; and explores family of origin issues, current life needs and issues, and self-care.
Group meets Tuesdays, 415-545
Co-leaders: Mindy Benowitz & Irene Greene
100 West Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN  55404
For more information: 612.870.0398
Most insurance accepted.

Therapist Wanted, New Consultation Group:
  (FYI: Requests for therapists are open to ANY Network members. These come to us via email from our website. Any Network member who wants to respond to a request is welcome to do so. it is a perk of your membership.)
(1) Therapist wanted:
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Name: Kris
I'm desperatley seeking a therapist that I can meet with to help me with some serious issues in my life right now.  The problem is I dont't know who to choose as there are so many out there.  My wife is dying of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, we are living off of my income only right now and trying to raise a 7 yr old son.  I'm overwhelmed and have been putting this decision off for a long time.  Can you please help me?  Thank you for your time.
email back to: bottolfsonk@yahoo.com

(2) New Consultation/Supervision Group Starting:
I am starting a consultation/supervision group starting June 3rd Wednesday, 12 to 1PM. We will meet the first and third Wednesdays of the month (or more often if interested) at my office 4500 Park Glen Road Suite 155 St. Louis Park (Hwy 7 and Hwy 100). Sliding fee scale. I am flexible for times and dates. Please call if interested, Cynthia Haakana, Ph.D., L.P. 952.928.0618. chaakana@comcast.net

Conferences & Workshops:

(1) Beating the Sugar Blues Workshop:
A Workshop by Johanna Eager and Jill Randerson of  Shine Health Counseling
Thursday, May 28, 2009
6:30pm - 8:30pm
At True Colors Bookstore
4755 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis
Phone: 6128219630
Email: tc@truecolorsbookstore.com

Are you suffering from the Sugar Blues? Are you constantly craving sweets and want to understand why? Do you want to gain control without deprivation? This is the workshop for you: Sugar is a major addiction. We'll help you understand the causes of your cravings. We'll give you practical tools to overcome them that do not involve will power. This workshop will permanently change your relationship with sugar.

Presented by Johanna Eager and Jill Randerson of Shine Health Counseling. Johanna and Jill are Holistic Health Counselors. Their goal is to help you find your ideal body and lifestyle without deprivation or denial. Tired of dieting? This is your time to shine! www.shinehealthcounseling.com

(2) Sexy Spring VI Conference: THE conference on issues related to sexuality, sexual exploration, and diverse sexual practices.
WHEN: June 5-7, 2009
WHERE: Minneapolis, Minnesota
WHAT: Workshops/skillshares focused on exploring the ways our gender, bodies, health, sexuality, choices, communication, relationships, and sex affect our lives and communities.  A variety of exploration methods are used, including workshops/skillshares, discussions, networking, demonstrations, art, storytelling, performance, play, etc..

  Sexy Spring is a product of the people who assist plan, coordinate, and host as much as the people who attend and participate.  Therefore, Sexy Spring seeks to attract a very diverse collection of perspectives to attend, as well as assist plan, coordinate, and host. The scope of Sexy Spring is very broad and applicable to very diverse audiences: encompassing body, health, values, beliefs, opinions, perspectives, communities, cultures, expression, relationships, activities, practices, and accessories.

WEBSITE: http://sexyspring.org/
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: http://sexyspring.org/practical-info/sexy-spring-vi-schedule/
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime via e-mail (lhhegland@precisainc.com ) or telephone (612.378.7028).
Lance H. Hegland, Outreach Consultant

Upcoming Events: 

(1) Youth Pride at the Park:  June 4, 2009    4:00-7:30pm  Loring Park, Minneapolis
(near 15th St and Willow)
 
There will be free food, raffle, entertainment, fun, and games!!
 Entertainment hosted by the Trans Youth Support Network (TYSN).
If you are interested in performing, contact TYSN at transyouthsupportnetwork@gmail.com <mailto:transyouthsupportnetwork@gmail.com >
 
Youth Pride is a collaborative initiative of: The Depot, District 202, GLBT KIDS: Abuse Intervention Program, MSOC, Out 4 Good, Out for Equity, Youthlink, Youth and AIDS Project, GLBT Host Home Program of Avenues for Homeless Youth, Trans Youth Support Network (TYSN)
 
*Rain out location is District 202 (1601 Nicollet Ave. S.)*

(2) National LGBTQ Youth Awareness Week:

National LGBTQ Youth Awareness Week starts May 25! The five-day Awareness Week is designed to highlight some of the significant issues faced by today's LGBTQ youth, empower them to continue their involvement in solution-making, and to honor the many allies and programs that are working to support LGBTQ young adults in the face of disenfranchisement and discrimination.  As part of the Awareness Week, NYAC, and the more than 2,500 youth-serving organizations that it works with, will coordinate activities and programs aimed at raising awareness about youth issues within the broader LGBTQ movement. Here is the theme for each day:
 ·    Monday, May 25: Honoring the Silenced LGBTQ Youth Serving in the Military
 ·    Tuesday, May 26: Putting An End to Violence Aimed at LGBTQ Youth
 ·    Wednesday, May 27: Addressing the Crisis of LGBTQ Youth Homelessness
 ·    Thursday, May 28: Creating Safe Schools and Community Spaces for LGBTQ Youth
 ·    Friday, May 29: Providing LGBTQ Youth with Resources to Stay Healthy For up to date information about National LGBTQ Youth Awareness Week
Gregory Varnum [mailto:nyac@nyacyouth.org]

(3) Rainbow Families Children's Choir 2009:
Attention all parents with children, ages 4 and up, who love to sing, play, and make new friends! Rehearsals began Monday, May 11, and will be held from 6:00-6:30 pm each time. We rehearse for 30 minutes and then head to the park nearby for some playtime. Peter Vitale, the choir director, will provide snacks at the first rehearsal, and sign-up volunteers for future snacks.

Rehearsal Dates:
We ask that you find at least 3 of the 6 rehearsals to attend Monday, May 11
Tuesday, May 18
Tuesday, May 26
Monday, June 1
Thursday, June 4
Monday, June 8 Location: Peter Vitale's house (email Peter for address) Interested/Questions: Email Peter at pvitale149@yahoo.com to sign up

The Children's Choir will perform at the following concerts:
Monday, June 22, 7:00pm, Pride Concert with the Freedom Band at Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis
Saturday, June 27, 1:00pm: Twin Cities Pride Festival, Loring Park, Minneapolis We'll be doing some songs from the Radio Disney "canon". They're all basic, pop, top-40 sounding things, but some of the lyrics are quite sweet and energizing. So in our hands, I'm sure we can make it rock!
 
 
 

LGBT News Bits:

Prop. 8 upheld in California
Date: Tue, 26 May 2009

"....The California Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 8 and allowed discrimination to be written into the California Constitution.
 
Despite the recent gains in Iowa, Vermont, and Maine, California will not become the sixth state to grant full marriage equality to same-sex couples. The only silver lining right now is that loving couples married before the Prop. 8 decision have been allowed to retain their marital status despite the ruling."
 
 Rea Carey, Executive Director
 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

Resources of Interest:

(1) Resources for LGBTQ Kids:

www.everyfamilymatters.org/glbtkids
 
statewide GLBT KIDS Information Line:
1-877-GLBT-KID (1-877-452-8543)
 
Sign up for Minnesota School OUTreach Coalition monthly enews:
MnSOC-news-subscribe@npogroups.org

Leigh Combs
GLBT KIDS: Abuse Intervention
Program Coordinator
Family & Children's Service
4123 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406-2028
612-728-2079

(2) New Resource: LGBT Family Faith Curriculum
From: "Jennifer Chrisler, Family Equality Council" <director@familyequality.org >
Tue, 19 May 2009

Dear Families and Friends, 
Over the last few years, we've asked you what areas of family life you want Family Equality Council to focus our work on. Time and again, making faith communities more welcoming and affirming of LGBT families has topped your lists. That's why I'm very excited to share with you the release of a new LGBT family-inclusive faith curriculum, All in God's Family: Creating Allies for Our LGBT Families....This multimedia resource engages faith communities and faith leaders in conversation on how best to embrace our families.

Faith is an important part of many of our lives. All in God's Family provides a guiding hand to those who seek to make their faith communities more knowledgeable about and inclusive of LGBT families, from lessons on scripture to activity suggestions and more.  In the months and years to come, we will expand on this work. To do that, and to encourage faith communities to adopt the curriculum now, we need to hear from you.

Tell us how your faith community makes your family feel
welcomed and included and/or what makes you feel less
included...

I look forward to hearing from you and your family as you
share your stories and provide feedback on this new
resource for LGBT families. 

All my best, 
Jennifer Chrisler
Executive Director
Family Equality Council
PO Box 206
Boston, MA  02133    
Telephone Number: (617) 502-8700

Office Space Wanted/For Rent:

(1)Space Wanted:
 I'm looking for a new professional office to share or sublet, in St  Paul or Minneapolis, either long-or short-term.
    You may wish to check my website: http://www.bmsreiki.com
    Please call or e-mail if you have a space that would accommodate a 
desk, 2 chairs, a massage table for Reiki treatments, and some space 
to do a bit of     movement work-stretches, etc.
    I look forward to hearing from you!
   
    Barbara M. Simmonds, M.A., Personal Life Coach~Reiki 
Master~Psychotherapist
    Phone:     612 827-2877
    E-Mail:     barbarasimmonds@bmsreiki.com

(2) Space Available in St. Paul:
Office space available in newly renovated building off of University and Fairview in St. Paul. Will have own office with another therapist in the space, with a group of therapists across the hall. On the bus line, close to the freeway, very reasonable rent. Includes furnished waiting area, fax and phone. Contact Kaye Mason or Michelle Linnihan at 651.645.5372 or mlinnihan@comcast.net .

   

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"The sense of psychological and spiritual well-being that comes from practicing forgiveness comes directly because this practice takes us to the edge of what we can accept."
               -Sharon Salzberg, Author: Loving Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness

About this eNewsletter:
The MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter is a free networking tool for members of the LGBT Therapist Network. All Network members are welcome to contribute to this grass-roots bi-weekly eNewsletter. Just send your referral question, announcement, member accomplishment, space available information, event, conference, workshop, group information, or other pertinent notice to irenegreene@earthlink.net .

The MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter is sent out every second Tuesday of the month.  All responses to questions, ads, workshops, etc. should be emailed directly back to the contact person in the notice. If you want your name added or deleted from the Network email list, please contact us.  Please note that if you do decide to delete your email, you will no longer receive general Network
communications, such as event announcements.

If you want to become a member of this organization please visit:  <http://www.LGBTTherapists.org >
Thank you! Irene Greene, MN LGBT Therapist eNewsletter Coordinator