What's Up with The Network?

• Happenings of the Network
• Network Steering Committee Update
• Groups Offered
• Related to Therapists
• Conferences & Workshops
• Upcoming Events
• LGBT News Bits
• Office Space For Rent
• 2010 Conference Notes
• Quote of the Day
• NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, 8/4; Submissions due by: Fri., 7/31.

Are you doing a group? Or do you work with a particular client population? Doing a workshop? Have info that other LGBTQ therapists might want to know? Advertise your business in this eNewsletter! It is a perk of your paid membership. Send us your stuff.
This eNewsletter reaches 127(!) LGBTQA 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"!

The Network's Next CEU Program:
Mark Your Calendars!
Date:  September 25, 2009, Noon to p.m.
Where:  The Nancy Baltins Room at Plymouth Congregational Church located at 1900 Nicollet Avenue South in Minneapolis
Topic: Mental health issues and people who are transgender
Presented by: Xavier Schmitz, MSW, LICSW, Sexual Health Institute, Minneapolis
Non-Members: $20; Members: $15; Students & Seniors: $10
Snacks provided.
More information to follow.

Next Network Steering Committee Meeting:
Friday, August 14, 2009 1-130; Office of Irene Greene, 100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN  55404  612.874.6442 (This meeting follows the 2010 Conference Planning Meeting; see more information below)

DO YOU WANT A NETWORK T-Shirt or Baseball Cap?
Sport a Network t-shirt! They are savvy, smart-looking, and oh, so fashionable! They have our Network logo; the same neat and colorful design that graces our Network business cards. (Big thanks to Owen!) $5 will get you one. Caps are a bit more. FFI: Contact: Owen Konecnik, 612-558-6094 (owen@counselorminneapolis.com )

"The Network":
Steering Committee Meeting Friday, August 14:

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 & Conference Planning Meeting: 
DATE: Friday, August 14, 2009
TIME: 1130-130pm
PLACE: Office of Irene Greene, Suite 203, 100 West Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404    irenegreene@earthlink.net   612.874.6442 
 
Steering Committee Agenda: (First part: Conference Planning Committee Mtg. The last 1/2 hour: The Network Steering Committee Business mtg):
1130-1pm: UM/Network Conference Committee Planning Meeting with Anne Phibbs,  UM GLBT Programs Office.
100-1:30: The Network Business Meeting: Membership Update & Renewal Time Process; Finalize Fall Program.

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.

Groups Offered:

(1) Support Group in St. Cloud for LGBTQA Teens:
OUTside The Lines Support Group is a safe place for LGBTQA teens to explore issues important to them and other LGBTQA teens. Join other LGBTQA teens in discussions about sexual orientation and growing up.  This support group will help LGBTQA teens foster a positive sense of self and reduce isolation.
Ages: 13 to 17
Time: August, 2009
Please visit us at http://www.elementmentalhealth.vpweb.com for updates on support group information. Also available on Element Mental Health Service's website is information about our other services and resources.

 Troy R Weber-Brown, MS, LAMFT
<tweber-brown@elementmentalhealth.vpweb.com >
227 10th Avenue North
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
320-492-4525
Fax: 320-259-0791

(2) Therapy Group for Gay Men 50+:
I am starting a weekly open-ended therapy group for gay men who are 50+ years old. The group will meet on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. I am limiting the group to seven men. Membership will require a one hour meeting with me to determine mutual appropriateness. The group will begin on Saturday, August 8, 2009. The fee is $70 per session and the intake is $150. For people with insurance problems, I'm saving a couple of sliding fee seats.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 612-990-0649. Thank you for your consideration of referrals.
Steve Burns, Ph.D., L.P.
Northland Therapy Center
2324 University Ave. West
Saint Paul, MN  55114
<burnsphd@comcast.net >

(3) Process Group for Partners & Spouses of Transgender Individuals:
We are offering a new 12-week therapy process group for partners and spouses of transgender individuals. Initial intake appointment needed prior to group participation.

Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7 pm
September 15 - December 1, 2009
Medical Arts Building, Suite 1655
825 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN  55402
Insurance accepted.
Facilitators: Lisa M. Chase, LICSW at 651-278-5370
 & Linda H. Reiss, MA, LP at 612-296-6585

(4) A Circle of Women Therapy Group:
The group will gather around issues common to women's lives such as relationships, identity, self-esteem, work and family.
2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month: 830-1030am.
Starts in the fall.
Location: Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center, Lakeville.
 Facilitated by: Kris Loestner, LICSW & Jennifer Pearson, LMFT
Cost: $75/group. Some insurance reimbursement
www.lakewoodcounseling.com
FFI: Kris or Jenny at 612.798.7373 ext. 12 or ext. 15

(5) Transgender Therapeutic Support Group:
Announcing a new therapeutic support group for adults identifying as or questioning identities on the transgender spectrum.
Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm
            Sexual Health Institute
                 1409 Willow St. Ste. 400       
                 Minneapolis, MN 55403
            http://www.sexualhealthinstitute.org/
Facilitator:         Xavier Schmitz, MSW, LICSW
Fee:             $30 per group
(Free screening interview and 5 session commitment required.)
To Register:     Contact Xavier Schmitz, MSW, LICSW
             612 872-1500
             xavier@sexualhealthinstitute.org

Related to Therapists:

GLBT Teen Support Group Info Wanted:
(If anyone out there has any suggestions for this therapist, please respond to them at their email address. This inquiry came through our Network emails.)
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Name: Jaime Monson, (jmonson@voamn.org )
Hello, I am a therapist working with a client in the northwest metro area (she lives in Maple Grove, but goes to school in Brooklyn Park/Center area) who is actively searching for a GLBT support group.  She is 17 years old and is mature.  She has recently felt comfortable enough to disclose to me that she is a lesbian and is looking for friends and support.  She is proud of herself for taking this step, which is fantastic!!  Anyway, if you are aware of anything that I could point her to, that would be fantastic.  Thanks so much for your help!

Are you a therapist who identifies herself as lesbian?
Research Participants Needed for Study!
Are you a therapist who identifies herself as lesbian?  You are invited to participate in a study on the decision making process of lesbian therapists disclosure of sexual orientation.  My name is Michelle Mongeon, and I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University.  I am conducting this study to fulfill the requirements for completion of my degree.  Engaging in this study involves one interview that will take approximately one or two hours. 

The results of this study will hopefully assist therapists to better understand the decision making process of self-disclosure in regard to sexual orientation.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions about this study.  You may contact me, Michelle Mongeon, at (218) 230-3431, or by email at mmongeon@msp.stu.argosy.edu .  You may contact my chair, Hideko Sera, at (651) 846-3569, or by email at hisera@argosy.edu .

Conferences & Workshops:

(1) The Rage of the Predator "The Power of Instincts"
A Workshop On Helping Women To Detach From And Avoid Predatory Relationships August 21, 2009
Ramada Grand Rios Hotel & Waterpark,
6900 Lakeland Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
 $85.00 per person

Featuring: Kathryn Alice, RScP and Linda J. Etim, MSW, LICSW

This workshop has been designed to increase the insight and awareness of professionals working with women and adolescent females who have fallen prey to predators regarding: The Psyche of a Predator, Adolescent as Prey & the Naive Female, Vulnerable Spots In the Female Psyche, The Dance Between Predator & Prey, The Power of a Woman's Instincts, Releasing A Person, Changing One's Relationship Blueprint, Calling Forth One's Proper Soulmate, and Turning This Adversity Into Opportunity Using The Predator's Rage.

Participants of this workshop will receive up to 6 CEU credits. Conference approved by the Board of Social Work and pending for the Board of Psychology. Other human service professionals will receive a certificate of attendance which can be used to apply to their professional regulation board for CEU credits.
 FFI: Executive Director - Linda J. Etim - MSW, LICSW, 763-503-7233, creativeexpinc@aol.com Submitted by BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya bravadaakinsanya@hotmail.com <mailto:bravadaakinsanya@hotmail.com >

(2) Social and Emotional Health for All Young People: Expanding Approaches
Summer Institute in Adolescent Health
University of Minnesota
July 27-July 29
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
http://www.nursing.umn.edu/Adolescent_Nursing/Continuing_Education/home.html

(3) Working with the Gay Sex-offender
One day intensive July 28, 8:30am-3:30pm
PRESENTER: WESTON EDWARDS, PHD, LP
co-sponsored with Alpha Human Services
www.pride-institute.com
www. alphaservices.org
CONTENT:
This workshop will explore treatment issues unique to the gay sex offender client. This workshop will examine cultural values within the gay culture, identify how these values shape identity, contribute to acting out behaviors, and shape healthy sexual behaviors. Speci‑c topics such public sex, stages of identity, sexual partners, and HIV prevention will be addressed. Topics relevant to ongoing sexual health will be addressed. Participants will be encouraged to bring questions, experiences and additional resources.
Held at Pride Institute's Outpatient Center, 2110 Lyndate Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
To register please contact Lindsey Tinucci at (952) 934-7554 ext 124 or by email at lindsey.tinucci@pride-institute.com
COST FOR COURSE: $125
Includes 6 CEU Credits
(Board approval applied for LADC*, LMFT, LP, RN* and LICSW)
Lunch, snacks and beverages provided
*Designed to meet cultural diversity requirement.

This conference will be big!!!

"The Network" & UM's GLBTA Program's Office Official Conference Announcement &
Call for Workshop Proposals!!!


Please Distribute & Post and Cut and Paste...Send to your colleagues (queer and straight)...from near and far. We have already received proposal inquiries from three other states!

"Beyond the Boxes: Emerging Trends in LGBTQ Mental Health: A Regional Conference on Mental Health Topics as They Relate to the LGBTQ Communities"

Friday, March 26, 2010
Presented by:
The Minnesota LGBT Therapists' Network &
The GLBTA Programs Office of the University of Minnesota
Held at the University of MN - Coffman Memorial Union

The proposal deadline is October 15, 2009. Proposals available online. See info below.

General Information:
This cutting edge conference will offer over 40 workshops that will
explore changing paradigms in research and clinical practice as they
relate to our understandings of diverse sexual and gender identities, as well as to issues of race, class, ability and sexual practices. This one day conference is committed to challenging stereotypes and bias, providing current mental health information, expanding perspectives, and engaging participants in the areas of clinical work, research and community involvement. This conference will be of particular interest to mental health professionals, health care practitioners, researchers in the health sciences, educators, and students in these fields and is open to any and all interested lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, genderqueer and allied individuals. CEUs in these fields will be available.

Keynote Speaker:
Katherine "Kit" Rachlin, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in New York
and a certified sex therapist. She is an experienced clinician as well
as an energetic advocate for transgender people, their families and
partners. Kit has served on the board of directors of organizations such as FTM-International and The Harry Benjamin Association/World Professional Association for Transgender Health. A member of the American Psychological Association's Taskforce on Gender Identity, she is the author of many published papers and book chapters on transgender health and well being.

Download a Workshop Proposal (PDF) at either website:
MN LGBT Therapist Network at www.lgbttherapists.org
University of MN GLBTA Programs Office at www.glbta.umn.edu

Or contact Bonnie Burg, Conference Program Committee Chair & she will send you one:  651.647.4412

For General Conference Information:
Email: mnlgbtqconference2010@gmail.com
(1) Conference Co-Chair - MN.LGBT Therapist Network:
Irene Greene, 612.874.6442 irenegreene@earthlink.net
(2) Conference Co-Chair - University of Minnesota GLBTA Programs Office:  Anne Phibbs, Director, 612.625.8519 phib0001@umn.edu

Upcoming Events:
(events for us or our clients)

Minnesota Lynx GLBT Discount and AIDS Awareness Night, Aug 1
(The MN Lynx is MN's WNBA Team and they are doing great this year!
Come out and watch some skilled women play basketball!! Support our team.)
Saturday August 1 vs. Phoenix Mercury
Game Starts at 7 pm. Gates Open at 6 pm.
Target Center
600 First Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55403
The Minnesota Lynx are supporting AIDS Awareness and the fight against AIDS! Buy a $30 ticket for just $20 and have a portion of each ticket go back to the Red Ribbon Ride!
To purchase tickets or for more information contact John Cochol by phone @ (612) 673-8412 or e-mail at cochol@lynxbasketball.com
$30 tickets starting as low as $15
$45 tickets starting as low as $22.50
$60 tickets starting as low as $30
For this discount tickets must be purchased in advance.

LGBT News Bits:

Hate Crimes Bill Passes
"July 21, 2009
The Senate has passed the Matthew Shepard Act, the national hate crimes bill!
...The bill will soon be on its way to President Obama's desk, where he'll get a chance to make good on his promise to sign it...."  HRC

Office Space For Rent:

(1) St. Anthony Park, St. Paul
Furnished Part-time Office in fabulous St. Anthony Park neighborhood, St. Paul. 1-3 days available. Comfortable setting and reasonable rent. Opportunity for collegial relationships and consultation. Contact Jil, jil@jileverone.com ; Cheri, cheri@desmondmay.com ; or Signe signe@nestconsult.com .

(2) Space Available in Minneapolis:
Loring Park Office Space
Office space available Tues, Thur, Fri and weekends in beautiful, 1920's art deco building on the east side of Loring Park. Two large offices with high ceilings, Room and Board furniture, waiting room and kitchenette. $150/mo/office per day used. Please contact Suzanne Harman, LICSW at 612.760.6978 if interested or for further information.
sselharman@earthlink.net

2010 Conference Notes:

(1) Do you have a LGBTQ mental health topic that is on the edge or of interest to our peers and allies? Wanta talk about it?
Present at the LGBTQ Mental Health Issues MIDWEST Conference at UM!        March 26, 2010!
PROPOSAL FORMS ARE  NOW AVAILABLE!
Do you want to present a workshop or facilitate a panel at the Conference or know someone in the country or world who would? Workshop Proposal Applications are NOW available for download at our website:
www.lgbttherapists.org
Proposal due date is October 15, 2009

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.

(2) Help us publicize the conference through your website.

If you have a website, would you be willing to post information about our 2010 Conference and put a link to the Network for more information? We will supply you with the content. PLEASE contact Dennis Christian, Conference Publicity Chair at <support@dennischristian.com >  Starting mid-June, we WOULD LIKE TO PUBLICIZE THE REQUEST FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS .

(3) 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, 9/10, 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 )
5. Resource Fair Committee, Co-Chairs Mindy Benowitz, (mbenowitz@aol.com ) & Owen Konecnik, (owen@counselorminneapolis.com )

Sign Up.  Be Involved.  Spread the Word. Think about doing a workshop proposal. WE WILL HAVE MORE COMMITTEES & DO NEED MORE HELP!

WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Resist the urge to over analyze every experience. Live each moment instead."
                                                                                                                               ~ Terry Trespicio

Welcome to the MN LGBTQA Therapists eNewsletter of "The Network." The Network is a MN based grass-roots group of queer & allied mental health therapists, students in mental health related fields, and community mental-health related agencies. Our group shares information and resources that impact our varied work in the mental health fields and that is unique to the particular needs of the LGBTQ communities we live in and serve. We welcome submissions to this eNewsletter that are pertinent to mental health and LGBTQ issues ! All Network members are welcome to contribute to this  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