Category

Personal Growth and Resilience

Highlight stories and techniques for personal growth and resilience-building, with a focus on overcoming adversity and challenges specific to transgender individuals.

LGBTQ college student looks at a laptop screen

Empowering LGBTQ College Students with ADHD: Thriving in University with the Right Support

Robbin is a sophomore at university, majoring in Sociology. They identify as queer and have been diagnosed with ADHD. Lately, Robbin has been struggling with feelings of overwhelm. The demands of coursework, coupled with the complexities of navigating their identity on campus, have made it difficult for them to focus....
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A lesbian couple reading a book

Book Review: The Gender Friend by Oakley Phoenix

Introduction Oakley Phoenix’s The Gender Friend: A 102 Guide to Gender Identity is a refreshing and insightful addition to the growing body of literature on gender exploration and identity. This book, with its engaging mix of personal storytelling, practical exercises, and compassionate guidance, is an invaluable resource for therapists, clients,...
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Two women sitting close together outdoors

Book Review: Trans Love by Freiya Benson

Introduction Trans Love: An Anthology of Transgender and Non-Binary Voices edited by Freiya Benson is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a lifeline, a source of validation, and a testament to the profound ways love can manifest in the lives of transgender and non-binary individuals. As a psychotherapist who...
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A person in a dress hides behind a mirror

Weaving Flames of Liberation: A Manifesto for the Resilient

In the silent eloquence of our survival, in the loud testimonies of our pain, lies the truth I have come to know. A truth as subversive as it is liberating, for it defies the very foundations of a system draped in privilege, a system that whispers incessantly, “You cannot,” with...
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Feminine-presenting child reading a book while siting on a stack of books

Book Review: What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD and Oprah Winfrey

Introduction “People think about therapy as something that involves going in and undoing what’s happened, but whatever your past experiences created in your brain, the associations exist, and you can’t just delete them. You can’t get rid of the past. Therapy is more about building new associations, making new healthier...
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A profile of a feminine body with an inner natural landscape that is placed over the mind

Book Review | The Haunted Self by Onno van der Hart, Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele

Introduction The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization by Onno van der Hart, Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele is a deeply influential work in the field of trauma therapy, particularly for those of us who regularly engage with clients experiencing complex and chronic trauma....
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Group of young folx celebrating queer pride

Book Review: Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Nonmonogamy by Jessica Fern

Introduction For those curious about therapy, attachment theory, and the complexities of consensual nonmonogamy (CNM), “Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Nonmonogamy” by Jessica Fern is a revolutionary read. As a psychotherapist and expert in nonmonogamous relationships, Fern provides a detailed exploration of how attachment theory—traditionally applied to monogamous relationships—can be...
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Closeup shot of a sporty young person out for a run

Book Review: Queer Body Power by Essie Dennis

Introduction Essie Dennis’ Queer Body Power (2022) is a vital and timely exploration of queer identity, body image, and the intersections of gender, race, and ability. This book goes beyond the surface of body positivity, diving deeply into the personal and political realities that shape how queer bodies are viewed,...
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Portrait of brunette person with natural look and without makeup on black background

What does hope mean (and not mean) to us?

In our collective psyche, hope is often revered as a beacon of optimism in an uncertain world, a lifeline we’re encouraged to grasp, even in the darkest times. From a tender age, we’re taught to “be hopeful,” “never give up hope,” and that “there is always room for hope.” Society...
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A person in a dress hides behind a mirror

Embracing the Unveiled Self: The Journey to Authenticity for Trans* and Queer People

Introduction In recognition of Pride Month 2023, we turn our attention to the words of Alexander Leon, a renowned LGBTQ activist and writer in the UK. In one of his tweets, Leon encapsulated a shared reality, stating, “Queer people don’t grow up as ourselves. We grow up playing a version...
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