What are your intentions in this new year? Mine are not complicated, at least in my head. My singular intention is to just do better and live a little easier. Counseling is a way to do better and live easier. I met with my counselor today, in fact. I was excited to share with her how well I’ve been doing since we last met. I needed to pat myself on the back and hear her positive affirmations. Counseling doesn’t always have to be about the next crisis or processing the last defeating event. Counseling is about sitting with someone who meets you where you are and helps you get to where you’re going. However, individual counseling isn’t for everyone. For some, that’s too much focus on themselves and can be anxiety provoking. In fact, some people do better in group therapy.
I’m excited to be forming YANA groups for the LGBTQIA+ adults in Texas. YANA groups (short for you are not alone) are a place for this community to journey together and live easier in navigating unique community challenges. Topics covered in group will vary but include:
- Safety (emotional, physical, political spiritual)
- Shame and vulnerability
- Family dynamics (birth family, family of choice)
- Relationship dynamics (romantic, platonic, sexual, workplace)
- Spirituality and religion
- Oppressive forces
- Disclosure and coming out
If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and feel group counseling might be a good thing for you, I’d be honored for you to join YANA. For more information visit www.matt-trietsch.com/yana/.
