There has always been a need for knowledgeable, attuned mental health and wellness support, especially for clients who have experienced trauma and oppression. The events of 2020 (the pandemic, the uprisings following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the election and its aftermath, the list goes on) have increased the number of clients who need this support and has likely increased the trauma responses of our existing clients. Clients with marginalized identities are most at risk of negative outcomes related to the pandemic and need competent professionals who can support them and understand the issues that they face.

There are three ways we can help mental health and wellness providers increase their knowledge of trauma and oppression:

The above links will take you to more information about the Foundations Course and Consult Group. Keep reading to learn more about custom training options.

We believe it’s possible to create communities where we can all thrive.

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We help individuals and organizations who want to create environments that are welcoming to all who enter - regardless of their gender or sexuality - but don’t know where to start or are afraid of doing the wrong thing. Our approach focuses on empowering you to participate in nuanced conversations about gender, sexuality, oppression, liberation, and healing. We offer up-to-date information, relevant training, and straightforward strategies to go beyond conversations to taking action to create positive change. We want you to feel confident navigating the complexities of gender and sexuality in your work and relationships.

Many of those who come to our workshops say that they want to support queer and trans people in their families, communities, and workplaces, but they’re afraid they’ll say the wrong thing or don’t know where to start. They feel confused by some of the words they hear and aren’t sure how to use them or if they’re supposed to. Many of the therapists in our workshops come to learn how to better support the LGBTQIA+ clients they’re already seeing.

We believe that sharing our stories with one another can be a bridge to healing and greater understanding. Whether you’re brand new to this topic or looking for new tools to improve the work you’re already doing, we're here to guide you to new levels of confidence.

We work with:

  • Mental Health and Wellness Providers (If you're a therapist, counselor, coach, massage therapist, speech therapist, acupuncturist, herbalist, or other type of practitioner offering LGBTQ-affirming mental health and wellness services you are invited to join the Southern LGBTQ-Affirming Mental Health Resources Facebook group to share resources and referrals.)

  • Public & Private Schools

  • Faith Communities

  • Nonprofit Organizations

  • Healthcare Providers

  • Employers - large and small

Here's what past training participants have to say:

“I attended Heather's Ethical Treatment of Transgender Youth & Their Families workshop. She shared her in-depth knowledge and experience with clarity and heart, demonstrating passion as an educator and therapist.  As a result of the experience, I felt a renewed commitment to engage in the important work of supporting transgender youth and their families.”
Donna Clausen MS, LPCA, NCC, Red Bird Counseling

“Exploring Trans Experience was one of the best workshops I've attended. Heather and Stephen covered the basics of trans identity, gender identity and sexual identity, and the fluidity between them with sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and a strong dose of laughter. I left feeling like I had a deeper understanding of this subject matter, which can feel tricky to get right, and the language to describe it. As an ally to the trans community, I am so grateful for this training.”
Melissa Garrett, member of Land of the Sky UCC

Training TOpics:

  • Ethical Practice for Social Workers

  • Trauma-Informed Practice with LGBTQ-Identified Clients

  • Trauma, Attachment & Transgender/Non-Binary Experiences - designed for mental health and wellness service providers, including but not limited to therapists, counselors, social workers, herbalists, bodyworkers, and acupuncturists

  • Creating a Gender-Affirming Environments - customized for schools, medical offices, churches, and any other organization looking to improve their welcome to all people, regardless of gender.

PAst Presentations:

  • Ethical, Trauma-Informed Practice with Transgender and Non-Binary Clients - ETSU Social Work Professional Development Conference - February 2020

  • Trauma-Informed Practice with LGBTQ-Identified Clients - Pyramid Healthcare - November 2019

  • Trauma, Attachment & Transgender/Non-Binary Experiences - Western Carolina University School of Social Annual Field Instructor Workshop - March 2019

  • Trauma, Attachment & Transgender/Non-Binary Experiences - University of North Carolina School of Social Work Clinical Lecture Series - October 2018

  • Webinar: Moving from Ally to Accomplice: Supporting LGBTQIA Members of Your Organization - North Carolina Center for Nonprofits - June 2018

  • Trauma, Attachment & Transgender/Non-Binary Experiences - Asheville, NC - May 2018

  • Ethical Practice with Transgender Youth & Their Families - Asheville, NC - October 2017

  • Ethical Treatment of Transgender Youth & Their Families - Asheville, NC - April 2017

  • "Exploring Trans Experience" - Land of the Sky United Church of Christ - May 2016

  • "In Our Own Words: A Panel of Trans-Identified Individuals" - Gender Education Demystification Symposium (GEMS) - January 2016

  • "Supporting Transgender Youth & Their Families" - Break by the Lake: A Student Services Personnel Conference - October 2015

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If you would like to learn more about any of these topics, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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