Rachel Degen, Author at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center

Nurturing the Next Generation of Mental Health Professionals

Rachel Degen on October 14, 2024

Iowa faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, ranking 45th in the nation for workforce availability, according to Mental Health America’s 2023 report. Nearly half of Iowans with mental health needs report challenges accessing care, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has noted a staggering 40% rise in suicides in Iowa between 2014 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services. In response, initiatives that bolster the mental health workforce are essential and we task ourselves into nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals.

The Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program

Since 1980, the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through its Clinical Training Program. This multi-tiered initiative is designed to equip aspiring mental health professionals with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the field. The program consists of three key components:

1. Graduate Internship

The Graduate Internship offers a nine-month, 20-25 hour per week opportunity for graduate students pursuing careers in psychology, social work, and counseling. Under the mentorship of experienced clinicians, interns provide direct services to clients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. This approach not only enriches their education but also helps meet the growing demand for mental health services in Iowa.

2. Clinical Residency

The Clinical Residency is a two-year full-time program designed for provisionally licensed clinicians. Residents receive ongoing supervision while managing a caseload of clients. They are encouraged to specialize in high-demand areas such as trauma, family therapy, and perinatal mental health, ensuring they are well-prepared to address diverse community needs.

3. Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Postdoctoral Fellowship prepares psychologists for independent licensure through supervised clinical activities and training rotations. This experience is crucial for developing the competencies necessary to navigate the complexities of modern mental health care.

Insights from Dr. Scott Young

Dr. Scott Young, Director of Psychological Services, has been instrumental in developing these training programs for pre-and-postdoctoral students. His motivation stems from his own experiences during his Ph.D. program when he found limited internship opportunities in Iowa. “At that time, there were only two VA hospital sites and two University Counseling Centers,” he reflects. “I had to go out of state to find a generalist internship that included sensitivity to religious and spiritual issues in practice.”

Dr. Young emphasizes the importance of local training opportunities, noting, “Where a trainee goes for their internship can significantly influence their decision to stay in the area. Iowa really needs psychologists.” His vision for the training programs focuses on providing comprehensive, well-rounded training to increase the number of qualified mental health professionals in the state.

Insights from Dr. Heidi Bowden

Dr. Heidi Bowden, the Center’s Clinical Training Director, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Inspired by her challenging work with clients, particularly in a jail setting, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals one at a time. “I made a promise to myself to ‘work myself out of a job’ by helping others through each intervention,” she shares. This commitment fuels her drive to train novice professionals who will eventually join her as colleagues.

Dr. Bowden aims to broaden the reach of the training program by partnering with various master’s-level schools across Iowa, fostering a diverse cohort of interns. “By expanding our classes to include participation from providers outside our agency, we can enhance the training experience,” she explains. She also recognizes the critical role of clinical supervisors in guiding interns, advocating for improved training and support for them to create a positive learning environment.

Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future

Both Dr. Young and Dr. Bowden express enthusiasm for the next cohort of interns. Dr. Bowden notes, “Brenna and Emma’s eagerness and enthusiasm to learn everything about counseling and therapy truly energize our team.” She is excited to see how their unique gifts will contribute to the organization and their future clients.

Dr. Young shares similar sentiments about Mark and Sierra, stating, “They both have clear visions for their future practices but are open to becoming well-rounded generalists.” He expresses his hope that by investing in their training, they may choose to stay in Iowa and continue serving the community. “I’m eager to help them develop into the skilled professionals we need,” he adds, underscoring the importance of nurturing future psychologists to address Iowa’s mental health needs.

Meet the Students: Future Leaders in Mental Health

As part of the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program, we are thrilled to introduce this year’s student clinicians. Each person is enthusiastic about their training experiences and the opportunities that lie ahead in their careers as mental health professionals. Hear what they have to say about their experiences at the Center so far!

Emma Mraz

Emma Mraz is particularly excited about the continuous learning opportunities provided by the training program. She values the seminars that foster her curiosity and professional growth, stating, “This learning will be beneficial because it allows us to gain information on how to better serve our clients.” Emma appreciates the supportive environment, noting that the clinicians she works with genuinely care about her development both as a person and a professional.

“The clinicians that I work closely with have held space for me to explore who I am becoming as a mental health counselor,” Emma shares. This sense of community has been invaluable to her, and she feels grateful for the chance to develop her skills in such a nurturing setting.

Emma hopes to gain several key skills during her training, including ways to show up as her authentic self for clients, effective case conceptualization, achieving a work-life balance, and tools to help both her and her clients remain present during sessions.

Brenna McConnell

Brenna McConnell is looking forward to the discoveries that await her in the training program. She is particularly eager to deepen her understanding of intersectionality and LGBTQ+ affirmative care. “Expanding on what I know is one of the base expectations of this career,” Brenna explains. “You will never know everything there is to know because of the evolution of mental health support.” This mindset of embracing the unknown is vital to her growth as both an individual and a therapist.

Brenna envisions the support from the staff at Mind & Spirit as a crucial aspect of her development. “I can already tell that everyone in the Center is willing to help and is very supportive of the trainees,” she notes. She values the collaborative environment, where staff members lift each other up while also engaging in constructive discussions about areas for growth.

Through her training, Brenna aims to experience life as a therapist, identifying her strengths and weaknesses to become the best therapist she can be. She is excited about meeting new people and helping them on their journeys, with a specific focus on learning more about the LGBTQ+ community and how she can be an effective ally.

Sierra Lauber

Sierra Lauber is genuinely excited to be joining the Center’s clinical team and has been truly touched by the warmth and kindness shown to her by everyone. The welcoming atmosphere has already made a positive impact on her experience as she looks forward to her postdoctoral training. She is especially eager to continue her work supporting children and families through therapy and assessment. Additionally, Sierra feels encouraged by the support she has received for expanding the group therapy services offered at the Center and remains hopeful about this opportunity.

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas is excited about the opportunities provided by the training program, particularly the integrated care aspect. He looks forward to engaging in both assessment and therapy, while working alongside various clinicians in the field. This experience, he believes, will contribute significantly to his development as a more well-rounded psychologist, equipping him to meet the diverse needs of future clients.

Mark also values the mentorship and support offered by the program’s staff. Each mentor brings a unique perspective, allowing him to grow in areas of practice where he seeks further development. He appreciates the personable nature of the clinicians he has worked with so far, which has enhanced his learning experience.

One of Mark’s key goals is to broaden his knowledge in conducting assessments, particularly in the area of autism. With guidance of the Center, he hopes to gain more practical experience in evaluating clients with autism, a skill set he believes will be vital in his future career as a mental health professional.

Conclusion

The Mind & Spirit Counseling Center’s Clinical Training Program plays an important role in addressing Iowa’s mental health crisis. By nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals, the program enhances the quality of care available while strengthening the overall workforce. As Iowa continues to navigate significant challenges in mental health service availability, initiatives like this are essential for ensuring that all Iowans have access to the care they need. With passionate leaders like Dr. Young and Dr. Bowden at the helm, the future looks bright for aspiring counselors and psychologists, and the communities they will serve.

If you’re interested in supporting our Clinical Training Program, which is dedicated to strengthening the mental health workforce in Iowa, we invite you to reach out to Director of Development, Heather Stuyvesant. She would be happy to discuss how you can contribute a gift and get involved in making a meaningful impact today.

The Power of Being Seen

Rachel Degen on October 9, 2024

Written by Danielle Foreman, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Danielle Foreman, Mind & Spirit Counseling Center

As the school year continues and kids and teens are busy participating in a variety of life activities and sports, it can be a challenge to find quality time together to stay connected. Luckily parents and caregivers have the ability to reaffirm and strengthen the connection and bond with their children using praise and simply validating their child’s experiences and feelings. These small moments of recognition tap into the power of being seen, where children feel valued and understood. While these moments of connection can be very powerful, they often don’t have to be complicated.

Below are some examples of ways you can connect, validate, praise and encourage your children and teens:

“You have improved since your last game”
“You organized the toys in your room so well while you were tidying up”
“That was really thoughtful of you”
“You look really proud of yourself”
“Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I love hearing from you”
“I love spending time with you”
“I know that you did your best”
“That was really brave what you did”
“This family would not be the same without you”
“You were such a kind and caring friend when you…”
“I see how much effort you put into (your homework, practice, performance, friendship, etc.)”
“I admire your confidence”
“You set such a good example for others by being a team player”
“You are so resilient and didn’t let that (challenge, mistake, situation, etc.) stop you”
“Your passion about _____ amazes me”
“Thank you for being you”
“You solved that problem! It was tricky but you found a way”
“I love watching you do things that you enjoy”

Even taking a few minutes a day to connect with your child and teen can help them feel seen and reinforce the love and safety you provide as a caregiver and parent, which in turn can help decrease the sense of isolation and disconnection that so many are struggling with today.

A kind and encouraging word can make all the difference in any person’s day and I hope that the examples provided will inspire you to incorporate the power of being seen by briefly connecting and encouraging your children, teens, and anyone else that you might be around today.

Together for Mental Health: How the 2024 Women Helping Women Luncheon Raised Nearly $290,000 to Support Families in Need

Rachel Degen on September 24, 2024

Over 500 attendees joined the Center’s 26th annual Women Helping Women event on May 17, 2024, raising nearly $290,000 to support vital mental health counseling, education, training, and services for underinsured women, children, and families in need.

Honoree Carol Bodensteiner holds her hands to her heart while speaking at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center's 2024 Women Helping Women luncheon

Carol Bodensteiner, the 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree, delivers an inspiring speech to a supportive crowd at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Her advocacy for mental health and the invaluable guidance she received from the Center during a challenging time exemplify the awareness we aim to promote.

Whether you’re new to Women Helping Women, or a longtime supporter, please enjoy highlights from our 2024 luncheon!

Watch the video of the entire program to experience Carol and Teri’s profound messages on how mental health care for women can be life changing.

We gathered nearly 600 people for an inspiring luncheon at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona, Iowa on May 17, 2024! A celebration of 26 years of honoring women who inspire with kindness and lead with purpose, we enjoyed a dynamic program from our 2024 honoree, Carol Bodensteiner, and our keynote speaker Teri Hughes-Paulline, LISW, who emphasized the critical importance of mental health care in their own lives. They highlighted the significant impact that proper mental health support can have on individuals and communities.

The event successfully raised over $287,000, which will greatly contribute to the mission of the Center in providing essential mental health services to women, children and families in need. The funds raised enable the Center to expand its programs, reach more individuals, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges.

View 2024 Program

Speaker Teri Hughes-Paulline speaks to a large crowd at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center's 2024 Women Helping Women luncheon. — Teri Hughes-Paulline inspires nearly 600 attendees with her beautiful speech relating stories of her 50 years as a therapist back to the mission of the Center.

Leigh OTool, Shirley Poertner, honoree Carol Bodensteiner, speaker Teri Hughes-Paulline, and executive director Jim Hayes at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center's 2024 Women Helping Women luncheon — Teri Hughes-Paulline inspires nearly 600 attendees with her beautiful speech relating stories of her 50 years as a therapist back to the mission of the Center.

See highlights of Women Helping Women from Past years

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors and donors for supporting our 26th annual Women Helping Women luncheon!

View All Donors

You can make a difference in the mental health of women, children and families!

Support Women Helping Women

We look forward to your continued support of our next Women Helping Women annual luncheon event!

For more information, contact Heather Stuyvesant, Director of Development

Office: 515-564-5122 | Email: hstuyvesant@mindspiritcenter.org

2024 Women Helping Women Donors and Sponsors

Rachel Degen on September 24, 2024

Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who helped the 26th Annual Women Helping Women event raise nearly $290,000. Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured.

Honoring the Spark of Creativity

Rachel Degen on September 16, 2024

As we said goodbye to our dear colleague, friend, and talented artist, Emily Lovell, we reflect on the remarkable impact she’s had at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Emily’s journey with us began in a role far removed from the artistic realm—she started as our Administrative Assistant. Little did we know then that she would soon transform our space with her vibrant creativity!

When Emily first joined our team, it quickly became clear that her talents extended beyond administrative skills. As our children’s wing of the building became a colorful canvas for our clients’ artwork, we realized that the adult wing lacked a similar expression of creativity. Emily, recognizing this gap, saw an opportunity to infuse the space with a touch of art that would resonate with our adult clients in a more mature and playful way.

Emily’s initial vision was ambitious: an entire mural that would transition from nighttime moths and plants to colorful butterflies and flowers. Though time constraints meant she couldn’t complete this full vision, what she created instead is nothing short of remarkable. The abstract mural she developed became a dynamic backdrop, embodying the essence of her intended design. Emily chose to keep the mural abstract and fluid, allowing her creativity to dance along the wall rather than confining it to a single form. Her inspiration flowed naturally, guided by the movement of her brush and the evolving blend of colors, which serendipitously mirrored the Center’s brand logo and colors. As Emily herself puts it, “It was kind of an accident, but turned out really cool.”

Emily Lovell, pictured next to her abstract mural on the adult wing of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center.

To complement the mural, Emily created a series of canvases featuring butterflies and moths, adding a personal touch to the reception area and ensuring that the adult wing retained the essence of her vision. Her artistic journey, influenced by her deeply creative family, has always been characterized by experimentation and discovery. From ceramics to abstract painting, Emily embraces the freedom to explore and create without boundaries.

So what’s next for Emily? She is embarking on a new adventure in Hawaii, where she will continue to nurture her artistry. Her plans include participating in farmers markets, creating functional art, and curating commissioned pieces. Emily’s small jewelry business, Fuzzy Mango, named after her beloved cat, will also be part of her new journey. Her free spirit and boundless creativity will surely find a warm and welcoming home in the Hawaiian community.

We wish Emily all the best in her new endeavors and look forward to seeing her artistic journey unfold. Thank you, Emily, for leaving an indelible mark on Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Your art will continue to brighten our days and inspire us long after you’ve moved on to your next adventure.

May your creative spirit continue to shine brightly in Hawaii!

Sand Tray Therapy: What You Need to Know

Rachel Degen on August 7, 2024

Written by Elizabeth Moreno, Licensed Independent Social Worker

Elizabeth Moreno, LISW, at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center

As a child therapist, it is such an honor that parents and caregivers allow me to work individually with their children. We often hear the term “play therapy” used when working with children. Play therapy encompasses many modalities and theories that a therapist can use. Since each child is so different, therapeutic approaches should be tailored accordingly. One of my favorite modalities to use with children, teens, families, and even adults, is Sand Tray Therapy.

So, what is Sand Tray Therapy exactly? Sand Tray is a modality that allows the individual to process intrapersonal and interpersonal issues through the use of verbal and nonverbal communication by using sand tray materials such as miniatures (toys) and a sandbox. This modality enables the therapist to employ both nondirective and directive therapy techniques, helping clients process emotions and situations through play. Sand Tray Therapy is a non-threatening approach that can take the pressure off needing to talk to the therapist and instead using images and a sensory component to allow the client to process.

There are many ways that Sand Tray Therapy can be used. Personally, I like to use it with kids and teens with anxiety or trauma. I also use this modality with families to allow family members to express concerns and emotions in the relationships. Sand Tray Therapy can be great for resistant clients, rapport building and a great exercise to step inside the client’s world.

“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
Virginia Axline

This modality allows just that—expressive sensory meets nonverbal language to assist with processing where the therapist is able to ask questions to explore deeper. The trained therapist is able to identify play therapy themes, ask curious questions and wonder to assist with processing.

Over the last 6 years of practice, I have seen many beautiful trays and it always seems to be a fan favorite that can also meet many needs of a client.

An example of a sand tray that may have someone processing how they feel they need to keep their love and happiness contained and instead have some explosive behaviors. (This is not an actual client example.)

Celebrating the Journey: Honoring our PrairieFire Graduates

Rachel Degen on August 5, 2024

At Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, we are filled with joy and gratitude as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of twelve individuals who have recently become our next cohort of PrairieFire Graduates. This milestone marks not just the completion of their training, but a testament to their dedication, growth, and the profound journey they have undertaken.

Over the past year, these graduates embarked on a transformative journey through PrairieFire, a unique program designed to deepen spiritual understanding and enhance the ability to companion others on their spiritual paths. Their commitment to extending their learning for a third year is a reflection of their passion for developing their listening skills and their earnest desire to support others in their spiritual explorations.

The PrairieFire program has been a beacon of hope and renewal for those seeking to clear the inner clutter that obscures their connection to their true selves. Through rigorous self-reflection and community support, participants like our graduates have learned to navigate their own spiritual landscapes, and in doing so, they have become more effective guides for others.

Our celebration honored not just the academic achievements of these graduates, but also their personal growth and the gifts they bring to their communities. Their perseverance and openness have paved the way for them to earn their certificates of completion—a symbol of their hard work, insight, and the spiritual maturity they have developed over their time with us.

For those unfamiliar with PrairieFire, it is a two-year program dedicated to spiritual renewal, deepening, and formation. PrairieFire provides a safe and sacred environment where participants can clear their inner terrain, allowing new growth to flourish. Within this supportive community, individuals explore their beliefs, challenge negative attitudes, and uncover the divine nature present in their everyday lives. This transformative process involves confronting harmful thinking and embracing a more profound understanding of oneself and one’s relationship with the divine.

Mind & Spirit Counseling Center will be accepting applications for the next PrairieFire class starting January 1, 2025. If you are interested in joining a community dedicated to spiritual growth and renewal, we encourage you to consider applying. You can contact Andrea Severson with any questions or to be added to our interests list.

As we reflect on the journey of our recent graduates, we are reminded of the power of perseverance, community, and spiritual dedication. We are honored to have played a role in their journey and look forward to the continued impact they will make in the lives of those they encounter.

Congratulations to our PrairieFire graduates—your journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see where it leads you.

2023 Women Helping Women event raises $300,000 for hope and healing to those in need of mental health services

Rachel Degen on June 21, 2024

More than 500 guests participated in the Center’s 25^th annual Women Helping Women event on May 19, 2023, which raised $300,000. Funds will support mental health counseling, education, training and other services that impact women, children and families who are underinsured or from low income households.

Connie Isaacson, the 2023 Women Helping Women Honoree, gives an awe-inspiring speech to a crowd who gathered together in support of the mission at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Connie exemplifies a deep passion for nonprofit organizations, and we are grateful for her service in our community.

Whether you’re new to Women Helping Women, or a longtime supporter, please enjoy highlights from our 2023 luncheon!

Watch the 2023 presentation to experience Connie and Jann’s influential messages that created a renewed sense of purpose and worth.

We gathered 600 people for an inspiring luncheon at Embassy Suites in downtown Des Moines on May 19, 2023! A celebration of 25 years of honoring women who inspire with kindness and lead with purpose, we enjoyed a dynamic program from our 2023 honoree, Connie Isaacson, and our keynote speaker Jann Freed, PhD, who inspired us to ponder “What if the rest of your life is the best of your life?”

The energy in the room was palpable as we honored all of the women who have helped make the event a success for the last quarter-century! This year’s event surpassed last year’s record-breaking fundraising total, raising $300,000 to provide services for women, children, and families who otherwise couldn’t access the mental health care they deserve.

Women Helping Women luncheon fundraiser 2023 program cover

View 2023 Program

A full room of attendees at the 2023 Women Helping Women annual luncheon to assist women and children with mental health support — With 600 attendees at the luncheon, the Embassy Suites was buzzing with inspiration.

2023 Women Helping Women Susan Voss (co-chair), Connie Isaacson (honoree), Jim Hayes (executive director), Anne Kelly (co-chair), and Jann Freed (speaker) — With 600 attendees at the luncheon, the Embassy Suites was buzzing with inspiration.

See highlights of Women Helping Women from Past years

Thank you to our 2023 sponsors and donors for supporting our 25th annual Women Helping Women luncheon!

View All Donors

You can make a difference in the mental health of women, children and families!

Support Women Helping Women

We look forward to your continued support of our next Women Helping Women annual event! Learn more at Women Helping Women.

For more information, contact Heather Stuyvesant, Director of Development

Office: 515-564-5122 | Email: hstuyvesant@mindspiritcenter.org

The powerful impacts of accepting versus rejecting parent behavior on their LGBTQ+ children’s health & well-being

Rachel Degen on June 14, 2024

Written by Doug Aupperle, Licensed Psychologist

Doug Aupperle, Ph.D. Click to read Doug’s bio

It’s probably no surprise to anyone that parents have a profound impact on how their children develop, grow, and function in the world. However, research on the LGBTQ+ population has traditionally been scarce, and research related to the youngest members of that population and their families has been even more so. The Family Acceptance Project (FAP) of San Francisco State University began to shed some light on that, though, with some groundbreaking research over a decade ago. Their findings show just how powerfully parent and caregiver responses to their LGBTQ+ children really do impact their children’s mental and physical health and well-being now and into adulthood.

The researchers have conducted interviews with hundreds of families over the years and identified more than 100 types behaviors exhibited in response to their LGBTQ+ children’s identities. They found that about half of these behaviors could be categorized as accepting and the other half as rejecting. Then they evaluated the effects of these behaviors to see how they impact their LGBTQ+ children, and what they found was striking.

The study found that often the parents who were engaging in responses categorized as rejecting were actually motivated by care and concern for their children. These parents often reported being afraid for their LGBTQ+ child’s safety and concerned that their child’s identity would result in a more difficult life. In other cases, how closely the parents’ identities were tied to their children’s drove parental rejecting behavior. Parents with high levels of such identification felt personal shame and embarrassment regarding their children’s LGBTQ+ identities. They also felt intolerable distress over how it challenged the parents’ views and beliefs.

Regardless of the parental motivations for engaging in the rejecting behaviors, though, the resulting impact on their children was still the same. Compared to LGBTQ+ children whose parents are highly accepting, the research showed that those whose parents are highly rejecting are:

8 times as likely to attempt suicide;
6 times as likely to report high levels of depression;
3 times as likely to use illegal drugs;
3 times as likely to be at high risk for HIV and STDs.

When parental rejecting responses decrease even somewhat to more mixed/moderately rejecting levels, the risks, though still serious, also decrease. Compared to those with highly accepting parents, LGBTQ+ children experiencing mixed/moderately rejecting parental responses are:

2 times as likely to attempt suicide;
3 times as likely to report high levels of depression;
1.5 times as likely to use illegal drugs;
1.5 times as likely to be at high risk for HIV and STDs.

Parent responses also profoundly shape their children’s hopes and dreams for their lives. Nearly all LGBTQ+ children in the study with extremely accepting parents believed they could live happy, productive lives as adults, while only about a third of those did whose parents were not at all accepting.

The bottom line is that for parents who want to know how to best support their LGBTQ+ children, seeking out the educational resources and community support to help them best do so may be a truly life-giving and life-saving gift to their children. For those parents who are conflicted and struggling, taking steps to be even a little less rejecting and a little more supportive can still significantly reduce the risks for their children. As the saying goes, every journey begins with a single step.

Some Family Behaviors that Increase Your LGBTQ+ Child’s Risk for Health and Mental Health Problems BEHAVIORS TO AVOID

Hitting, slapping or physically hurting your child because of their LGBTQ+ identity
Verbal harassment or name-calling because of your child’s LGBTQ+ identity
Excluding LGBTQ+ youth from family events and family activities
Blocking access to LGBTQ+ friends, events, and resources
Blaming your child when they are discriminated against because of their LGBTQ+ identity
Pressuring your child to be more (or less) masculine or feminine
Telling your child that God will punish them because they are LGBTQ+
Telling your child that you are ashamed of them or that how they look or act will shame the family
Making your child keep their LGBTQ+ identity a secret in the family and not letting them talk about their identity with others

Some Family Behaviors that Reduce Your LGBTQ+ Child’s Risk for Health and Mental Health Problems & Help Promote Their Well-Being BEHAVIORS THAT HELP

Talk with your child or foster child about their LGBTQ+ identity.
Express affection when your child tells you or when you learn that your child is LGBTQ+.
Support your child’s LGBTQ+ identity even though you may feel uncomfortable.
Advocate for your child when he or she is mistreated because of their LGBTQ+ identity.
Require that other family members respect your LGBTQ+ child.
Bring your child to LGBTQ+ organizations or events.
Connect your child with an LGBTQ+ adult role model to show them options for the future.
Work to make your congregation supportive of LGBTQ+ members, or find a supportive faith community that welcomes your family and LGBTQ+ child.
Welcome your child’s LGBTQ+ friends & partner to your home and to family events and activities.
Support your child’s gender expression.
Believe your child can have a happy future as an LGBTQ+ adult.

References:

Ryan, C. (2009). Helping Families Support Their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Children. Washington, DC: National Center for Cultural Competence, Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development.

Ryan, C., Huebner, D., Diaz, R. M., & Sanchez, J. (2009). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and Latino lesbian, gay and bisexual young adults. Pediatrics, 123(1), 346-352.