The holidays can be tough when family gatherings make you feel the pressure to hide your true self. In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, we explore how queer individuals can navigate the season with authenticity, resilience, and joy.

Join host Renae Johnson and OSTC Clinical Director Kristen Crowe as they share strategies for staying grounded, from creating comforting transitional objects to leaning on chosen family for support. We’ll discuss finding allies within your family, setting boundaries, and even crafting new, affirming traditions that reflect who you truly are.

Whether it’s establishing a safety plan, engaging in self-care, or finding inclusive ways to celebrate, this episode offers tools and insights to help you prioritize your mental health and make the holidays more meaningful. Tune in for a conversation that’s all about creating a space where you belong.

Takeaways

• Many queer individuals feel pressured to hide their identities during family gatherings.

• Creating a transitional object can provide comfort and a sense of home.

• Engaging in activities that affirm one's identity can help during stressful family interactions.

• Chosen family can be a vital source of support during the holidays.

• It's important to establish a safety plan for emotional support before family gatherings.

• Finding allies within the family can help create new traditions.

• Self-care practices are essential for maintaining mental health during the holidays.

• Having a list of supportive contacts can ease feelings of isolation.

• Creating new holiday traditions can foster inclusivity and joy.

• Prioritizing mental health can lead to a more fulfilling holiday experience.

Featured Queer Moment of Joy Guest: Paula Outon from LA Cyclery

Instagram @lacyclery @pauridesla

Therapist Bio:

Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (she/they) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies. Renae is a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective
Content transparency: n/a

We are taking a short break to do some self-care and regroup after this week’s election results. But we’ll be back in less than a month!

In the meantime:

🌈 Take Care of YourselfSelf-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the fuel for long-term activism and resilience. Rest, eat, drink water, and check in with yourself. This fight needs you strong, so prioritize your well-being. 💖

🤝 Connect with Your Loved OnesCommunity is our backbone. Spend time with people who lift you up, understand your journey, and support your vision. This connection is a reminder that none of us are in this alone.

💬 Honor Your FeelingsIt’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during times like these. Whether it’s joy, frustration, or exhaustion, allow yourself to experience each feeling fully. Processing these emotions makes space for the work ahead.

🔄 RegroupTake time to center yourself and strategize. Reflect on what’s working, what needs support, and what role you want to play next. Together, we can identify the next steps with clarity and purpose.

🚀 Get Back Into ActionOur journey toward equality didn’t start with this election, and it won’t end here. Every action counts, every voice matters, and we are building the world we believe in, step by step. Keep going with the knowledge that we’re making an impact.

✨ Want proof? See our social media posts for some incredible wins from this election cycle that remind us we’re moving forward! ➡️ Thank you to the teams at @them @impact @latimes for highlighting these important milestones.

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies.

Renae is a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists who are exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Previous to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and as an Operations Director in non-profit organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses.

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: cultural trauma