While My Therapist is Out! is on a summer break, we're still popping into your feed with bite-sized mental health moments to keep you grounded and connected. In this mini check-in, therapist Terra Friedman (she/her) invites you to rethink how you're resting—and whether it's really working for you. Drawing from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s 7 types of rest, Terra offers a compassionate reminder that not all rest is created equal. If you're emotionally exhausted but spending your downtime doom-scroll...
Aug 06, 2025•10 min
While My Therapist is Out! is on summer break, we’re popping into your feed with a mini mental health check-in. This bite-sized episode features therapist Ernesto Martinez (they/he), offering grounded reflections on what it means when anger begins to surface — especially for LGBTQ+ folks in healing. Sometimes when we’re reconnecting to parts of ourselves that have been shut down by trauma, grief, or survival mode, anger shows up first. Ernesto breaks down why that’s not something to fear — but s...
Jul 23, 2025•3 min
My Therapist Is Out! is taking a little summer break — but don’t worry, we’re not leaving you hanging. Every two weeks, our queer therapists will still be sliding into your feed with bite-sized mental health check-ins . Think of it as your gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and take care of your sweet self. And if you're out there organizing, protesting, showing up in your full activist heart — we see you. Just a reminder: rest is part of the work. You don’t have to burn out to prove your commit...
Jul 09, 2025•3 min
What happens when you mix scissors, stories, and queer magic? You get Folklore —a radically warm and inclusive salon built by community, for community. In this heartfelt episode of My Therapist is Out! , host Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with artist, stylist, and community organizer Pony Lee Musgrave (he/they) . From cutting hair to cutting through social norms, Pony shares their journey of creating Folklore , a queer-affirming space rooted in softness, storytelling, and collective resili...
Jun 25, 2025•33 min
🎙️ My Therapist is Out! Presents: The TGI TownHall – 100 Days In, Our Lives on the Line What does safety, justice, and visibility look like for trans, gender-expansive, and intersex (TGI) communities under the current administration? We’re 100 days in—and it’s time to take stock. In this special episode, My Therapist is Out! is proud to present the TGI TownHall , produced by the LA Queer Events Coalition and The Unique Woman’s Coalition . As a founding member of LA QEC, Open Space Therapy Colle...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Let’s get one thing straight (lol jk, never): trauma lives in the body—and queer bodies have been through it . In this raw and real episode of My Therapist is Out! , Renae Johnson (they/them) and Kristen Crowe (she/they) break down how Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) helps us reclaim what the world tried to take from us: our bodies, our joy, our right to feel safe in our skin. Forget sitting still on a couch trying to intellectualize pain you’ve been surviving for decades. We’re talking breath, swe...
May 28, 2025•22 min
What does it mean to come out—not just once, but over and over again—as you uncover more of who you are? In this episode Renae (they/them) sits down with PJ Brescia (they/them), the heart and brains behind Baby Gay , a nonprofit devoted to supporting folks in their coming out journeys. PJ shares their story of coming out later in life, discovering their non-binary identity, and what it’s like to rewrite your life in real time. From navigating family dynamics to finding queer joy in community eve...
May 14, 2025•55 min
In this episode of My Therapist is Out! , Renae Johnson (they/them) and Terra Friedman (she/her) dive into the lived experience of hypervigilance —a survival response many queer folks know all too well. From growing up in environments where it wasn’t safe to be fully ourselves to navigating today’s political climate, hypervigilance can become second nature. What happens when that constant alertness starts impacting our relationships, our mental health, and our sense of safety—even when we’re not...
Apr 30, 2025•44 min
What does it really mean to lead with authenticity and build an inclusive brand? In this episode of My Therapist is Out! , Renae Johnson sits down with Crystal Whiteaker , founder of Crystal Lily Creative , to talk about how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) shape thriving organizations and happier teams. Crystal shares her journey from building a photography business rooted in diversity to creating a values-driven branding and leadership consultancy . She opens up about the importance of f...
Apr 16, 2025•30 min
In this episode of My Therapist is Out! , Renae Johnson (they/them) and therapist Ernesto Martinez (he/they) dive deep into the many ways mainstream therapy often falls short when working with marginalized clients — and what we can do to create more inclusive, affirming care. Ernesto shares powerful insights on the power dynamics in therapy, the definition of marginalized clients, and the importance of meeting people where they are by recognizing the intersectionality of identities and the impac...
Mar 19, 2025•55 min
Consent isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of trust, safety, and meaningful healing. In this episode of My Therapist is Out! , Renae Johnson sits down with Naima Merella, CAMTC, RYT , to explore what true consent looks like in bodywork, yoga, and holistic healing. As a queer, BIPOC healer , Naima shares their journey as a massage therapist, yoga instructor, herbalist, and artist , emphasizing how identity, trauma, and accessibility shape their approach to care. They dive into the challeng...
Mar 05, 2025•35 min
In this special episode of My Therapist is Out! , we’re bringing you a powerful live recording from the LA Queer Events Coalition Wildfire Relief Town Hall . This panel discussion, moderated by Carla Ibarra (@lacivilrights) , brings together LGBTQ+ leaders, mental health professionals, and community advocates to address the impact of the LA wildfires and how our community is coming together to rebuild. Hear from Human Rights Campaign, local activists, insurance & financial experts, Open Spac...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 12 min
In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, hosts Renae Johnson (they/them) and Kristen Crowe (she/they) explore the intersection of politics and mental health, focusing on the emotional toll of recent political events. They dive into topics like political fatigue, burnout, and practical coping strategies, emphasizing the critical role of self-care and community support in challenging times. Renae and Kristen discuss the importance of understanding neurodivergence in crafting personalized self-care...
Feb 05, 2025•44 min
In this episode, Renae sits down with two frontline mental health professionals, psychiatric RN Gina Porter and hospice clinical social worker Dr. Jared Garcia, who are part of the NUHW Kaiser strike to uncover the challenges, hopes, and systemic changes driving their fight. We’ll dive into what it means to advocate for change in a broken system, how the strike reflects larger trends in U.S. healthcare, and the personal resilience that fuels their activism. Whether you're a mental health profess...
Jan 22, 2025•53 min
In this episode, Renae and therapist Jenny Nigro discuss the emotional aftermath of the holiday season, particularly focusing on the queer community. They explore the importance of self-care, reconnecting with oneself, and the need for self-compassion as individuals transition into the new year. Practical tools for mental health check-ins and finding joy in simple pleasures are also highlighted, emphasizing the significance of nurturing oneself during this time. Takeaways The holiday season can ...
Jan 08, 2025•15 min
In this episode, host Renae Johnson and therapist Ernesto Martinez discuss the complexities of navigating emotions during the holiday season, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. They explore common challenges faced by queer folks, such as dealing with unsupportive family dynamics, managing expectations, and finding joy amidst potential disappointments. Ernesto emphasizes the importance of agency, self-care strategies like the 'care sandwich,' and the need for open, respectful conversations duri...
Dec 25, 2024•22 min
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 bound...
Dec 11, 2024•13 min
The holidays can be a minefield of emotions for LGBTQ+ individuals. Between family dynamics, societal pressures, and the potential for isolation, staying mentally healthy can feel like a challenge. In this heartfelt and practical episode of My Therapist is Out! , host Renae Johnson and therapist Terra Friedman unpack the unique stressors the season brings and share actionable strategies to help you not just survive—but thrive. In this conversation, Renae and therapist Terra discuss navigating th...
Nov 27, 2024•15 min
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 Yourself Self-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 Ones Community is our backbone. Spend time with people who lift you up, understand your journe...
Nov 08, 2024•2 min
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and OSTC therapist Debbie Whyte (she/her) explore if rage can be healthy. Feeling overwhelmed by rage? You’re not alone. For many of us in the LGBTQ+ community, anger is tied to lived experiences of discrimination. In this episode we answer: Ugh I get so angry. Sometimes I just need to scream. Is this ok? Can rage help me feel motivated? Sometimes it’s the only thing that gets me going. I have lived with depression and rage for a lot of my life. It’s who ...
Oct 23, 2024•29 min
In this episode of My Therapist is Out! , we’re meeting with Dr. Liz Lasky and celebrating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who are doing more than just building businesses—they’re creating change. From breaking barriers to leading with purpose, we’ll explore what it means to be mission-driven in the world of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship. We’ll talk about being a queer business owner who's turned their passions into impactful ventures, whether it’s creating inclusive spaces, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or prov...
Oct 09, 2024•37 min
Ever feel like your relationship blueprint is straight out of a toxic family playbook? In this episode of My Therapist is Out! , host Renae Johnson (they/them) and therapist Kristen Crowe (they/she) ask the big question: "Can you actually have healthy relationships if all you’ve seen are the messy, dysfunctional ones growing up?" Spoiler alert: Yes, you can—but it’s a journey. We’re digging into what it takes to shake off the patterns you grew up with and figure out what a healthy connection eve...
Sep 26, 2024•34 min
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and OSTC therapist Debbie Whyte (she/her) explore how to be open and discerning when searching for chosen family. Finding your chosen family takes time. It’s all about surrounding yourself with those who really see and support you. But how do you actually do that? In this episode we discuss: What does it mean to “choose” your family? Are these just your friends? It’s hard to find friends and close people in your community, much less, “choose” them. Should...
Sep 11, 2024•34 min
This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) is joined by ACEs awareness advocates Dr. John Blosnich (he/him) and Juniper Brown (he/they) to explore the importance of understanding and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the long-lasting adverse effects of this toxic stress. In this episode we discuss: Importance of Freedom from Pain : Recovery and resilience-building should aim for freedom from pain, not just better pain management, as emphasized by LGBTQ activist Juniper Brown. ...
Aug 27, 2024•57 min
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Kristen Crowe (they/she) explore how pain during sex can be more (or not) than just physical symptoms. Our somatic experience, even during pleasure is uniquely tied to our subconscious, personal history, and relationship dynamics. In this episode we discuss: I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with me. I feel like I’m attracted to people but after painful sexual experiences, if makes me wonder if sex is for me. I often experience pain during pene...
Aug 14, 2024•36 min
This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) and OSTC therapist Sierra Gruca (she/her) delve into the various ways individuals can experience religious trauma and the complex relationship with spirituality and community that often results. In this episode we answer: If I come from a religious background and I’m queer, do I automatically have a trauma background? Is religious trauma different than other types of trauma? What are some characteristics I can identify? What beliefs or practices should I...
Jul 31, 2024•43 min
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Guest Dr. Kindra Woo (they/them) explore why having a LGBTQ+ informed Chiropractor can improve your treatment outcomes. In this episode we answer: What is person centered care in Chiropractic treatment? Why would a queer and/or trans person have different chiropractic needs? Chiropractic care has a bad reputation - is it valid? How does gender-affirming surgery change my chiropractic needs? Why is my relationship to pain important to discuss with my c...
Jul 17, 2024•58 min
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Terra Friedman AMFT (she/her) explore the nuts and bolts of how to create healthy open relationships. In this episode we answer: What’s an open relationship? Is it the same as a poly relationship? What kinds of open relationships are there? I don’t think I’m ready for monogamy, but I’m not sure if I’m poly. Is there a way to explore this even if I’m not actively dating? I’m thinking about going to my partner to ...
Jul 03, 2024•41 min
This week, host Renae Johnson (they/them) and Open Space Therapy Collective therapist Sierra Gruca (she/her/ella) explore why you might be stuck in the 'mom friend' role—taking care of everyone else except yourself. In this episode we answer: How do I know when I’m being the mom to my friends? I like caring for people because it’s my way of showing love. What’s wrong with that? Sometimes I like being the stable person in the group because it makes me feel more in control. Spending time with frie...
Jun 19, 2024•33 min
This week host Renae Johnson (they/them) and LA Queer Community Builder Erin Detroit-Vesey (they/she) dig into what it really means to build and be in community with your LGBTQ+ peers. In this episode we talk about: Prioritizing principles over personality How to find and evolve in community The balance of asking for and providing help When to say no to leadership roles How AIDS Life Cycle has provided personal friendships and being of service to our bigger LGBTQ+ community Join us as we dive in...
Jun 05, 2024•46 min
