Psychobabble.

Demystifying psychotherapy.

Here you will find the thoughts of a millennial trauma psychotherapist. I aspire to utilize this space to translate therapy jargon into relatable and meaningful content.

Anthony J 3/31/22 Anthony J 3/31/22

International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Today, March 31, 2022, is known internationally as the Transgender Day of Visibility. This is a time to celebrate trans men, women, and the nonbinary folks in between – recognizing that these individuals represent a true testament of resilience. On a national platform, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation today recognizing the importance of this holiday, helping to shine some light on the current crisis transgender and nonbinary individuals, as well as their loved ones, are currently facing.

In this blog, I will share with you information about recent changes in LGBTQ+ laws, as well as a few tips on how you can be a better Ally for transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals – What is the Difference?

As a therapist, I am asked questions like this often. I have two loving kitties -- Eevee is my gray kitty and a rescue from the Chemung County SPCA –- and Walter is my black cat who was found abandoned at a Walmart parking lot. He has one distinctly white whisker. I equally enjoy the company of Charlie, an African gray parrot who thinks I should be powering a drill all day and says “Bye, I love you” on my way out the door. I empathize and agree with my clients who share the belief that our animals are treasured members of our families.

In this blog, I aim to help inform you of the differences between an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and a Service Animal, as well as inform you of how this applies to some legal protections for persons living with a disability.

March is Social Work Month.

March is upon us, and I am delighted to celebrate this 59th Social Work Month!

During social work month, I have been reflecting about how the pandemic we have all be living through since it began in 2020 continues to have impacts. Prior to this time period, I would have never thought meeting with folx via the internet would be an ordinary part of my work day. Pre-pandemic, my chatting was primarily through Discord, a once niche platform for to coordinate things like in games. Now, I hear about all sorts of creative ways that individuals are using Discord (Karaoke anyone?) and other platforms as a routine part of their daily experience.

Through my work, I have supported individuals with an atypical amount of loss this year. My heart reaches out to all of the other social workers of the world. Despite living through some of the same traumas that their clients are experiencing, they still make space for them to heal. Absolutely, we are experiencing devastation and loss - but there are is growing forces of hope and strength that can help us to persist. As a social worker, it is an honor to carry out my small part to reduce a bit of suffering and to facilitate healing.

The mental health impacts of this pandemic are scarcely starting to be made aware of. As a profession, we still have our work cut out. I appreciate each and every social worker who is achieving what they can to dismantle systems of oppression and work on advocating for change.

Social workers - go out and celebrate. Eat your favorite things. Book that trip. Snuggle with your furry friends. You all deserve a recharge for diligently fostering a sense of resilience.