Laura Turnbull Psychology

03/31/2022

Happy Transgender Day of Visibility!

Listening to my transgender peers today, I have been reflecting on safety vs visibility for trans people. As one friend so clearly stated, "I am more and more safe the less visible my transness is."
It shouldn't be that way - transgender people should be free from violence and discrimination regardless of appearance. Even more so, transgender people need to be viewed as whole people, with unique perspectives, needs, wishes, opinions, and characteristics!

For those who want to learn more about how transgender people experience the discrimination they face, check out the learning resources on Egale.ca.

You may also consider paying close attention to the way gender (and especially transgender people) are talked about, your own automatic thoughts and reactions around gender, and what you've been taught gender is (and isn't).
Also consider following trans people's social media and simply listening to their stories and perspectives.

If you want to take action, consider donating to organizations that support and affirm transgender rights and care. Some amazing organizations are the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, EGALE, Rainbow Railroad, or PFLAG.

06/01/2021

The uncovering of the remains of 215 children at a Kamloops former residential school is a horrific reminder of the violence, oppression, and trauma that First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples on this continent of endured. The impacts of genocide on Indigenous communities is devastating, and the oppression and violence continues today in this country. We must be willing to face the truth of our history and take action to change how Indigenous people are treated, sit with the racist ideologies we were taught, and take meaningful action.

I am listening to the experiences of people affected by colonial violence and learning (and unlearning), humbling myself to my blindspots and misperceptions. It is not easy, and it is not enough.

11/20/2020

Today we honour the lives of transgender people who have been murdered or victimized based on their gender.
Violence against transgender people is a very real problem, and it needs to stop.
Please support our transgender friends and family by expressing your support in any way you can.

04/03/2020

Everyone has different needs and different ways of processing everything going on during this crisis. We need gentleness and compassion for ourselves and our individual processes.

03/26/2020

The care and kindness I see every day is heartwarming. Let's not forget the blessings we have during this time.

03/25/2020

At a time of uncertainty, we all need to look after our mental health as well as our physical health. That's why I'm staying up and running via video and telephone services. For the time being, I'm also offering extra low-cost therapy sessions!
***rpsychologist

03/24/2020

Anxiety and fear is at an all time high right now. Some tools for managing those feelings can help us get through this a little bit easier. For those in Ontario, I am one of the psychologists available to provide some online therapy, crisis care, and support to those who are facing this every day. ***rpsychologist

03/20/2020

Right now, fear and anxiety are felt en masse. The link below includes some helpful suggestions for managing your mental health. Mental health is as important as your physical health - the two are deeply intertwined.

Exposure therapy is the single most effective treatment for anxiety. Learn how to supercharge the way you help your clients to face their fears.

03/17/2020

As we face reduced social connection in the coming days and weeks, it's critical to increase our self care! Here are some ideas. For those in Ontario, I am offering my services over video chat and phone.

03/06/2020

When we are feeling our worst, it can be challenging to think of what to do. One solution is to create a for those times, so that everything you find comforting and helpful is available at your fingertips. These are just a few ideas - what would go in your toolkit?

***rpsychologist

02/26/2020

It can be so painful to watch someone we care about hurt. But by honouring that they feel what they do, we help them know they are not alone and that they are safe to feel what they feel.

02/20/2020

Heteronormativity is the bias that people are straight and/or cisgender, and that this is "normal." This bias can seem harmless, but it actually feeds the invisibility and erasure of q***r and transgender people. Human expressions of gender and sexuality are very diverse, and to acknowledge that openly can create safety and inclusion for all people.
***rtherapy