Courageous You

Courageous You LGBTQIA+ and Non-Monogamous Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in WA. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ I’m thrilled to share that my Q***r AF Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Workbook is now officially available for purc...
11/23/2024

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ I’m thrilled to share that my Q***r AF Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Workbook is now officially available for purchase! 🎉📚

Crafted to support and empower LGBTQIA+ individuals, this workbook offers a comprehensive guide to navigating ketamine-assisted therapy, focused heavily on the sublingual lozenge form of KAP.

What to Expect? Uncover the transformative history of KAP and learn how to optimize your mindset and environment for profound healing. You’ll explore practical exercises to enhance your therapy sessions, reflective prompts to deepen your insights, and integration strategies to apply what you learn in everyday life—all through a q***r-affirming lens.

Creating this workbook has been a heartfelt journey for me. As a q***r therapist, my goal is to provide accessible and affirming resources for the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m overjoyed to offer a tool that not only guides you through the therapeutic process but also celebrates your unique identity.

This workbook is currently available in English, and I’m excited to announce that a Spanish version is on the way!

To celebrate the launch, the workbook is available at a special price—just $11.11 USD! 🌟

Whether you’re new to KAP or looking to deepen your healing journey, this workbook is your companion in embracing this transformation with pride. I can’t wait for you to experience the healing and growth it offers.

👉 Link in bio to purchase. 💖

***rHealing +Support ***ringPsychedelics ***rTherapist ***rTherapy ***ringKAP ***rAF

🌈 Big News! 🌈 I’m incredibly excited to share that I’m now licensed to offer telehealth therapy services in Idaho! Wheth...
11/16/2024

🌈 Big News! 🌈

I’m incredibly excited to share that I’m now licensed to offer telehealth therapy services in Idaho! Whether you’re q***r, non-monogamous, neurodivergent, or all of the above, I’m here to support you. And hold tight, Florida—you’re next on my list, with just a few approvals away from making it official!

Why Idaho and Florida? Now, more than ever, having access to q***r-affirming therapists is vital in creating safe, supportive spaces for healing and growth. I’m committed to expanding access and ensuring everyone in these communities feels seen, heard, and valued.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep moving forward, embracing our authenticity and building a stronger community together. We’re here, we’re q***r, and we’re not going anywhere! If you or someone you know is in need of support, feel free to reach out—I’m just a message away. 💌 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

***rTherapy ***rTherapist ***r ***rTherapy

I’m beyond excited to announce that the week-by-week guidebook I created for my upcoming LGBTQIA+ virtual ketamine-assis...
10/06/2024

I’m beyond excited to announce that the week-by-week guidebook I created for my upcoming LGBTQIA+ virtual ketamine-assisted therapy group is officially ready! 🌈 This 100 page guidebook has been a labor of love and after completing it, I am even MORE pumped about this upcoming q***r as hell program, launching in January!

This guidebook will walk you through each step of the healing journey, offering support, guidance, and reflection prompts along the way. I’ve poured my heart into this, and I can’t wait to share it with the program participants and here is just a little sneak peek! 🔍

If you’re an LGBTQIA+ human living in Washington state, now is the time to schedule your free consultation to see if this group could be a good fit for you. Starting on January 4th, we’ll meet every Saturday morning from 8:30am-11am PST for 6 weeks of deep connection and healing. The group is designed to create a safe, supportive space for q***r folx to explore the transformative potential of ketamine therapy. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

The program cost is $1080, all-inclusive, covering your medical evaluation with Journey Clinical, a personalized welcome kit sent directly to your home including eye shades, a blood pressure monitor, a journal (and more), ketamine prescription delivery, 13 hours of group therapy, and this 100 page, week-by-week guidebook.

Payment plans are available, and HSA cards are accepted, making it accessible to more of our community. With only 4 spots available, make sure to schedule your consult soon!

Ketamine therapy can be especially powerful for LGBTQIA+ humans by helping to release trauma, process q***r identity in affirming ways, and create space for new healing. In this group, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other q***r humans who understand your lived experience while receiving care from a q***r therapist who gets it. 💖

I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you. 💫

***r ***an ***rtherapy ***rtherapist ***ringpsychedelics ***rashell

I’m thrilled to announce a new partnership with Journey Clinical, a platform that is dedicated to making Ketamine-Assist...
09/10/2024

I’m thrilled to announce a new partnership with Journey Clinical, a platform that is dedicated to making Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) more accessible for clients seeking holistic mental health treatment. This collaboration brings a wealth of benefits both for you, my clients, and for myself as a provider, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

I partnered with Journey Clinical to make ketamine-assisted therapy more accessible to my q***r and non-monogamous communities. This collaboration is a significant step toward that goal, offering new opportunities to expand access to KAP and enhance the services I provide—all at a more affordable price point for my clients. Journey Clinical’s collaborative care model ensures clients receive personalized treatment plans that promote long-term mental health and well-being. They also provide access to a supportive community of fellow KAP providers and ongoing education for me as well as streamlined service that make the entire process more efficient and accessible for you.

With this new partnership, I can offer a more seamless experience for clients interested in KAP. Journey Clinical’s in-house medical team will handle all medical aspects of your treatment, from eligibility determination to prescription management and outcome monitoring. This means you will have a dedicated medical team overseeing your safety and treatment plan while I focus on providing therapeutic support during our sessions.

I am excited to offer several different formats for KAP. You can work with me one-on-one for individual KAP sessions, or explore KAP in the context of your relationships. I offer specialized sessions for couples, polycules, and adult familial relationships, helping you to deepen connections and heal together.

Additionally, I am launching a virtual LGBTQIA+ KAP group in Washington State starting in January 2025! This group will provide a safe and supportive environment for q***r individuals to explore their healing journey together.

*All of my ketamine-assisted therapy services are offered from the comfort of your own home where I will be virtually present with you.*

***r

💸 PRICE DROP DUE TO NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH JOURNEY CLINICAL 🥼🩺🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Introducing - Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Group for ...
09/05/2024

💸 PRICE DROP DUE TO NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH JOURNEY CLINICAL 🥼🩺

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Introducing - Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Group for LGBTQIA+ Folx in WA Starting January 2025!

Are you ready to embark on a transformative healing journey that honors and centers your q***r identity? Are you looking for a space where you can explore, heal, and grow in a community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ folx? I’m thrilled to announce a new Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP) group launching in January 2025, designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals who want to heal from past traumas, rediscover self-love, and cultivate a deeper sense of belonging!

As a q***r therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and systemic discrimination on our community’s mental health. Many of us carry the scars of internalized shame, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These wounds often run deep, shaped by years of being othered, misunderstood, or marginalized. Traditional therapy has its place, but sometimes, we need a different kind of tool to break through. That’s where Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP) comes in.

KAP is a powerful modality that allows for the gentle uncovering and processing of traumatic memories in a controlled, supportive environment. For LGBTQIA+ folx, it offers a unique opportunity to heal from q***r-specific trauma and find a deeper connection to our true selves. And when this work is done in a group of fellow q***r humans? The potential for healing expands exponentially!

Healing is a revolutionary act, especially in a world that tells us we don’t belong. This group isn’t just about healing from what’s hurt us; it’s about reclaiming our right to joy, connection, and wholeness. It’s about building a community that sees us, hears us, and celebrates us in our entirety.

Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and supportive group experience, so reach out today to secure your spot! Let’s walk each other home.

For more information or to sign up, send a DM and we can chat about details.

***r ***rmentalhealth

Cheating is often thought of as a “monogamous issue,” but it also occurs in non-monogamous relationships. The essence of...
07/25/2024

Cheating is often thought of as a “monogamous issue,” but it also occurs in non-monogamous relationships. The essence of cheating lies in the breach of trust and violation of agreed-upon relationship agreements, regardless of the relationship structure.

Every relationship, whether monogamous or non-monogamous should be intentionally designed with clear, mutually understood agreements. These agreements define what constitutes cheating and set boundaries to protect everyone’s emotional and physical well-being.

Cheating in non-monogamous relationships is a breach of trust and boundaries, just as it is in monogamous ones. By designing intentional relationships with clear agreements, regularly communicating, and respecting each other’s autonomy, partners can minimize the risk of cheating. When cheating does occur, healing requires openness, support, and a commitment to rebuilding trust. Through these efforts, non-monogamous relationships can thrive with honesty and mutual respect.

If you are located in WA state and need some therapeutic support in navigating setting relationship agreements or healing from cheating within the non-monogamous context, head to CourageousYou.Us for a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit to work together.

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In non-monogamous relationships, the journey towards open, honest, and fulfilling connections can be both exciting and c...
07/24/2024

In non-monogamous relationships, the journey towards open, honest, and fulfilling connections can be both exciting and challenging. One emerging and promising tool for helping individuals navigate this terrain is ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT). This innovative approach can not only support mental health but also enhance the brain’s capacity for change and learning—critical components for successfully embracing non-monogamous relationships.

Ketamine, originally used as an anesthetic, has gained recognition in recent years for its rapid-acting antidepressant properties. It works by modulating the glutamate system, a critical neurotransmitter network in the brain. By increasing the levels of glutamate, ketamine can promote synaptic growth and strengthen neural connections, leading to enhanced neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Neuroplasticity is particularly important when learning new relationship skills, such as those needed for non-monogamy. These skills include effective communication, setting boundaries, managing jealousy, and navigating complex emotional landscapes. Ketamine-assisted therapy creates a unique window of opportunity where the brain is more receptive to learning and adapting.

Ketamine-assisted therapy offers a powerful and transformative approach for individuals ready to explore non-monogamous relationships. By enhancing neuroplasticity, supporting mental health, and facilitating personal growth, KAT can help individuals develop the skills and emotional resilience needed for successful and fulfilling non-monogamous relationships.

***r ***rmentalhealth ***rtherapist ***rtherapy

Kitchen Table Polyamory (KTP) is a relationship style in which all members of a polyamorous network are comfortable and ...
07/23/2024

Kitchen Table Polyamory (KTP) is a relationship style in which all members of a polyamorous network are comfortable and familiar enough with each other to gather around the proverbial (or literal) kitchen table. This approach fosters a sense of family and community, where everyone feels included and relationships are intertwined.

While KTP emphasizes a certain level of comfort and familiarity among partners, it doesn’t mean that everyone has to be best friends. The goal is more about creating a harmonious environment where everyone can interact respectfully and comfortably. Relationships can vary in closeness, and it’s perfectly okay if some partners are closer than others.

KTP does not require cohabitation. The term “kitchen table” is metaphorical, indicating comfort and familiarity rather than a literal living arrangement. Partners can live separately and still practice KTP, maintaining strong connections and engaging in shared activities without sharing a home.

Kitchen Table Polyamory offers a unique and fulfilling approach to polyamorous relationships, fostering a deep sense of community and connection. By understanding the dynamics, benefits, challenges, and boundaries, you can navigate this relationship style with grace and compassion, creating a harmonious and supportive polycule.

There is no “one true way” to practice polyamory. KTP is one of many styles and is not inherently better or worse than others. Some people may prefer parallel polyamory, where relationships are more compartmentalized, or other non-monogamous arrangements. The best approach is the one that works for all individuals involved.

If you are located in WA state and need some therapeutic support in navigating your polyamorous dynamics, head to CourageousYou.Us to schedule your free consultation.

***r

In the world of non-monogamy, the concept of New Relationship Energy (NRE) is both exciting and challenging. NRE refers ...
07/20/2024

In the world of non-monogamy, the concept of New Relationship Energy (NRE) is both exciting and challenging. NRE refers to the intense emotions and excitement that come with starting a new romantic or sexual relationship. It’s often characterized by heightened attention, affection, and the overwhelming rush of emotions. Understanding and managing NRE is crucial for maintaining harmony and balance within a polycule.

NRE is often mistaken for true love, but it’s primarily driven by novelty and infatuation. True love develops over time with deeper understanding and connection.

While NRE typically diminishes over time, the timeline can vary. Some people experience NRE for months, while others might feel its effects for years.

NRE can occur in any new romantic relationship, regardless of the relationship structure. It’s a universal experience that’s especially noticeable in non-monogamous contexts due to the presence of multiple concurrent relationships.

Be mindful of making long-term commitments during the height of NRE.

Allow relationships to develop naturally and set realistic expectations.

Involve existing partners in your excitement about the new relationship. Sharing your joy can help mitigate feelings of exclusion and jealousy.

Maintain honest and open communication with all partners.

Discuss the impact of NRE and ensure that everyone’s feelings and needs are acknowledged.

Make a conscious effort to balance time and attention between new and existing partners.
Schedule regular check-ins to ensure that existing relationships continue to receive the care they need.

Embracing New Relationship Energy as an opportunity for growth and connection can lead to deeper bonds and a more harmonious and fulfilling polyamorous life.

If you are located in WA state, and would like some therapeutic support in navigating new relationship energy, you can head to CourageousYou.Us to schedule your free consultation.

***rtherapist

Relationship Anarchy (RA) invites us to rethink how we approach connections, emphasizing authenticity, autonomy, and mut...
07/19/2024

Relationship Anarchy (RA) invites us to rethink how we approach connections, emphasizing authenticity, autonomy, and mutual respect, and it also often sparks both curiosity and misunderstandings. Let’s explore some of the most common myths surrounding Relationship Anarchy and clarify what it truly entails.

By debunking these myths, we open up space for diverse relationship styles that honor individual needs and foster genuine connections. Understanding these myths can pave the way for meaningful, intentional connections that resonate with your true self.

If you are located in WA state and would like some therapeutic support around understanding how relationship anarchy can work for you and your relationships, head to CourageousYou.Us for a free consultation.

***r ***rtherapy ***rtherapist

Boundaries are a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, whether they’re romantic, platonic, familial, or p...
07/18/2024

Boundaries are a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, whether they’re romantic, platonic, familial, or professional. However, there’s often confusion about what boundaries are versus what they aren’t, especially within the non-monogamous context.

Boundaries, unlike rules, are inherently personal and self-focused. They respect individual autonomy while creating clear guideposts for others on how to engage with us. Boundaries are about communicating our limits and needs, allowing for mutual respect and understanding without imposing control.

Rules in non-monogamous relationships often dictate specific behaviors and can mirror the controlling dynamics found in colonization. Colonization imposes external authority and control over others, erasing autonomy and enforcing uniformity. Similarly, rules in non-monogamy can serve to exert control over partners, limiting their autonomy and forcing them to conform to a predefined structure.

For those passionate about global anti-colonization efforts, starting with personal relationships can be a profound way to live these values. By rejecting controlling rules and embracing ethical boundaries, we can cultivate relationships that honor autonomy, respect, and mutual care.

***rtherapy

When you find a therapist who shares your identities and values, it can feel like a homecoming. As a q***r, non-hierarch...
07/17/2024

When you find a therapist who shares your identities and values, it can feel like a homecoming. As a q***r, non-hierarchical polyamorist, and relationship anarchist psychotherapist, I understand the unique challenges and joys that come with these identities. Our work together will be deeply collaborative, empathetic, and transformative.

Here’s a little glimpse into what our work could look like together.

If you are located in WA state, are q***r, polyamorous, and/or a relationship anarchist, and are ready to get started on your therapeutic journey with a therapist who gets it, head to CourageousYou.us to book your free consultation.

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Building Q***r Communities of Care: A Radical Necessity in Troubling TimesIn today’s world, where societal and environme...
07/16/2024

Building Q***r Communities of Care: A Radical Necessity in Troubling Times

In today’s world, where societal and environmental crises seem to be escalating, the need for strong, resilient communities is more crucial than ever. For q***r folx, the concept of community care goes beyond traditional support systems, providing a lifeline in times of uncertainty.

Why Q***r Communities of Care Matter:

1. **Counteracting Marginalization:**
Q***r individuals often face systemic discrimination and social isolation. By creating dedicated communities of care, we can counteract these forces, fostering environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

2. **Promoting Mental Health:**
The mental health disparities within the q***r community are well-documented. Shared spaces of understanding and support can significantly alleviate the psychological burdens many of us carry, providing a network of care that understands our unique challenges.

3. **Resilience in Crisis:**
In times of societal upheaval—be it political turmoil, environmental disasters, or global pandemics—having a robust community can mean the difference between survival and succumbing to stress. Q***r communities of care can act as mutual aid networks, ensuring everyone has access to essential resources and emotional support.

Building q***r communities of care is a powerful response to the challenges we face today. It’s about creating networks of support that uplift and sustain us, embodying the radical love and solidarity that has always been at the heart of q***r liberation. Together, we can weather any storm, knowing that we are stronger, safer, and more resilient as a united community.

***r

Transitioning from monogamy to non-monogamy can be a thrilling yet challenging journey for couples. Often, newer non-mon...
07/13/2024

Transitioning from monogamy to non-monogamy can be a thrilling yet challenging journey for couples. Often, newer non-monogamous couples attempt to enforce hierarchy within their relationships, prioritizing one partner over others. While this may seem like a practical approach, it can lead to power imbalances and ethical dilemmas. Let’s explore the four most common reasons couples try to enforce hierarchy and provide strategies to navigate these challenges ethically.

Fear of Losing the Primary Relationship: Couples new to non-monogamy often fear that opening up their relationship could jeopardize their primary bond. They believe enforcing a hierarchy will protect their main relationship.

Desire for Control: Some couples enforce hierarchy as a way to maintain control over their relationships and limit the influence of new partners.

Jealousy and Insecurity: Jealousy and insecurity are natural emotions, especially in non-monogamous contexts. Couples might use hierarchy to manage these feelings, believing it will reduce competition and comparison.

Lack of Understanding of Non-Hierarchical Models: Newcomers to non-monogamy might not be familiar with non-hierarchical relationship models and default to hierarchical structures out of habit or societal conditioning.

Enforcing hierarchy in non-monogamous relationships is fundamentally about exerting power over others, which is inherently unethical. This practice reflects colonialist ideologies that prioritize dominance and control over mutual respect and equality.

In non-monogamy, all partners deserve to be treated with equal respect and consideration. Hierarchical structures undermine this principle, creating environments where some partners’ needs and feelings are deemed less important. By striving for equality and mutual respect, we can build healthier, more fulfilling relationships that honor the autonomy and worth of every individual involved.

***r

🌈 Embrace your journey as a relationship anarchist with these affirmations to guide you. 💖 These affirmations can help y...
07/11/2024

🌈 Embrace your journey as a relationship anarchist with these affirmations to guide you. 💖

These affirmations can help you stay grounded, authentic, and true to your values in every connection you nurture. 🌊

These affirmations can remind us that love knows no limits and that every relationship can thrive through mutual respect and understanding. ♥️

***r

Ketamine-assisted therapy is a powerful tool for mental health and personal growth, offering unique opportunities for de...
07/09/2024

Ketamine-assisted therapy is a powerful tool for mental health and personal growth, offering unique opportunities for deep introspection and healing. One crucial aspect of this process is intention setting, which serves as a guiding light throughout the therapeutic journey. Setting clear, meaningful intentions can help focus the mind, clarify goals, and create a purposeful therapeutic experience. For q***r and non-monogamous individuals, intention setting can be especially transformative, providing a pathway to better understand and embrace their identities.

Why Set Intentions?

Intentions are not just goals; they are deeply personal commitments to oneself. In the context of ketamine-assisted therapy, intentions help:

1. **Provide Direction:** Intentions guide the therapeutic process, helping individuals stay focused on their most important issues and goals.

2. **Enhance Mindfulness:** Setting intentions encourages mindfulness and presence during sessions, enhancing the therapeutic experience.

3. **Facilitate Integration:** Clear intentions help in integrating the insights gained during therapy into daily life, fostering long-term growth and change.

How to Set Intentions

Setting intentions is a thoughtful and reflective process. Here are some steps to help guide this practice:

1. **Reflect:** Take time to reflect on what you truly want to achieve or understand during your therapy. What areas of your life need attention and healing?

2. **Be Specific:** Clear, specific intentions are more powerful than vague ones. Identify what you hope to explore, heal, or understand.

3. **Write It Down:** Writing your intentions can help solidify them in your mind. It also serves as a reference point during and after therapy.

4. **Stay Open:** While having specific intentions is important, staying open to unexpected insights and experiences can also be valuable.

5. **Revisit and Adjust:** Intentions can evolve over time. Regularly revisiting and adjusting your intentions ensures they remain relevant and meaningful.

***ringpsychedeilcs

Healing is a complex, multifaceted journey, often requiring us to confront and process deep-seated pain. One of the most...
07/06/2024

Healing is a complex, multifaceted journey, often requiring us to confront and process deep-seated pain. One of the most profound aspects of this journey is having our pain witnessed by others. This act of being seen and validated can catalyze immense transformation in our mental and emotional well-being. Let’s explore the science behind this and why having our pain held safely by others is crucial to healing.

When someone listens to our pain without judgment, it activates the brain’s empathy circuits. A study in *Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience* revealed that the presence of an empathetic listener can reduce the activation of the brain’s pain centers, thereby reducing perceived pain levels. This is because our brain releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which promotes feelings of trust and safety, crucial elements for emotional healing.

Having our pain witnessed does more than just soothe our nervous system; it has profound implications for our mental health. Validation from others can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are often exacerbated by unacknowledged pain. A meta-analysis published in *Clinical Psychology Review* found that social support and validation significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Safe touch can further enhance the healing process when used appropriately and with consent. Human touch is a powerful tool that can communicate empathy, support, and love without words. Co-regulation is the process by which one person’s nervous system influences another’s, leading to a more balanced state. Here are some specific strategies involving safe touch to help with co-regulation:

- Breathing together
- Forehead touching
- Foot Massage
- Heart to heart hug
- Cradling
- Gentle stroking

Having our pain witnessed by others is not just a comforting experience—it’s a deeply transformative process backed by science. By understanding the impact this has on our nervous system and mental health, we can appreciate the profound importance of empathy and validation in our healing journeys.

In recent years, the visibility and acceptance of both neurodivergence and non-monogamy have been on the rise. For many,...
07/04/2024

In recent years, the visibility and acceptance of both neurodivergence and non-monogamy have been on the rise. For many, exploring these identities has led to a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Interestingly, there are significant overlaps between these two realms, and being neurodivergent can often bring unique strengths to the practice of non-monogamy.

The intersection of neurodivergence and non-monogamy offers a rich landscape for personal growth and relationship fulfillment. By embracing the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring, we can foster more inclusive and supportive non-monogamous communities.

With intentional communication, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to self-care, neurodivergent individuals can and do thrive in non-monogamous relationships, creating connections that are as diverse and vibrant as the individuals themselves.

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Shoreline, WA
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