**Scroll to bottom for information
regarding Woman’s Support Group-scheduled to begin June 2009.
My goal is to provide services that
are free of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, heterosexism and
genderism. I have experience working with youth and adults identifying
with the LGBTQQ community. I provide services for same-sex parents (w/
blended and adopted families) and same-sex couples who are anticipating
becoming parents. Much of my experience includes providing support to
youth with same-sex parents, and hetero parents with children identifying with
the LGBTQ
community.
Whether you identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Queer, Two-Spirit, Same-Gender Loving, or Questioning… I want you to know that I am here to support you and your journey in self-awareness, self-identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, coming out, and/or any relationship issue that is
troubling or confusing for you.
Many people are completely aware of
their sexual orientation at a very young age long before they ever have a
sexual experience. While the debate continues over sexual orientation
being completely or partially genetic (called genetic predisposition), social
scientists agree that sexual orientation is set at a very early age (4 years or
younger) - well before any conscious "choice" can be made.
Sadly, much of civil society and the cultural majority fail to accept this
reality and directly or indirectly contribute to discrimination against all who
do not fall into the hetero-binary sexual model.
Sexuality is integral to human
beings throughout their existence. Each person has their own personal values
regarding their view of intimacy, love and sex. Some have negative views and
some have positive views, and some people have yet to formulate their
views. The fact remains, your views will affect your life
and your relationships.
Humans seek out intimate
relationships for a variety of
reasons. Some individuals - gay and straight -
are looking for mutual companionship and emotional support. They are searching
for someone to share their life with, to grow old with, to raise a family with.
Other people are looking for immediate gratification; they are discovering
things about themselves and others, trying to determine what attributes they
want in someone when they finally decide, if ever, to settle down.
No matter what someone's sexual
orientation is, learning about sexuality and relationships can be difficult.
It can help to talk to someone about the confusing feelings that go with
growing up, perhaps a parent or other family member, a
close friend or sibling,
or a counselor. It's not always easy to talk about these issues, but many
people find that confiding in someone they trust and feel close to, even if
they're not completely sure how that person will react, turns out to be a
positive experience.
Additional Facts:
1. Homosexuality, including Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer—ARE NOT indicative of mental
illness.
2. Social stigmatization (i.e., prejudice, discrimination, and violence) poses
risks to the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ clients.
3. Due to the stigmatization of non-heterosexuality, many LGBTQ clients feel
conflicted or have significant questions about aspects or consequences of their
sexual orientations.
4. There are unique and particular challenges facing LGBTQ parents.
5. Families of LGBTQ clients may include people who are not legally or
biologically related.
6. There are particular life issues or challenges experienced by LGBTQ members
of racial and ethnic minorities that are related to multiple and often conflicting
cultural norms, values, and beliefs.
7. There are special problems and risks that exist for LGBTQ youth.
8. There are particular challenges experienced by LGBTQ individuals with
physical, sensory, and/or cognitive/emotional
disabilities.
Some issues I can help with:
Understanding Sexual Orientation
& Gender Identity
"Coming out"
Challenges facing same-gender parents
Parenting an LGBTQ Child
Dealing with homophobia
Depression and Anxiety
Relationships with Family and Friends
Providing Coaching and Counseling
services that are LGBTQ-sensitive with a special focus on addressing the unique
needs of LGBTQ Youth and families as well as those whose lives are touched by
LGBTQ issues.
·
Woman’s Support Group
This group provides a safe and supportive environment for
women to share and learn with like-minded women who have similar concerns about
their identity. Women may be identifying
as Bisexual /Lesbian/Poly women, or they may simply be questioning their
gender/sexual identity and/or roles from living with a current “hetero”
identity. All are invited to find
acceptance, understanding, and share issues that they may be struggling
with.
Women can expect to set and achieve personal goals for
staying in current relationships and/or to work toward transitioning into a
more authentic way of being with
others.
Whether a woman is considering “coming out” or needing support for “staying
in” a relationship that does not necessarily serve her personal intimacy needs,
this group will be a secure place for women to explore their identity, build
their self-worth and find their inner strength by sharing their identity and/or
role ambivalence, relationship stresses and successes with other women in a
confidential atmosphere.
Support Groups operate on a traditional peer support model
where the trained facilitator guides rather than directs the process.
This format provides an open structure where women can explore their concerns
and feelings, and receive feedback from their peers.
All participants must register in advance. A screening interview is required to
determine if
the group is an appropriate match and to answer questions. Attendance at the first session of support
group is required and is essential to the process of trust-building. This 12-week group is scheduled to begin in
June, 2009, and will operate as a closed group; maximum 8 persons. The cost is $20 per (50 minute) group
session.
Tamberly Mott, MFT began facilitating women’s groups in
1992 and has helped women of all ages find their own strength to transform
their lives, and sustain positive lifelong authentic change. Many of her clients have faced extraordinary
challenges that have prevented them from living healthy, fulfilling, and
self-sufficient lives. Domestic abuse,
discrimination,
sexual abuse, sexual frustration, addiction, poverty, chronic physical illness,
major life transitions, mental illness – these are just some of the issues that
impact the women and youth that access her services.