What might a 'Higher Power' look like to someone in the LGBTQ community, and how might addiction recovery be affected by sexual orientation?  

Melanie Storrusten, LCSW joins Debonee to discuss how the idea of 'Higher Power' fits in with getting clean and sober, and why this can sometimes by a snag for LGBTQ individuals.  Tackling the differences between 'religious' and 'spiritual', defining 'a God of my own understanding', and breaking away from the yoke of conservative Christianity, we take a look at the hurdles that could potentially pose problems in recovery.  What is the Dark Forest, and why does anyone need to go there?  Learn why allies need to come out too.  And get stocked up on great resources for yourself or a loved one who may be struggling with alcohol or drug abuse.

Melanie is the Director of Foundations Recovery Network in Midtown Atlanta, and a Board Member of the LGBTQ Therapist Resource.

www.foundationsrecoverynetwork.com

Gender Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and blogger Dara Hoffman-Fox joins Debonee to continue the conversation on images of trans* people in pop culture.  We'll explore film, television and journalism to understand how transgender people are portayed, and the public reaction.  In this "Oscar Edition", they look at Ellen's Liza Minelli joke, and Jared Leto's win for "Dallas Buyer's Club".  Who is qualified to play transgender roles?  Is art responsible for changing culture?  What is the places of gender identity within stories?  They even mess with Texas - and that's just the beginning...

With a shout out to Eleven Jessica Groothuis, they look at Silence of the Lambs, The Fosters, Glee, Katie Couric, Carmen Carrera, LaVerne Cox, Janet Mock, Piers Morgan... it's all here!

www.facebook.com/darahoffmanfoxlpc

www.thebohemiansanctuary.com

conversations-with-a-gender-therapist.com

Dee Desnoyer, Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Play Therapist, joins Deb to talk about the importance of play therapy and creative play, especially in the LGBTQ family.  Anyone can PLAY, and Dee explains why we need it, and how it can promote healing and growth.  We connect it with the LGBTQ community, individuals and families: how can play help strengthen relationships and sense of self for individuals and families duing coming out, forming relationships, transitioning, etc.  How can we change our culture through play?  Does social media help or hurt?

Dee is also a qualified play therapy supervisor, and a board member of Atlanta's LGBTQ Therapist Resource.

www.atlantacounseling.org

http://lgbtqtherapistresource.com