North Fulton Trans* Support Group
What do we do? Mostly, we simply talk. We usually start out by having new people - who are comfortable doing so - introduce themselves. Often, I will ask if anyone has any announcements or events to share. Some people like to "check in" with what is going on with them currently. Please be mindful of time, so others get a chance to share. And, what I would consider most important, attendees are invited to get support, whether that means tangible resources or practical advice, whether it means expressing your fears, confusions, insights, questions, ponderings, concerns, hopes or ideas, for direction, validation, or just for our caring, listening ears... In addition to talking, we occasionally have group outings for socialization, opportunities to present in public, shopping, or trans advocacy events. At times, we have a speaker come in to talk about some issue relevant to trans people, a service provider to discuss what they do (like an electrologist or voice coach), a grad student studying trans issues, or a therapist like me who wants to be able to make informed referrals to clients. We have also had performers play music for us or sing, and artists display their works. Last year, we went to the "Alive After 5" street festival in Historic Roswell. Any and all creative ideas are welcomed!
What to expect: This is a free support group, open to the LGBTQ community. Some call it a "therapy group", but technically it is more of a support group. While there is no charge for attending, any donations for expenses and time are gratefully accepted. You may place them in the turquoise ceramic vase on the table.
Therapy: Yes, sometimes we deal with strong emotions and rather personal issues, but if someone's need for ongoing therapy becomes evident, I will recommend they hire a therapist to work with individually. Some of the group members see me individually, as I am a licensed therapist, but others aren't currently in therapy or are seeing another therapist in the community who works with gender identity. Either way is fine, and I am happy to refer you to someone.
Membership: Is open and ever changing, although there is always a core number of regulars, some of whom have become quite close. Snacks and drinks are provided, but feel free to contribute some if you'd like.
Confidentiality: In the group is a verbal agreement and promise to keep other people's private information private. What's said in the group stays in the group. And what's shared with you outside of group should stay there as well, unless you have that person's permission to share something specific. As an example, at times someone from group has asked me to share some bit of news with the group, like... "Susie is in a funk and could use a phone call or email".
Sharing: This is a friendly group, so new-comers will be encouraged to introduce themselves and interact. First name only, legal, chosen, or alias, it makes no difference. However, you are never under any obligation to speak or share about yourself. If you wish to just observe quietly, that is fine too. We respect each other's boundaries.
Wellspring Counseling Center: Is a group of 5 most excellent and awesome therapists (I may be a little biased), and we are all very open-minded and accepting, so you can feel safe and comfortable in our space. You are welcome to come in any gender presentation you like, queer, androgynous, whatever. We love and welcome family, friends, spouses and allies to come with you.
Group Composition: Adolescents through older adults are welcome, but minors need to be accompanied by a parent. MtF, FtM, gender queer, fluid, nonconforming, dual gendered, Intersex, questioning, ALL who find themselves under the Trans umbrella are welcome. Consider, however, that this group ranges from 20 to 30 per week, so there is a possibility that in the near future it will split off into 2 or more groups based on age group or some other category, simply due to logistics and for greater effectiveness. In fact, I am putting out the call or invitation for someone to spearhead such an effort. It has been mentioned that transmen and the under-20 crowd sometimes feel like minorities, so a North Fulton group specifically for those demographics would be helpful. Also, there is a strong need for a spouse/partners group. Anyone interested in getting that one going?
For Spouses, Parents, and other family members and loved ones: If you have come out to your closest people and gotten negative responses, there are many things I can help you do to manage this process. They may be in shock, full of emotion or behaving in ways that are hard for you to witness. I can help! You might want to tell your wife/spouse/loved one, etc. that I am a specialist in this area. I am unbiased and have helped many spouses and family members navigate these rough waters. I have had other wives/parents... express how grateful they are that I understood their point of view and advocated for them. I will not judge her or tell her (or you) what to do. I will treat her with the utmost respect and validate whatever she is feeling, be it anger, hurt, bitterness, confusion, or something else. I am here to provide information and support, to help you both with communication and problem-solving. I am sort of a relationship coach. Regardless of where this situation may take the two of you, I am here to help make it as harmless and loving a process as is possible for you both, and hopefully lead to the best possible outcome. If she wants to go see someone else, that is fine, and I can even refer some qualified professionals, but she may consider that other doctors and therapists refer to me when dealing with gender identity issues.
Dinner: There is a tradition of going out to dinner after group, so you will be welcome to join. There are two or three local restaurants that the group frequents on Thursday nights, and each of them is friendly and provides good service. If they didn't, we wouldn't go back, right?
What to expect: This is a free support group, open to the LGBTQ community. Some call it a "therapy group", but technically it is more of a support group. While there is no charge for attending, any donations for expenses and time are gratefully accepted. You may place them in the turquoise ceramic vase on the table.
Therapy: Yes, sometimes we deal with strong emotions and rather personal issues, but if someone's need for ongoing therapy becomes evident, I will recommend they hire a therapist to work with individually. Some of the group members see me individually, as I am a licensed therapist, but others aren't currently in therapy or are seeing another therapist in the community who works with gender identity. Either way is fine, and I am happy to refer you to someone.
Membership: Is open and ever changing, although there is always a core number of regulars, some of whom have become quite close. Snacks and drinks are provided, but feel free to contribute some if you'd like.
Confidentiality: In the group is a verbal agreement and promise to keep other people's private information private. What's said in the group stays in the group. And what's shared with you outside of group should stay there as well, unless you have that person's permission to share something specific. As an example, at times someone from group has asked me to share some bit of news with the group, like... "Susie is in a funk and could use a phone call or email".
Sharing: This is a friendly group, so new-comers will be encouraged to introduce themselves and interact. First name only, legal, chosen, or alias, it makes no difference. However, you are never under any obligation to speak or share about yourself. If you wish to just observe quietly, that is fine too. We respect each other's boundaries.
Wellspring Counseling Center: Is a group of 5 most excellent and awesome therapists (I may be a little biased), and we are all very open-minded and accepting, so you can feel safe and comfortable in our space. You are welcome to come in any gender presentation you like, queer, androgynous, whatever. We love and welcome family, friends, spouses and allies to come with you.
Group Composition: Adolescents through older adults are welcome, but minors need to be accompanied by a parent. MtF, FtM, gender queer, fluid, nonconforming, dual gendered, Intersex, questioning, ALL who find themselves under the Trans umbrella are welcome. Consider, however, that this group ranges from 20 to 30 per week, so there is a possibility that in the near future it will split off into 2 or more groups based on age group or some other category, simply due to logistics and for greater effectiveness. In fact, I am putting out the call or invitation for someone to spearhead such an effort. It has been mentioned that transmen and the under-20 crowd sometimes feel like minorities, so a North Fulton group specifically for those demographics would be helpful. Also, there is a strong need for a spouse/partners group. Anyone interested in getting that one going?
For Spouses, Parents, and other family members and loved ones: If you have come out to your closest people and gotten negative responses, there are many things I can help you do to manage this process. They may be in shock, full of emotion or behaving in ways that are hard for you to witness. I can help! You might want to tell your wife/spouse/loved one, etc. that I am a specialist in this area. I am unbiased and have helped many spouses and family members navigate these rough waters. I have had other wives/parents... express how grateful they are that I understood their point of view and advocated for them. I will not judge her or tell her (or you) what to do. I will treat her with the utmost respect and validate whatever she is feeling, be it anger, hurt, bitterness, confusion, or something else. I am here to provide information and support, to help you both with communication and problem-solving. I am sort of a relationship coach. Regardless of where this situation may take the two of you, I am here to help make it as harmless and loving a process as is possible for you both, and hopefully lead to the best possible outcome. If she wants to go see someone else, that is fine, and I can even refer some qualified professionals, but she may consider that other doctors and therapists refer to me when dealing with gender identity issues.
Dinner: There is a tradition of going out to dinner after group, so you will be welcome to join. There are two or three local restaurants that the group frequents on Thursday nights, and each of them is friendly and provides good service. If they didn't, we wouldn't go back, right?