Tag: abuse survivor

In Part II of this podcast series, *Simon (name changed), a 16-year old transgender youth bravely discusses the pain he has faced along his journey and the complexities of “passing” as a male. Compassionate beyond his years and with a gentle heart, he discusses the forgiveness for those who don’t always show kindness by saying, “Maybe they are going through a hard time themselves” and reveals the underlying pressure of looking in the mirror and not approving of his own reflection.

Simon is a beautiful soul who attends school, loves his family, looks forward to college and has established a supportive network of friends.

To round out our series, we speak to Sorin Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Queer Asterisk, a nonprofit organization with a team of queer and trans therapists and educators serving the LGBTQPIA communities with offices in Boulder, Denver and Longmont, Colorado. With a gracious heart, Sorin discusses work that Queer Asterisk does with youth, family systems and within the community. This work encompasses therapy, mentorship, community events and training.

Sorin is a queer and non-binary transgender licensed professional counselor and licensed addictions counselor offering a variety of therapeutic services to queer and trans folx. A graduate of Naropa University with a master’s degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology, Sorin utilizes body sensation/movement and mindfulness practices. Therapy is strengths-based and client-directed for children, adolescents, adults, and couples/families of all configurations to inspire growth and healing. Sorin specializes in modalities such as wilderness therapy and canine/equine therapy.

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In this powerful podcast, Aaron and Maia Huey talk about how their father/daughter relationship has evolved over the years. Aaron, host of the podcast, Beyond Risk and Back on the Mental Health News Radio Network and founder of Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Facility, humbly discusses how his addiction lost him custody of his young daughter and how in his recovery, he was able to become the father she needed. Learn how Aaron’s mission became to equip Maia with a strong belief in herself and the tools needed for self reliance. Maia, who is due to graduate from college this May and already owns her own marketing company, talks candidly about the pressures of living in her father’s shadow and emerging with her own sense of empowerment and identity.

This talk reveals the generational impact that parents have on their children and the forgiveness that can exist within that relationship when we listen, own mistakes and love unconditionally. Please join us for both, this heartwarming podcast and the after show!

For Aaron’s podcast, Beyond Risk and Back, go to: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/beyond-risk-and-back/

In this podcast, our guest, Kris (Last name protected, given the nature of her work within the mental health community) talks about the recent 20 year anniversary of the Columbine shooting where two high school students took the lives of 12 students and 1 teacher. This anniversary was significant because several schools in Colorado were closed after the FBI named an 18-year-old woman, a potential threat. This young woman ultimately committed suicide after a statewide manhunt ensued. In the aftermath of her suicide in the mountains of Colorado, social media exploded with shouts of celebration over her death, as well as reminders that losing any life is a tragedy. No matter where you stand on the issue, this episode highlights a broader topic of mental health and how we all have a responsibility to ask questions and show compassion to those in our society who may be struggling.

Kris is a therapist, leader and advocate on mental health issues in her community. Given the sensitive nature of her work within the mental health arena, her identity is protected but her words serve as a reminder of a larger issue within our community and what we can do to instigate a movement of change.