Coming-out Issues for LGBTs: Connections to Substance Use and Treatment

Addiction and the sexual orientation is thoughtfully explored by Dr. Raven James in her blog.

KU intern, Amy Gray, joins Turner Professional Group



Amy Gray, KU Intern

Amy Gray is an intern at Turner Professional Group specializing in individual and couples work. Ms. Gray has experience working with families, runaway and homeless youth, and HIV+ youth. Ms. Gray has a Masters degree in clinical and counseling psychology from Central Missouri State University and is currently working toward a Master of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas. In her free time, Ms. Gray enjoys coaching youth softball, kayaking, taking photographs, and spending quality time with her many nieces and nephews.

"Amy has a great personality and a genuine desire to help people. She promises to be a great asset to our practice and our clients," stated Dr. George Turner, her clinical supervisor. Dr. Turner oversees all interns at Turner Professional Group meeting to discuss cases, provide guidance and augment each student intern's clinical skills. "This is a great way for clients to receive stellar service at an affordable price. We are so glad we can give back to the community in this way," added Dr. Turner.  In addition to seeing clients, Ms. Gray will help facilitate a women's "Healthy Sex" group with Lisa Meyers, LSCSW/LCSW a co-owner at TPG. Ms Gray is also interested in research on sexual health and will be organizing several projects for TGP including a future conference presentation.

Welcome Amy~!

Ms Gray is accepting new clients and can see people for FREE or reduced fee.

Please contact Amy at:
Phone: (816) 931-8255
Email: intern2@turnerprofessionalgroup.com

George Turner, certified sex therapist, speaks at PFLAG: Coming Out: A Journey of Worthiness

George Turner, LSCSW/LCSW, certified sex therapist at Turner Professional Group, (www.turnerprofessionalgroup.com) will present Coming Out: A Journey of Worthiness at the next PFLAG program on Oct. 9, 3pm at Village Presbyterian Church. Coming Out is a life-changing and life-long journey that begins when you first realize that you are gay, lesbian bisexual, or transgender… and utter the possibility of being LGBT to yourself. The act of coming out of the closet is not a single event but rather has many acts; and it is also a journey that our straight allies travel. For allies, coming out and defending LGBT persons can be just as difficult.

George shares that learning to live OUT is a process often clouded with shame. Removing that mask of shame and giving voice to your true authentic self is often traveled in incremental steps forward with painful retreats backwards. George will explore how coming out is but one journey that is essentially the universal search for worthiness; a desire to be valued, respected and loved! Participants both LGBT persons and their allies will learn about the coming out process; and most importantly both seasoned travelers and those just beginning their journey will enrich their journey by learning how to better deal with the unique challenges faced in their adventure.

George is a leading sexual health consultant, educator and clinician. He works with both couples and individuals in the areas of relationship enhancement, sexual health and personal wellness. George has
developed a spa-like, holistic wellness center where leading therapists, trainers and consultants guide clients to design personal and professional growth. Additionally, his team provides consultation to school districts and non-profits on topics such as: diversity, team building, and strategic plan-ning. George’s expertise in comprehensive, positive sexuality allows him to help people with diverse issues such as: infertility, erection dysfunction, painful intercourse, premature ejaculation, coming out, fantasy negotiations, menopause, and infidelity.

George welcomes the PFLAG family to take advantage of a FREE phone consultation. You can contact him or his team at: 816.931.8255 or by email: George@turnerprofessionalgroup.com. His office located on the Plaza/ Westport area is convenient to the entire metro area.

A Place to Find Support & Acceptance
PFLAG-KC general meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month at 3:00pm at The Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Room 307 (enter SE door), Prairie Village KS 66208, 913.262.4200.The meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible. PFLAG-KC board meetings are held at 1:30pm before the general meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend and add their ideas.

Meetings are all inclusive & non-denominational.

For more information call our help line: 816.765.9818.

Write us at:

PFLAG-KC
PO Box 414101
Kansas City MO 64141
www.pflagkc.org
pflagkc@pflagkc.org

It Gets Better

The anit-bullying campaign, It Gets Better, has shared some phenomenol videos in an effort to end youth violence and create a safe environment for all youth. I encourage every adult, but especially parents and teachers, to review these messages for your own 'teachable moment' for your kids.

Adults MUST address bullying and create a safe environment. Take the lead. Help a kid. They'll be thankful!