Lisa Meyers, sex therapist, visits the Big Apple and meets Betty Dodson sexolgist pioneer

I recently went to New Your City to visit with one of the biggies in the sexology world, Betty Dodson, PhD. I had the opportunity to invite several human sexuality classmates from Widener University as well as my 77 year old cousin who is experiencing a rebirth of her own sexuality as a senior. We spent two and a half hours in the space where Betty has conducted individual sex coaching and her body sex workshops for the past 25 years. It was thrilling to talk with her about our field, the strides toward positive sexuality and pleasure, as well as how far we still have to go. I will never forget her telling us not to be afraid to “break the rules” and get people the help they need to enjoy sexual health and wellness!

I asked the others if they would be interested in contributing their own experiences of this day as guest bloggers, and here is the first entry from my friend, Rebecca:

Left to right:

Rebecca, Lisa Meyers, Kim, Kira,

Betty Dodson, PhD, Jina, Ben

Recently, I had the utmost honor of sitting at the feet of one of my heroes. This was easy to do, not only because she had floor pillows laid in an intentional yet comfortable circle, but because her doors were open and she was incredibly welcoming. When you've given as many people orgasms as 82 year-old pleasure-activist Betty Dodson has, you can really take a day off here and there. But Dodson and her business partner Carlin Ross don't seem to have any intention of slowing down their pace. The two of them regaled us with stories about male ego-stroking, giggled over throwing "whore" signs to one another, classified 70 as the new youth of old age, and casually discussed talking to google about getting a new "sex education" search term together so that education-seekers didn't get lumped in with the porn-seekers. It was a sunny living room brimmed with potential and a strange sort of familiarity and I never wanted our two-hours to be up. Yet, even when it was, leaving felt natural, as if hugging a friend you would soon get coffee with again. The visit, organized by Lisa Meyers of Turner Professional Group, was an inspiring chance to see the bravada of a women who has never stopped doing it her way; the kind of woman I strive to be and remain.

--rebecca

How do you raise GREAT men?

"Little boys dont cry!", "Man up!", "Be a big boy!"... STRIKE these shaming messages from your vocabulary! Why would we want to raise emotionally damaged or stunted men? Give your boys a healthy balance and teach them to tap into thier emotions. Their future partners will thank you for a a lover who has a rich range of expression and a deep capacity for communicaiton.

On this morning's Today Show, they offered Five Tips on HOW to raise boys to become GREAT men:

1. How are you feeling? We are more apt to ask girls how they are feeling. Get in the habit of asking boys the same to help them explore their emotion. Giving boys a toolbox of emotions beyond 'anger' is an important parenting task.
2. Expand Empathy. Encourage your boys to read fiction and ask them to report on what happens to the charater. Research shows that tracking this develops empathy. Also, playing the "What IF game" helps. To play the game, note a person like a ball player under stress and ask your boy, "How would that preasure make you feel?"

3. Strengthen Sense of Self. Dont use the label, "Boys will be boys", because it gives boys a negative label and sets expectations low for boys to use as an excuse for bad behavior. Furthermore, praise EFFORTS not just talents. Let boys know that you are proud of thier time spent studying and practicing, not just for winning!
4. Model Respect: Boys will pattern their respect of others after parents demonstration. Show them 'real world' examples of respect for others. Remember to 'walk the walk'!
5. Show Affection: Recognize that as youth age they may pull away from the 'mom smooches', but timing is important. So dont remove all they affection, but just learn 'when' and 'how much' to shower on your lil' man.

Parents Coming Out to Their Kids

Parents who come after having kids often need additional support. Here are few resources:

Parents 'coming out' to thier kids may be challenging for some.

A. Curve Magazine

B. Colage

"The first thing to note is that it is really terrific that you are taking time to consider how to sensitively approach coming out to your kids.* Here at COLAGE we have found that as children, we really want to know the truth about our parents’ sexual orientation, and usually we have some idea before you even tell us! But just because we want to know doesn’t mean that we always are thrilled about the situation, especially initially. It can signify a big change in the family, especially when accompanied with all the transitions that come with a divorce or break-up. Here are some tips to keep in mind that might help:

It’s never too early to come out to your child/ren. Kids understand love. What they don’t understand is deception or hiding. And it’s never too late to come out to your child. COLAGE has met folks in their forties whose parents are just now coming out to them. A lot of mysteries are being solved, and missing puzzle pieces falling into place for these families. Often knowing the truth will be a relief for kids of all ages.

1. Tell your child/ren in a private space where the conversation can’t be overheard and will be completely confidential. Telling them at your regular Saturday night dinner at your favorite restaurant will be overwhelming."

C. List of Books for Kids of Gay Parents

For Children Of A Gay Parent.

*Coping When A Parent Is Gay. Deborah A Miller, Ph D
*There's Something I've been Meaning To Tell You. Laralee Pike.

D. Other Helpful Books

Gay Help Books For Parents, Friends And Families Of Gay,
Lesbian And Bisexual Children

* Family Secrets: Gay Sons – A Mother’s Story Jean M Baker. Haworth Press, 1997
*How Homophobia Hurts Children: Nurturing Diversity at Home and at School Jean Baker. Harrington Park Press, 2002
*Straight Parents, Gay Children: Keeping Families Together
Robert A Bernstein, Thunder’s Mouth Press, 1995
*Straight Parents, Gay Children: Inspiring Families to Live Honestly and with Pride Robert Bernstein, Thunder’s Mouth Press, 2003
*Family Outing Chastity Bono. Little, Brown and Company, 1999
*Adolescence: A Guide For Parents Michael Carr-Gregg and Erin Shale. Shale Finch Publishing, 2002
*Loving Someone Gay D Clark. Celestial Arts, 1997
*Our Daughter Martha: A Family Struggles with Coming Out Marcy Clements Henrickson. Pilgrim Press, 2001
*A Mother Looks at the Gay Child Jesse Davis. New Falcon Publications, 1997
*Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey Betty Degeneres. Quill, 2000
*Now That You Know Betty Fairchild and Nancy Hayward. Harvest Books, 1998
*Not Like Other Boys: Growing Up Gay – A Mother and Son Look Back Marlene Fanta Shyer and Christopher Shyer. Alyson Books, 1997
*Coming Out, Coming Home Joan Golding and Peter Wood. Spectrum, 1998
*Out of the Twilight: Father’s of Gay Men Speak Andrew Gottlieb. Haworth Press, 2000
*Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians and Gays Talk About Their Experiences Griffen et al. St Martin’s Press, 1997
*Is it a Choice? Eric Marcus. Harper San Francisco, 1999
*What if Someone I Know Is Gay? Eric Marcus. Price Stern Sloan Publications, 2000
*My Child is Gay Bryce McDougall (ed). Independent Publishers Group, 1998
*Different Daughters: A Book by Mothers of Lesbians Louise Rafkin (ED). Cleis Press, 2001
*Out of the Closet, Into Our Hearts: Celebrating Our Gay/Lesbian Family Members
Laura Siegel and Nancy Lamkin Olson. Leyland Publications, 2001
*Coming Out As Parents: You and Your Homosexual Child David K Switzer. Westminster John Knox Press, 1997
*Friends and Family: True Stories of Gay America’s Straight Allies Dan Woog. Alyson Books, 1999



RE-Discovering Sexuality: Post Stroke

TPG’s own Lisa Meyers, LSCSW/LCSW/CST, recently facilitated a support group for young survivors at the American Stroke Foundation. The group members were engaging and wanted to learn more about sexual expectations post stroke, how to keep sexuality alive and interesting, and how to get a partner’s interest in sex to increase.

Lisa often uses Barry McCarthy's "Good Enough Sex Model" while talking with people about finding a healthy sexual life, but it is especially relative for people in rehabilitation or those living with chronic illness. "Helping people re-discover pleasure is at the core of my work, and vital for couples who have experience traumatic illness or medical issues", stated Meyers. "They need a break from all the work, doctors and grief. Connecting with your partner and your own sexuality is a return to a quality life."

Jean Brogan, KU practicum student and ASF intern stated: “I had to share that the next day (after your presentation) I ran a group at ASF.  We used the wipe board and purposefully left the pleasure wheel drawing on the board.  Questions came about and we all chimed in that it was a wonderful meeting.  One person kept staring at it smiling and occasionally would say "Boy, I missed something good"!  We all concurred.”

For more information about this wonderful organization go to Americanstroke.org   

Office Space for RENT- Plaza / Westport



Full Size Kitchen with Concrete CounterTops



 Overview:
We are a group of clinical professionals looking to invite other practitioners to share our expanded and remodeled office. We welcome other psychotherapists, but we are actively looking to recruit a psychiatrist, chiropractor, massage therapist, nurse practitioner, or physical therapist to complement our client services. We would also entertain other professionals.



Lobby Seats 8, Beverage Service & Panel TV for client education



The Basics:

Share contemporary, designer, loft-like, office space with exposed 9’ceilings, concrete floors, artwork, soothing lobby environment, music & fountain, restroom and shower. Access to conference/group room & full kitchen, wifi, & beverage service.



Private Toilet & Shower



Our Motto: 





We believe that our client services are enhanced through collaborative care and look to create a cooperative of health care professionals dedicated to holistic wellness services.

The Area:
Beautiful Plaza / Westport within walking distance to area coffee houses, boutique shops, restaurants, grocery stores and walking park at JC Nichols Fountain. Easy access to I35 and 71hwy. Close to KU/ UMKC.





 The Rooms:

Offices with Large Windows, Stained Concrete Floors & 9' Exposed Ceilings

*We also have a shared ‘Rent by the Block’ system for those with limited practices.

You:
Ideal colleague is an established or ‘newly in private practice’ entrepreneur looking to enjoy the benefits of a collaborative practice setting for referrals, case consultation, business support and growth. Finally, a candidate must be financially responsible.

Conference Room has phone & panel TV.
Seats 8 with Rustic Farm Table & Modern Leather Chairs & Contemporary Chandelier

US:
We are a group of independent practitioners; we routinely meet to support one another’s businesses both clinically and strategically. 

Tours: FREE tours arranged by request... so whatya got to loose. This is a MUST see!

Lobby Beverage Service includes Coffee, Tea & Water.
Soothing sound is provided in all common areas

You may check us out at:

http://www.turnerprofessionalgroup.com/

For more information, please call George at 816.931.8255







Includes

§         Furnished Lobby



§         Wifi Internet

§         Parking… Private dedicated parking for building

§         Webpage Listing with picture/ bio (After initial set up fee)

§         Beverage Service (Coffee, Tea, Water, Cups)

§         Kleenex

§         Office Aesthetics (Aroma Therapy & Music)



§         Use of library, Group Room, Kitchen

§         Collegial Networking               



Furnished & Unfurnished Offices Available



Full Time & PT office available



 



Conference room with 2 Garage Doors -
Opens for Workshops providing access to Full Kitchen



Benefits: 



§         No out of pocket office set up expense (furniture, decorations)

§         Furnished Wait Room

§         Flat Rate –– No %

§         Simple & Stable short-term contract for 12 months

§         No typical long term (3 & 5) year contract

George Turner, L.S.C.S.W./L.C.S.W.



















 Turner Professional Group 
4010 Washington, Suite 405 
Kansas City, MO. 64111 
816.931.8255 

Rooms are a generous size approx. 13x13. One is furnished

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