LGBTQIA+ 8-WEEK SUPPORT GROUPS

ADOLESCENT SUPPORT GROUPS FOR AGES 12-14 AND 14-18

Do you have an adolescent who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community and is feeling anxious, stressed out, or overwhelmed due to the current political climate or other personal issues?

If so, they are not alone! Our supportive, nonjudgmental 8-week groups provide spaces for preteens or teens to navigate challenges, connect, share, learn, and grow.

Many of us are struggling with the state of the U.S., the constant attacks on our rights and the rights of others, on top of our daily personal struggles. The more I hear, the more I realize there are not enough therapists providing safe and truly affirming spaces for our LGBTQIA+ youth, so I’ve decided to create support groups to help them connect with their peers while processing hard feelings with trained professionals. 

Through one of these two support groups, your preteen or teen will feel more accepted, valued, connected, content, and confident, as well as less anxious and stressed.

We welcome and honor teens of all backgrounds and identities, fostering a confidential space free from judgment where they can unapologetically express themselves. 

Dawn’s approaches are rooted in anti-oppression, equity, social justice, anti-racism, neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ affirming, feminist, anti-diet, body acceptance, and fat liberation. Discrimination is not tolerated, and I am committed to ongoing personal and professional growth as I continue to learn.

100% of teens who have experienced the EMPOWERED group program (a psychoeducational group I facilitate) recommend it to others.

LGBTQIA+ Adolescent 8-Week Support Group for Ages 14-18

Who: High School Ages (including homeschoolers/GED/Those on a break)
Where: Near E. Drake Rd. & S. College Ave. in Fort Collins, CO
When: Wednesdays, March 26-May 14th from 4:30-5:30PM
Limited to: 8 Participants per group
Investment: $15/group session/$120 total + $20 one-time non-refundable registration fee.
Sliding scale rates, scholarships, and waived registration fees available for those in need.  
No refunds will be given once the group starts. Payment is still expected if a group session is missed.

LGBTQIA+ Adolescent 8-Week Support Group for Ages 14-18

Who: 7th-8th Graders Ages 12-14 (including homeschoolers)
Where: Near E. Drake Rd. & S. College Ave. in Fort Collins, CO
When: Wednesdays, March 26-May 14th from 3:00-4:00PM
Limited to: 8 Participants per group
Investment: $15/group session/$120 total + $20 one-time non-refundable registration fee.
Sliding scale rates, scholarships, and waived registration fees available for those in need.  
No refunds will be given once the group starts. Payment is still expected if a group session is missed.

Possible Group Topics (centered on group members’ needs)

  • Anxiety 
  • Perfectionism
  • Depression
  • Disordered Eating
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Stress and Overwhelm
  • Body Image
  • Body Dysmorphia
  • Family Issues/Relationship issues
  • Body Shame and Liberation
  • Gender Dysphoria
  • School Issues
  • Impact of Anti-Trans/Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation on Mental Health
  • LGBTQIA+ Support + Exploration
  • Transgender support (identity, transitioning, and more)
  • Issues Related to Forced Relocation Due to Anti-Trans Laws
  • Nervous System Dysregulation/Regulation
  • Embracing Neurodivergence

Group Co-Facilitators

I, Dawn K. Gibson, MSW, LCSW am the creator and facilitator of Teens Rising Empowerment Programs®. I have 25 years of professional experience in the mental health field, including extensive experience in supporting preteens and teens of all identities, sexualities, and neurotypes who are from various backgrounds and communities.
With both professional and lived experience, I deeply understand the challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families face. My intention is for your teen, and all of the teens with whom I work, to feel seen, heard, connected, and uplifted as they embrace all parts of themselves and feel more comfortable in the skin they’re in–no matter what society may be telling them at this time. I am passionate about helping clients feel empowered to live authentically and thrive.

Amber Larsen, MA Student Intern (supervised by Cassie Thomas, MA, LPC) has a passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ teens and adolescents and offers a safe and welcoming space for group therapy. As she finishes up her graduate studies, she brings a fresh, young adult perspective and lived experiences that enhance her ability to deeply understand and empathize with the challenges our community is facing. In these uncertain and often anxiety-inducing times, her goal is to help foster connection, safety, empowerment, and support within the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

Photo Credit: The LGBTQ+ header photo by Igor Omilaev via Unsplash.com