ATX 2SLGBTQ+ Group Therapy

Process Group for 18+ Queer & Trans Austinites

This group is meant to provide a space where Queer Texans can relate to one another, feel empowered, and process their pain with safe folks who truly understand. The group is whatever members need it to be, but some ideas include:

  • Honoring the Fluidity of Being Queer

  • Working Through Shame, & Self-Compassion

  • Navigating Hate & Discrimination

  • Cultivating Resilience Among Anti-Queer Legislation

  • Finding Community, Seeking Support, & Knowing Your Resources

  • Affirming & Enjoying Your Queer/Trans Body

  • Making Space for Queer/Trans Joy & Euphoria

What to Expect

  • A process therapy group is a type of group psychotherapy that focuses on interpersonal relationships and group dynamics occurring in the present moment. Unlike more structured therapy groups that may focus on specific skills or topics, process groups emphasize:

    1. Here-and-now interactions between group members

    2. Exploration of feelings and reactions that arise within the group setting

    3. Development of interpersonal awareness and relationship skills

    4. Examination of group dynamics and patterns

  • In a process group, typically 6-10 members meet regularly with one or two trained therapists. The therapist's role is to:

    • Facilitate discussion and interaction between members

    • Help members identify and understand relationship patterns

    • Ensure emotional safety while encouraging authentic expression

    • Guide the group in exploring conflicts and tensions that arise

  • The therapeutic value comes from:

    • Receiving feedback from multiple perspectives

    • Practicing new ways of relating to others in a safe environment

    • Gaining insight into one's impact on others

    • Experiencing emotional support and validation from peers

    • Learning from observing others' interactions and growth

Meet Your Facilitators

Emery Rodriguez, MS, LPC-A

Emery is an openly queer, transmasc, and nonbinary therapist passionate in supporting Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) and the broader LGBTQ+ community. They work with adolescents and adults, specializing in areas such as the mind-body connection, neurodiversity, overcoming perfectionism, enhancing self-esteem, addressing sexuality and gender-related concerns, managing shame, navigating relationships and intimacy, and processing trauma.

Emery integrates Attachment Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology (INPB), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Queer Theory, and somatic healing methods to help clients lead whole and fulfilling lives. Their approach is rooted in anti-colonial principles, liberation, and relational therapy, aiming to empower clients within a safe, celebratory environment characterized by trust, mutuality, and open communication. In sessions, Emery is playful, warm, curious, and compassionate. They believe in the healing power of laughter and welcome witty banter, memes, and silly photos of your pets.

Jourdan Bartels, MS, LPC

Jourdan specializes in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, couples, and individuals navigating relationship dynamics and changes, nurturing self-compassion, and tackling feelings of shame. She works primarily using relational-cultural therapy, interpersonal process, harm reduction, interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). At the heart of her approach is a holistic focus - working with Jourdan can look like addressing challenging behavioral or relational patterns, connecting with more nervous system regulation, and understanding how external factors have impacted your experience. Jourdan leads her therapeutic work with unconditional compassion, curiosity, authenticity, and humor to cultivate effective and trusting relationships with clients.

Details

    • Mondays 6:00PM - 7:20PM starting March 17th, 2025

    • In-Person at 1621 W 6th Street, Austin, TX, 78703

  • Income-Based Pricing

    • < $30,000 = $20 per session

    • $31,000 - $45,000 = $30 per session

    • $46,000 - $59,000 = $40 per session

    • $60,000+ = $50 per session

  • We ask that you agree to attend 6 sessions as consecutively as possible.

    Coming consistently to group therapy is crucial for both you and the other group members. Just like being part of a team - when someone doesn’t attend, it affects everyone's experience. Here's why your attendance matters…

    For your own growth:

    • You build trust gradually with the group, which helps you feel safer sharing

    • You get to see patterns in your relationships develop over time

    • Missing sessions means missing important moments in your own therapy journey

    • Regular attendance helps you maintain momentum in your personal growth

    For other group members:

    • They come to rely on your perspective and support

    • Your absence can make others hesitate to share if they were counting on your input

    • The group dynamic changes when members are missing

    • Others may worry about you when you're not there

    For the group as a whole:

    • Each session builds on previous ones

    • The group needs consistency to develop trust and safety

    • Irregular attendance can disrupt the flow of therapy

    • Strong attendance helps create a stable, predictable environment where everyone can do their best work

    • To encourage group attendance, we ask that you commit to paying for all 6 sessions even if you can’t make it.

    • If you do need to miss a session, we ask that you:

      • Let us know in advance when possible

      • Share with the group that you'll be away

      • Process any feelings that came up about missing the session when you return

    • Total group termination requires a 2-week notice.

Ready to connect with and support other openly queer Texans?

Fill out the interest form below and we will contact you within 48 business hours!

Sign Up Here!