Relationship Programs and Couples Counseling for the LGBTQIA+ Community in Grand Rapids, MI with Brittani Decess, LLPC [Episode 127]

The Intentional Clinician: Psychology, Philosophy, and Therapy

Brittani Decess, LLPC speaks with Paul Krauss MA LPC about the importance of relationship counseling programs for the LGBTQIA+ community in the lives of those involved in a relationship as well as the community that surrounds them. Brittani and Paul discuss the current offerings of a Premarital & Commitment Relationship Counseling Program for LGBTQIA+ Couples and a Healthy Relationship Dynamics program for LGBTQIA + Couples (for those who have been together for a time). Also discussed: What each program entails, why they can be effective, the research surrounding couples therapy in the LGBTQIA+ community, why health insurance doesn't cover couples counseling, Research and Literature by Julie Tilsen and Joe Kort, Drs. Julie and John Gottman's love lab, existential couples therapy, solution-focused couples therapy, and more.

• All Relationship Programs at Health for Life Counseling in Grand Rapids, MI are listed here.

• How many queer folks want examples of healthy queer relationships, instead of toxic ones? In the 1990s a lot of the movies involved one of the members of a queer couple dying.
• Stereotypes dealing with (Lesbian too much commitment. Gay men are switching too much). People joke about them. It’s common among people to have all sorts of different diverse relationship attachment style.
• Pressure on the LGBTQIA+ community to get married, and prove “to the community” that our relationships also have love, commitments, sacredness and thus there is pressure.
• Why did you create these programs?
  • Little to no premarital counseling programs designed for queer relationships in the Grand Rapids, MI area
  • Only a handful of therapists and group practices that are trauma informed and affirming of LGBTQIA+ folx
  • To provide representation that queer couples and those who may be partnered with someone that may not be straight also are deserving of the same services the straight people have access to

Brittani Decess, LLPC is a mental health therapist at Health For Life Counseling and has been practicing since September 2021. Brittani identifies as a queer cis-gendered white female and uses she/her pronouns . Brittani has worked with a variety of individuals and families across the life span using talk and creative therapies to aid clients in healing and processing. Brittani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Counseling with a focus on Marriage, Couples, and Families. Brittani is also continuing training in EMDR techniques and Couples Therapy Modalities. Brittani has several years of trauma-informed work including facilitating a Cognitive-Behavoral-Therapy curriculum to youth in court system, being a public speaker and educator on topics related to sexual assault and domestic violence, and counseling children, teens, and caregivers moving through the adoption and foster care system before coming to Health for Life Counseling- Ada, MI. Brittani specializes in topics and issues related to lifespan changes/transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics (couples, families, and other relationship groupings), attachment, communication, self-esteem, LGBTQ+ experiences , sexuality and intimacy, and impacts of unhelpful social narratives. Brittani approaches therapy by working towards processing the meaning of experiences by exploring the intersectionality of cultural identities and how connections to people, places, and events have impacted the client(s) mental health and other areas most important to them.

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Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant , host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress) as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and Counseling Today. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433.

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Original Music:

”Alright" from the forthcoming album Mystic by PAWL (Spotify)

"Jackson" from Full Coverage, Vol 1. by Trixie Mattel ft. Orville Peck (Spotify)

"Breath" from ALGORHYTHM by Todrick Hall (Spotify)