I Live This: Transforming Mental Health through Personal Connection

A therapist and advocate’s thoughts on gender, representation and being an ally

This week on "I Live This," an advocate and therapist shares why seeing someone for who they are can be a powerful form of therapy. Plus, the health and rights of LGBTQ+ people and gender minorities. Liz Boskey, practicing therapist, advocate, and co-founder and leader of the New England Gender Care Consortium joins us. We'll discuss the rights and sexual and reproductive health of LGBTQ+ people and gender minorities. Also in this episode: her personal experience, advocacy work, and more. A special thank you goes out to MAMH intern Andy Lamberto-Wilson for leading this discussion! Note: A short primer featuring important definitions is also available for this episode, if you feel you may need a bit more background to fully understand the topics discussed.

Episode primer: LGBTQ+ terms and definitions

We cover the basics in this brief episode primer, including defining: relationship minority, gender affirming care, and more. These definitions accompany our conversation with Liz Boskey on "I Live This" titled "A therapist and advocate’s thoughts on gender, representation and being an ally."

One peer’s journey from incarceration to restorative justice

The week on "I Live This," we speak with a restorative justice practitioner about the criminal legal system, race, houselessness, and more. George Halfkenny is co-founder of THRIVE Communities. He came to peer support as a way to find purpose in his life and living experience. George describes his upbringing, what led him to cycle in and out of the justice system, and how he began (and continues) his journey of recovery. Special thanks go out to Vesper Moore, chief operating officer of the Kiva Centers, for leading this conversation. Note/trigger warning: George mentions drug use and physical abuse in this conversation.

How a Latina social worker and author tackles stigma, mental health, and recovery

Follow Yvonne Castañeda on her journey of recovery, rewriting the mental health narrative, and holding space for counselors and therapists who need support on this week's episode of "I Live This." Yvonne is a licensed clinical social worker, part time faculty member and Director of Community-Based Initiatives at Boston College School of Social work, and author of “Pork Belly Tacos with a Side of Anxiety.” In this conversation, we discuss why there's no such thing as a perfect therapist, how to support mental health professionals, how to trust in your truth, and more from her novel and overall experiences. Special thanks to MAMH intern and Master of Social Work candidate Alison Sabean for leading this enlightening conversation with Yvonne.

Buried in Treasures: Understanding over-finding and keeping, plus how peers can help

In this episode of "I Live This:" The journey of one peer to support other over-finders, understand his collection, and express his feelings. Lee Shuer is a certified peer specialist, co-founder of Mutual Support Consulting, and co-author of “The Buried in Treasures Workshop Facilitator's Guide,” with Dr. Randy Frost. He’s been at the forefront of developing self-help groups and workshops for people who want to regain control of their collections and clutter in a judgment-free way. In this conversation we'll hear Lee's thoughts on peer support and self-disclosure - sharing with coworkers and others his mental health experiences; why classifying over-finding and keeping as "hoarding" is detrimental to those seeking and offering help; how he developed his workshops and related resources; and how Lee uses artistic expression to process emotions, reflect, and nurture understanding (some of Lee's poems and music are featured throughout the interview). Facilitating this week's discussion is Cassie Cramer, LICSW, Project Manager for Older Adult Behavioral Health at MAMH.