John R Edwards, LCSW

It's National Coming Out Day. Yes, I am a gay man. Hopefully, no one is surprised.It's National Coming Out Day. Yes, I am a gay man. Hopefully, no one is surprised.

I am SO EXCITED to announce that in collaboration with David Grand, PhD, Founder and Developer of Brainspotting and the Brainspotting Training Institute, that the first ever Brainspotting Phase 1 Training specifically for Therapists of Color in the USA is now open for registration. Trainer: David Grand, PhD, Founder and Developer of Brainspotting. Register here: ... https://www.westcoastpsychotherapy.com/brainspotting-traini Cost: $499 for 4 days 9am to 6pm each day. There is only one price. No late registration increase. However, please register ASAP as this helps with logistical planning. Due to the nature and content of the training partial attendance is not permitted. Date: Thursday December 5th to Sunday December 8th, 2019. 9am to 6pm each day. Location: Holiday Inn Atlanta Airport South 4669 Airport Blvd College Park, GA (about 15 minutes from the Atlanta airport) Note: Special hotel rates will be available after Wednesday 9/18/19. Just hold on until then to make your hotel reservation. See you there!!! PS-This NOT a profit making endeavor. The price of the training is at cost i.e. to cover the expenses of the training.

Sometime back I had this really wonderful conversation with Rebecca Wong, LCSW host of the then Practice of Being Seen podcast. Listen to it here: https://podcasts.apple.com//relational-heali/id1198725620 Rebecca now hosts the Connectfulness podcast.

Public Service Announcement: As most of you know I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist. I hold licenses in 3 states and one province, British Columbia, Canada. I also was trained in Level 1 Threat Assessment in 2006 as part of my job at the time working with violent teenagers.... As part of my current practice, I respond to crisis events to provide what some call psychological first aid or crisis response. In the last few weeks the company that I contract with requested assistance for 2 mass murders incidents by shooting in the broad San Francisco Bay Area. One in San Jose at a car dealer and one for the Gilroy Garlic festival. I know folks are overwhelmed and distraught as am I. However, there are some very clear things that should NOT be done. 1. Do not post about the murderer (not shooter). No photos, no manifestos, nothing, nada. 2. Posting about the murderer simply emboldens others who are on the edge of carrying out these heinous acts of murder. 3. These folks perceive attention including shares on FB, views, news coverage etc. as success because they are now famous for carrying on whatever bizarre cause. Please, stop talking and sharing about the murderers. Just don't do it. What to do 1. Talk about the victims and remember their lives and love ones. 2. Talk about how you are supporting each other, friends and family. 3. Donate to organizations that fight hate such as ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center or your selected organization. 4. If you know someone especially a white man whose teetering and leaning toward mass murder and violence please do not stay silent. Say something.

I guess better late than never. https://www.cnn.com//gay-trans-apology-disorder/index.html

3 years ago today 49 people - LGBT and their family or friends were murdered. 53 others were injured. Remembering the Pulse Nightclub massacre.

I have launched a new YouTube channel. Check out my first video that I posted regarding Jussie Smollett. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maNX1nXA3j0

My colleague Mercedes Samudio, LCSW and Parenting Coach is featured in an eonline article. http://www.eonline.com//the-secret-behind-how-celebs-trave

Sharing an article about the food fads out there. One point that is not mentioned is that a tons of people are emotionally tied to food and their weight which spurs the continued interest in diet and food fads. For example, if I stop eating sugar then I will be skinny and good looking and people with like me. https://www.theguardian.com//angry-chef-debunking-detox-di