September 1991 Vermont Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Therapists Meet Walter L Zeichncr , _ _ loaf/v/o/21 /Vo// On June 30t.h, 18 lesbian, gay and bisexual psychotherapists Psychotherapist held a meeting in West Bolton. Three issues were identified as 3 having priority for gay, lesbian and bisexual(g/1/b) clients: : mdmdum and Group Cou nseung - Boundaries and their role in creating safety while working E (802) 388'0933 'tliin small comm ’ ; - - giimopzliobia within tlllitclzltiiliental health field and the need to __ Middlebury. VT 05753 identify and provide education to homophobic therapists; ' . ' _ . Ongoing need for peer support, supervision, resource 5?U':3;'i‘rgt- “Lesbian SuPP°'T GT0‘/P sharing among g/1/b practitioners. Discussion about boundary issues gave practitioners the op- portunity to share views, feelings,‘and the experience of work- ing with clients in a small community of whichone is a mem- ber. Questions that were posed included, “Is it necessary to exclude oneself from the g/l/b community in order to maintain appropriate boundaries with clients?” “Does being politically out support my clients or get in their way?” “How do I get my personal needs for community met without interfering with the relationships I have with clients?” While these questions were not all definitively answered, the dialogue was an important foundation for the newly formed group. ‘ Many people remarked on how glad they were to see this gath- ering happen. There are now many g/l/b therapists in Vermont and coming together was an important step in strengthening the mental health of our community and the Vermont community at large. People attending the meeting included private practitioners, people working in community mental health agencies, and ed- ucators in the field of psychology. There was a great deal of in- terest and enthusiasm in forming an ongoing network. The next meeting is scheduled for September 29 at the home of Bill Lip- pert in Hinesburg. All mental health practitioners are invited. The agenda item will be “How it feels to be out as a therapist.” The meeting will begin at 11 am and lunch will be shared. Dis- cussion will follow facilitated by Dot Brauer and Howdy Rus- sell. The group plans to continue meeting on a quarterly basis. Anyone wanting more infomiation can contact Bill Lippert at 482-3528. V Beginning in September” Janet K. Brown, M.A.,C. AC Jean Townsend, M.A. Licensed Psychologist Certified Mental Certified Alcohol Counselor Health Counselor - ACOA - IDEN'I‘ITY ISSUES - TRAUMA AND LOSS - DEPRESSION Individuals Couples Families Milton, VT (802) 893-4816 2 Church Sm‘ Burlington, VT (802) 863-8162 ROBERT W. ZEUNEB ATTORNEY AT LAW Member National Lesbian and Gay Law Association Bauer, Gravel and Watson 362 Main Street Burlington, VT 05401 863-5538 The Passion of Pearls... September 1 Labor Day Dance 7 p.m. downstairs. September 6 Women’s Buffet & Dance $5.00 5-9 p.m. September 8 Men’s Tea Dance $3.00 Tea Dance 6 p.m. Pasta Night - All You Can Eat . $5.95 6-I0p.m. September 15 Two Female Comedians 9 p.m. $5.00 cover September 21 Ladies Lounge Dance $1.00 7-I0 p.m. September 28 Fall Ball Charity VT C.A.R.E.S. September 29 Bingo, Pizza, & Prizes 8 p.m. September 11 Pearls 135 Pearl St. Burlington, Vermont