A Safe Place for LGBTQ+

I have often wondered what my clients mean and expect when they see or hear that a place of business is a “safe place.” We all come from varied backgrounds that impact how we see, interpret and respond to the world around us.

I know what it means for me and what I want my space to be so wanted to share my goal and commitment to creating a safe place in my office / clinic setting.

First and foremost I have done my best to create an environment where you can feel confident that you will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, name calling, bullying or any form of mental or physical harm. It is also a non-judgmental space where you are allowed and encouraged to be unapologetically you and where you can be honest and vulnerable about your health concerns and self expression and we can honestly discuss your goals, expectations of my services, and desired outcomes in an open, confidential and respectful manner.

Part of this is that in order for this to be a safe place for you, it MUST also be a safe place for me. What does that mean? It means all of the above are expected from you too. That I will not be put in any uncomfortable position or situation that compromises my safety, person, professional license , livelihood or identity and you are supportive and affirming of me.

Recently I had a client who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community (I am also part of this community!) call me a name during a session that was unpleasant, unkind and startling. Part of the situation was they were in a lot of pain, and when I suggested a referral to another professional as I felt their health issue was outside my scope of practice and they needed an another option, they called me a name saying I was inept and left my office.

A few days later I got an email from this person, apologizing and asking if we could talk. We got on the phone and we were able to discuss the situation, why there was the altercation and make amends and come to an understanding and where I acknowledge their apology and gave my forgiveness. I think this situation illustrates in a small way, that my office was not a safe place for me. And somehow I had also missed the mark on identifying how my client communicated so I could better meet their needs and expectations while in my office. However, together in a respectful manner we were able to find common ground that honored each of us and find a solution.

I don’t always get it right and sometimes neither do my clients - after all, we are human, and sometimes we all miss the mark, miss cues, etc. But together we can set the intentions and outcomes that make us both feel valued, honored, seen, appreciated and loved.

Thank you for letting me be me. Thank you for being you.

Thank you for letting me love you.

Jeremy

Jeremy Cowin#LGBTQ+, #safespace, #gaymenshealth, #gaymensfitness, #gaymassagealhambra, #gaywellness, #gaymassagealtadena, #gaywellnesspasadena, #gaymalemassage, #gayspiritualhealing, #gayhealing, #gaymassage, #gayprofesional, #gaymassagepasadena, #gaymassagetherapist, #gayhealer, #gaymalemassagepasadena, #gayathlete, #gayalthlete, #gayprofessional, #safespaceforqueermen, #safeplaceLGBTQI