Working with the LGBTQIA+ Community
My identity as a queer person of color enters the therapeutic space whether implicitly or explicitly. Often times when working with queer identified clients, they feel more comfortable knowing my identities more so because they don't have to go through the process of explaining the intricate and nuanced details of their lived experience. On the flip side, I will not assume that your life experience is the same as mines. Therefore taking the time to learn more about you is at the forefront of therapy before we begin to dive into how to create healing and change. Your story matters!
Additionally, we must recognize that the social political world also generates so much distress for historically oppressed communities. Politicians and policies continue to silence our lives and many times it can resurface for me feelings of rejection, isolation, and anger. My hope is to create the space where together we recognize that pathology is a construct to continue oppression and that social experiences (e.g., racism, discrimination) are what fuels this distress, not our own characteristics or our own lives. Let us together find liberation for your life where your authenticity fuels strength and growth.
Additionally, we must recognize that the social political world also generates so much distress for historically oppressed communities. Politicians and policies continue to silence our lives and many times it can resurface for me feelings of rejection, isolation, and anger. My hope is to create the space where together we recognize that pathology is a construct to continue oppression and that social experiences (e.g., racism, discrimination) are what fuels this distress, not our own characteristics or our own lives. Let us together find liberation for your life where your authenticity fuels strength and growth.
"Services also focus on Queer identified couples to work through challenging times, to recognize and work with the unit (the relationship), to develop important skills (e.g., communication skills), and to adapt interpersonal styles encouraging growth"
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Dr. Kern's approach to advocacy
in policy changesDr. Kern sits on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion board at the VA Southern Nevada where he works to promote the improvement of care for Veterans who identify or are members of historically marginalized communities.
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in the therapyThrough his integrated approach, Dr. Kern recognizes of how systems are built to oppress and built to malign those who do not fit the "norm". Therefore acknowledging that this is a phenomenon while recognizing that this system is built this way can sometimes alleviate the blame or criticism we put ourselves through.
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in academiaWith scholarship and through education, Dr. Kern brings these untold stories to the forefront of education. Too long have we heard stories of the majority, therefore it is time we honor and discuss those who have existed long before these systems.
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Publications on Older Adults and Racism:
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