Kathleen Anne OBrien BS; LMSW.
Therapist, Business Trainer, Public Speaker, Advocate, LGBT Subject Matter Expert
NYS License Number 72-079068
Photo All Rights Reserved Contact Katharine Andriotis
Photography, LLC for permission
Kathleen OBrien is a Licensed Master of Social Work specializing in Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Personal and Family counseling. She is LGBT friendly and works with the entire LGBT spectrum. She is a subject expert in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transsexual (LGBT) Issues and Therapy.
Kathleen: "For a transsexual who is working and transitioning the road can be a rough one. When this happens it is very helpful and reassuring to have someone there to help both the employee and the business through the process. Many people think that at this time being Gay is easy. It is NOT. Many people still can not or will not "come out" for many reasons. This can hurt very much."
Being LGBT is who you are as a person. It is NOT a choice. It is the way you are born. It is physiological. It is how you feel deep down inside. It is your very self. Sometimes this is so difficult to understand and especially difficult to try to explain to others. Often people ask "Why?" Sometimes people just do not understand when you say "Because I have to, it is and means my very existence!"
Being LGBT cannot be "cured" with reparative therapy! In fact so called reparative therapy can permanently harm an individual or lead to death.
I offer training and advice to companies who have employees that are transitioning at work. Both the company and the individual need checkpoints to observe to make the transition a successful one.
It is a demand of doing business to have all employees contribute to their full potential. There are still issues with being Gay and Lesbian and coming out at work or NOT coming out. Many Gay and Lesbian people are fearful (for good reasons at times) to be themselves at work. The lack of proper understanding about LGBTQ issues hurts the bottom line of a business. It is crucial that these issues are understood.
Coming out to your family and co-workers affects them and you. For example, the person who is transgendered in a family is not the only person that is affected by being transgendered. Just like a divorce, it is not just the parents that go through the divorce, in a transition it is the immediate family and everyone tied to the family that goes through the transition as well. It can be a life shaking experience for everyone!
Services Offered:
Counseling for individuals and families.
Training for businesses about LGBT issues and how it affects employees,the work environment, customers and bottom line profits. Training in the workplace, clinics, education settings and mental health professionals.
College level seminars on Transgendered Issues.
Public education to groups, schools, clubs, physicians, and social workers.
Advocacy