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. In addition for those employees that are Gay,many people think that at this time in our society being Gay is easy. It is NOT. Many people still can not or will not "come out" for many reasons including fear of violence and fear of losing a job or a career."
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 who you are and 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. Run far away from anyone who says they have a reparative therapy.
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. I offer training to mental health organizations and businesses on LGBT issues and Transgender Issues.
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) to be themselves at work. The lack of proper understanding about LGBTQ issues hurts the bottom line of a business. As a business, your bottom line is important. You do not want to sacrifice this by people not being able to work to their full potential. It is crucial that these issues are understood.
Coming out to your family and co-workers affects them and you. When a LGBT person comes out the whole family comes out in a way and when a transgendered person in a family transitions, the whole family transitions as well. Coming out and transitioning does not have to be a life shaking experience for everyone - it can be wonderful.
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 and LGBT issues.
Public education to groups, schools, clubs, physicians, and social workers.
Advocacy