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Trans & Intersex

Transgender and intersex issues are closely related and we have much to learn as to understanding the etiologies of sex and gender diversity.  Typically, scientists define male and female as those that produce sperm and eggs respectively.  For men and … Continue reading

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LGB History & People

I believe that knowing the history of our own people is a point of pride.  We should know those that paved the way before us, have broken through the barriers of injustice and brought attention to the world about a … Continue reading

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LGBT Organizations

There are a number of avenues to get connected to the LGBT community.  I found volunteering a good way to get to meet people.  Another good way is through churches such as Cathedral of Hope, which is the largest LGBT church … Continue reading

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Mental Health

Choosing a counselor that is right for you is important.  No counselor can work with every client.  No client will be able to really connect with every counselor.  So, if you are not connecting with your counselor, you should discuss … Continue reading

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Coming Out LGB

Coming out is the process of sharing one’s authentic identity with others, even if that identity is in development or exploration.  It is a process of sharing more with others what we have been hiding and holding back.  In other … Continue reading

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Sexuality

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Trans Voice Coaching

If you are wanting to change your voice, you might consider visiting a professional for a bit to get some ideas.  You might consider a vocal coach or a speech language pathologist. Speech Language Pathologists A Tempo Voice Therapy (Ft. … Continue reading

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Trans Name & Gender Marker Change

Typically during a gender transition, you may wish to change your legal name and your gender marker.  You can do these both at the same time or at different times and there is no one right way to do this.  … Continue reading

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Memorial Day Words

Some words for Memorial Day this year… My heart hurts to think of all the loss For families hurt by the death of their children Fathers and mothers that never came home Brothers and sisters that are now all alone … Continue reading

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Is You?

Here is where my mind is this morning: So I look at my cat and ask him squarely, “Is you or is you ain’t my constituency?” He looks at me and shakes his head. I said “Why? Haven’t I promised … Continue reading

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Are You Glad You Transitioned?

People often ask me, “Are you glad you transitioned?” While the answer is always yes, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t a hard thing to go through. It’s like asking somebody, “are you glad you had the triple-bypass?” In a lot … Continue reading

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Affirmation: I Have a Brave Heart

Affirmation of the day: I have a brave heart. I cut through the fear. I take a risk. I do the right thing. I face my challenges. I snap out of it. I am a hero on a heroic journey. … Continue reading

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Breathe In, Breathe Out

I breathe in – I breathe out. I close my eyes gently. I let my mind stop. I choose not to choose. My hands rest in my lap. Posture erect. Comfortably I sit. I bob my head from side to … Continue reading

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On the Eve of April Fools

I wanted to share a little personal history before bedtime. On April 1, ten years ago, I was out for a walk/jog. I was physically out of shape and my life was really exhausting me. I was frustrated and often … Continue reading

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Affirmation For Easter

Affirmation for Easter: Today is a good day to begin again! I am reborn today. I recreate my life anew. I allow life to unfold in a graceful way. I stay in touch with this moment. I forgive myself. I … Continue reading

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Affirmation: It’s Easier Than I Think

Affirmations Inspired By S. Boorstein’s “It’s Easier Than You Think” Written By Renee Baker   I allow myself to stay open to a spiritual path.  My spiritual path need not be complex.  Simplicity is okay.  As I explore this road, … Continue reading

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Trans Coming Out

Coming out is the process of sharing one’s authentic identity with others, even if that identity is in development or exploration.  It is a process of sharing more with others what we have been hiding and holding back.  In other … Continue reading

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Trans HRT

Hormone replacement therapy for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals is a common medically necessary step for individuals undergoing a physical transition.  One should definitely not rush into starting HRT and should plan carefully.  It is important to understand the effects of … Continue reading

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Making Good Use of Counseling

Counseling is an opportunity for growth, to learn and unlearn, to forgive others and forgive ourselves, and to find ways to be more peaceful throughout our lives.  It is about developing a strong sense of who we are and building … Continue reading

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My Contribution to the Red Circle Project

I am adding the following entry I wrote last year on Sept 1, 2012 for The Red Circle Project.  I am sharing today on June 2, 2013..respectfully Renee Baker. Rising and falling My breath be not still And this mind … Continue reading

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The Best Breast

I’m a bit hesitant to share, but this is a true story as written back in 2007. The Best Breast was written by Dr. John Tebbetts, a well-known plastic surgeon in Dallas. I would like breast augmentation and since he … Continue reading

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Counseling

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How Counseling Works

One of the most difficult things for human beings, including myself, is for us to recognize and change our patterns of thoughts, feelings and behavior.  But people are doing it.  And today it is apparent to many that humanity is … Continue reading

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The Knots Prayer

A school friend of mine gave this prayer on a bookmark.  It is really a beautiful prayer and affirmation. The Knots Prayer Dear God, please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life. Remove the … Continue reading

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50 Tips for Counselors: A Compilation of Irvin Yalom’s Advice

Fifty Tips for Counselors: A Compilation of Irvin Yalom’s Advice Renee Baker, Ph.D. The following is a list of tips and tidbits I consolidated from Irvin Yalom’s book The Gift of Therapy – An Open Letter to a New Generation … Continue reading

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Bipolar Disorder in Adolescence: Diagnosis and Modern Treatment

Bipolar Disorder in Adolescence: Diagnosis and Modern Treatment Renee S. Baker, Feb 8, 2011 Introduction In the fall of 2007, just a few years ago, Carmen Moreno and her colleagues made national and even international news when they released a … Continue reading

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Coming Out of the Darkness

A SAFE PLACE AT LAST | Alex Fitzgerald says school officials in Lewisville and Flower Mound did nothing to protect him from bullies. Now he attends iSchool in Lewisville, a private school where faculty and staff mean it when they … Continue reading

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An Ode to Reece Manley (1/14/69 – 2/3/11)

I wrote this for my Professional Counseling Class in May of 2010.  He shared many intimate details of his life with me.  He passed away this month from the many complications he faced.  He was often in great pain, so … Continue reading

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Movie Therapy

Movies are one of the most creative formats available for us today.  We can relate to them on so many levels.  Depending upon our interests and our emotional needs, certain movies can do us wonders.  Others can take us on … Continue reading

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Cutting Away at Emotional Pain Handout (Nuestras Voces Conference 2010)

This is the handout I am providing for the November 2, 2010 Arte Sana Nuestras Voces / Our Voices National Conference on self-injury.  If you need a MS Word copy, let me know. Cutting Away at Emotional Pain Handout Renee … Continue reading

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