198: Dealing with Codependency in the LGBTQ+ Community with Miriam Geiger

The LGBTQ+ community comprises a relatively small percentage of people in our society. But at the end of the day, we're all just human beings trying to make sense of this craziness and trying to find our way through life. Therefore, whether you identify yourself as LGBT, queer, or straight, we all have to respect and accept each other. On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Marriage and Family therapist, Miriam Geiger, about the common issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community, specifically, around codependency and mental health. As a member of the community herself, Miriam Miriam helps gay, lesbian, bi and pansexual, transgender and queer folks dig deep to know themselves fully so they can lead bold, fulfilling and authentic lives.  Miriam has her own online psychotherapy practice as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a licensed clinical counselor in both California and Illinois.    In this episode, you will hear: Codependency in the LGBTQ+ community Dealing with a sense of distorted self Why the LGBTQ+ people are the most empathetic people Other common issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces The challenges of being in such a small community Thinking about the developmental process and lifespan as an LGBTQ Finding your way to recovery Key Quotes: [10:01] - “The self wants to be accepted by the community.” [13:38] - “We need other people to love us… But the problem is that the drive is so strong, that when you layer on this other stuff, it gets a little convoluted." [20:25] - "The LGBTQ people are some of the most empathetic, sweetest, and loving. When you come out of hard things, it also creates all this tenderness and the ability to have empathy." [24:58] - “Just asking ‘what was your coming out’ like can be great. It's not all about sexuality or gender, necessarily, but it's not ‘not about it’ at the same time.” [27:07] - "Think about people in a developmental process almost, that it does affect every little part of the lifespan in its own unique way. It's very different to be an LGBTQ senior." [29:53] - "One thing I've learned is that people are all the same, and they're all incredibly different."  [33:33] - "Find something that resonates and gives you some sense of hope, and also some sense of direction." Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.  We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. If you really enjoyed this episode, we’ve created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at www.theaddictedmind.com to download it. Supporting Resources: NovusMindfulLife.com www.MiriamGeiger.com  Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices