Happy Pride Month from all of us at Chrysalis Center!

Pride is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and beauty of the LGBTQIA+ community. At Chrysalis, we are proud to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ clients, staff, and community members this month and every month. We are committed to creating an affirming, inclusive space where everyone feels seen, supported, and safe to be their full selves.

Pride Month is a time for joy and visibility—but it’s also a time for reflection and advocacy. For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, Pride is about reclaiming space, honoring those who have paved the way, and finding community in the face of ongoing marginalization. It’s a time to both celebrate progress and recognize the work that still lies ahead.

Why Pride Matters in Mental Health
LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face higher rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers. These disparities are not due to identity itself, but to experiences of discrimination, rejection, and systemic barriers to care. Research consistently shows that having access to affirming mental health care and strong community support can significantly reduce these risks and foster resilience.

That’s why Pride—and the spaces it creates—is so vital. It provides moments of visibility, belonging, and affirmation that can be profoundly healing. It reminds us that everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear.

What Can Allies Do During Pride Month—and Beyond?
Being an ally is about more than waving a rainbow flag. It’s about showing up, speaking out, and committing to continued learning. Here are a few ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community this month and every month:

• Show up: Attend local Pride events, marches, and workshops. Presence matters.

• Give back: Donate to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ youth, trans healthcare access, housing initiatives, and advocacy efforts.

• Shop intentionally: Support LGBTQIA+ artists, creators, and small businesses.

• Educate yourself: Read books, watch documentaries, and engage with media created by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Your local library is a great place to start.

• Listen and uplift: Center the voices of LGBTQIA+ people. Share their stories. Pass the mic.

Local Resources
We encourage you to check out and support these local organizations doing incredible work in our community:

• Trans-friendly healthcare providers

• LGBTQIA+ support groups

• Community centers and advocacy organizations

Resources for Allies
Want to learn more about how to be an effective ally? Here are a few trusted starting points:

• PFLAG’s Guide to Being a Supportive Ally

• The Trevor Project – Ally Training Resources

• Human Rights Campaign – Allyship Resources

This Pride Month, we invite you to take time to celebrate, to listen, and to stand alongside the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re attending your first Pride event or continuing a lifelong journey of advocacy, we are grateful to be in community with you.

From all of us at Chrysalis: we see you, we affirm you, and we’re so glad you’re here. ️‍

The summer edition of the baratric bulletin is live now! Click HERE to read and download!

The May edition of the Bariatric Bulletin is live NOW! Click HERE to read and download!

The April edition of the Bariatric Bulletin is live NOW! Click HERE to read and download!

By: Mikayla Alberico, social work intern at Chrysalis Center

Social workers apply values and skills set forth by the National Association of Social Works Code of Ethics to help individuals, families, groups, and communities to enhance well-being, help meet basic needs, and cope with social, emotional, behavioral, and health concerns. They abide by six ethical principles: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Social Workers emphasize a holistic, strengths-based approach in which they assist in improving clients biological, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural functioning.  

The key difference between Social Workers and other helping professionals is that a “Social Worker’s primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems” (NASW, 2021). Social Workers hold service to others above self-interest in pursuit of social change. They care for people, while always having cultural humility. They believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and that everyone has individual strengths within them that will help them to learn, grow, and change.  

Social Workers work in many different areas. They can practice at any level, from social and political advocacy to individual therapeutic care. You can find them working in private practices, hospitals, child welfare, schools, community organizations, and even holding political offices. Social Workers are there for you, to help you become whoever you want to be.  

References:  

National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. March 19th, 2024. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English  

The March edition of the Bariatric Bulletin is live NOW! Check it out by clicking the link below to download OR head over to our Linked In where it is available to share!

Bariatric Newsletter March 2024

The February edition of the Bariatric Bulletin is live now! Click HERE to read it!

Bariatric Newsletter February 2024

The first edition of our monthly bariatric newsletter is out now! Chrysalis dietitians, Madelyn and Jennifer, collaborated to bring you a bite-sized publication chock full of tips, tricks, and interesting tidbits to help you make the most of your bariatric experience.

Click HERE to download and read!

By Katie Baker

Communication with loved ones, especially with romantic partners, can influence how we feel about other parts of our lives (such as our holiday plans) and can either add to or reduce stress. This blog includes tips for communicating with your partner to help minimize tension during the holiday season (and throughout the year). These tips come from the highly researched and popularized Gottman Method for couples therapy, created by Drs. John and Judy Gottman.

Research shows that the following characteristics of communication are predictors of relationship decline when used regularly: criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling. Called the “Four Horsemen,” when we give or receive these negative reactions, we make it almost impossible to reach a solution. Gottman offers antidotes to the four horsemen, which can prevent a breakdown in communication, emotional disconnection, and stress.

Criticism involves attributing your partner with a negative trait. Instead of using criticism, Gottman suggests stating what you are feeling with neutrality followed by sharing your needs. An example of a critical comment is, “You never offer to help me with anything, all you think about is yourself.” Instead, try, “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with everything I need to do. Can you help me with the meal tonight?” This takes out the blame and lets your partner know what you would like.

Defensiveness is used to protect ourselves from attack. It can show up as acting like the victim or righteous indignation. An example of defensiveness is, “It’s not my fault the gifts didn’t arrive on time.” An antidote to defensiveness is accepting responsibility for even just part of the problem. This could look like, “Well, part of this is because of me. I need to order gifts earlier next time.” Even a simple, “good point,” or “fair enough,” can defuse an otherwise negative and stressful interaction.

Contempt is the #1 predictor of relationship demise, according to Gottman. Contemptuous statements come from a place of superiority. An antidote to contempt is to cultivate appreciation, respect, and openness in the relationship. An example of contempt might be, “You’re so stupid. What were you thinking?” An antidote could be, “I feel anxious when you make plans for us without telling me. I need to be a part of making these decisions.” There’s no name-calling or blaming here, instead, focus on your feelings and what you need.

Stonewalling happens when one person emotionally withdraws from the conversation. This could look like silence or the absence of cues that let the other person know you are listening. When you feel yourself wanting to withdraw it’s okay to let your partner know that you need a few minutes before you can continue the conversation. Take a break and do something that calms you down and does not have to do with the situation. This could look like going for a walk or taking some deep breaths until you feel emotionally calmer. The important thing here is to communicate to your partner how long of a break you need (ideally no longer than 30 minutes) and assure them that you will return to talk about it when you feel calmer.

Another thing to keep in mind around the holidays is that many of us, including our partners, have high expectations for how things should go, which can increase stress. It’s important to cultivate friendship within your partnership so you two can lean on each other during high-stress situations. One way to do this is to have what Gottman calls a “Stress Reducing Conversation.” These conversations are meant to help the two of you feel like you are on the same page. Let your partner vent about something without placing judgment on them or offering advice. Take your partner’s side in these conversations, which helps your partner feel less alone. Even if you don’t agree with your partner, that is not the time to reveal this, instead, stay empathetic towards why this is hard for your partner. And again, postpone problem-solving, just be a friendly ear to listen and empathize.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to have effective conflicts and communication with your partner, our new clinician, Katie Baker is currently taking couples and would like to hear from you! Katie has completed Level 1 Gottman training and uses the Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work.