How does one identify as being “queer-informed”? It is not enough to know the terms, watch queer
shows, or know a queer person. Queer people’s bodies are being policed, oppressed, discriminated
against, violated and killed. It is time to embody their validity and visibility. People are seeking out
therapists whom they feel safe with, don’t have to explain or validate their existence to, and can
help them understand their personal, embodied experiences. Dance/movement therapists are in
the unique position with an understanding of embodiment and are primed to be able to sit with
folks. How do we extract ourselves from the lens of heteronormativity and cisgender biases?

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. The participant should be able to identify 3 ways to make their private practice queer affirming
2. The participant should be able to identify personal biases related to gender and sexuality
3. The participant should be able to compare and contrast cisgender/heteronormative and gender
expansive/queer experiences

CONTINUING EDUCATION: 1 ADTA CE, NBCC CE, NY LCAT CE

Presenter Information:

Kristen Crowe (they/them) BC-DMT, LPCC a Certified Sex Therapist, and graduate of Pratt Institute living in Southern California. They are the Clinical Director of Open Space Therapy Collective - a LGBTQIA+ group practice in Los Angeles. She sees individuals and people in relationship who are part of the queer community; and provides off-site supervision for DMT students, R-DMTs, and associate clinicians through a LGBTQIA+ affirming, antioppressive, and anti-racist lens. She provides DEI, crisis intervention, and DMT trainings. They are the founder of Soul on Fire Dance, a specifically queer-friendly adult dance studio that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and social justice through trauma-informed dance instruction.

Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion. In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding board member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, and celebrate. They also host the podcast My Therapist is Out!, exploring mental health through a queer lens. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping providers with the tools to do the same.