SUPPORT GROUPS

Grounded in the Jewish prophetic value of Pikuach Nefesh, JQ offers free virtual monthly and drop-in support groups for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies.

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JQ Virtual Support Groups
January – June 2024

Grounded in the Jewish prophetic value of Pikuach Nefesh, JQ offers free virtual monthly drop-in support groups for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies. Led by skilled and passionate facilitators, these groups are psycho-educational and provide guidance, education, and support on various issues. Participation in these support groups is not based on a mental health diagnosis. Health insurance will not be billed, and registration is based on a suggested donation of $125 per participant for the series. Donations go directly to the support group facilitators’ payment. If you cannot afford $125, please pay what you can. No one will be turned away for lack of fundsRSVP is required to attend. 

Please note, JQ support groups are not a form of psychotherapy nor a replacement for it. If you need referrals to clinical services at any time, contact the JQ Helpline. 

Please direct questions to JQ’s Director of Support and Wellness, Laura Ticho, ACSW.

LGBTQ+ Coming Out

Select Tuesdays

6:00 – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
January 9, February 13, March 11, April 9, May 21, June 18

A monthly, drop-in group for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community who is at any point in their coming out process. It provides opportunities for discussion about the what, when, how, and who of coming out. This group aims to be an embracing space for identity exploration, expression of emotions, support, and bonding. 

Facilitated by: Laura Ticho, ACSW 106550 (she/her)

Supervised by Rachael Parsons Svendsen, M.S., LMFT
License No. 109514

Exploring Healthy Relationships

Select Tuesdays

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
January 16, February 13, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 4th

This group is open to LGBTQ+ adults seeking support around relationships of any kind, whether that be familial, friendships, romantic, work relationships, and/or building community as a whole. It is a welcoming space where individuals can nurture a sense of community, receive mutual support, and learn more about themselves in the context of their interpersonal relationships. This group aims to foster a sense of self-empowerment, health, and healing with oneself and others.  

Facilitated by:

Lillian Farzan-Kashani, LMFT (she/her)
License No. LMFT 121953 

Grief & Loss

Select Mondays

7:00 – 8:00 pm PT on Zoom
January 8, February 12, March 11, April 8, May 6, June 3

This group is open to Jewish LGBTQ+ adults that are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one. The group focuses on coping skills, connection with people also dealing with the loss of a loved one, and ways to combat isolation. It is open to individuals experiencing grief in any way and is led by a mental health practitioner. 

Facilitated by: Emily Abraham, LCSW
License No. LCSW 110789 

Queer Teen Wellness Workshop

Select Tuesdays

6:00 – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
February 6, March 5, April 2, May 14, June 4

A monthly 30-minute workshop in which teens connect and participate in a guided lesson about a mental health and wellness-related topic or skill. This is followed by an optional 30-minute discussion about topics including but not limited to mental health, stress management, relationships, identity development, and more. Parental consent is required to attend and participants must live in California to attend.

Facilitated by: 
Laura Ticho (she/her)
ACSW 106550

Supervised by Rachael Parsons Svendsen, M.S., LMFT
License No. 109514

Transgender & Gender Diverse Adults

First Tuesday of the month

7:00 – 8:00 pm PT on Zoom
January 2, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4

This group is open to Jewish transgender, nonbinary, or gender questioning people ages 18+. The group provides support to discuss changes in perceived identities, shifts in feeling a part of an LGBTQ or straight community, changes in sexual intimacy and comfort around bodies changing, conversations about medical and non-medical transition, sadness or fear, and a gathering of resources for continued support.

Facilitated by:

Michael Levine, AMFT (she/they)
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
AMFT 124078

Supervised by Thomas J. Pier, LCSW, OSW-C, CMF (he/him)
License No. LCS-21605

Supporting Transgender & Gender Diverse Family Members

Select Mondays

6:00 – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
January 8, February 5, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3

This group provides support and information for family members from a behavioral health provider. Family members include parents, caregivers, grandparents, siblings, family of choice, and more. It gives a space to ask questions or voice any concerns they have. No matter your level of transliteracy, you can get support and information and process thoughts and emotions that might not feel comfortable or appropriate to talk about with the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people in your life.

Facilitated by: Jordan Held, LCSW (he/him)
License No. 99905

Dating and Relationships across the Gender Spectrum

Select Thursdays

5:30 – 6:30 pm PT on Zoom
January 4, February 1, March 14, April 4, May 2, June 6

This is a monthly support group for anyone currently dating, exploring, or in a relationship with someone who identifies as nonbinary, trans, or gender diverse. Relationship in this context means: long-term, casual, open, poly, monogamous. This group will offer a space for non-judgmental listening, uninhibited conversation, support and resources to those who have questions, concerns, or need a space to process with folks wrestling with similar topics.

Facilitated by: 

Laura Ticho, ACSW (she/her)
ACSW 106550

Supervised by Rachael Parsons Svendsen, M.S., LMFT
License No. 109514

Iranian LGBTQ+ Adults

Select Wednesdays

6:00 – 7:00 pm PT on Zoom
January 10, February 7, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5

This group is open to Jewish Iranian LGBTQ+ and questioning people ages 18+. The group provides confidential support to discuss culturally sensitive coming out issues, an opportunity to meet other LGBTQ+ Iranian individuals, and a gathering of resources for continued support.

Facilitated by:
Mastaneh Moghadam, M.S.W., LCSW (she/her)
License No. LCSW 23095

Nourish and Nurture Support Group

Second Tuesdays
12pm – 12:50pm PT on Zoom
January 9, February 13, March 12, April 9, May 7, June 4

JQ’s Nourish & Nurture Group is a space for caregivers of gender diverse youth to virtually connect over lunch, learn about mental health topics and skills, ask questions, and process thoughts and emotions. Each session will introduce a concept or skill through an LGBTQ+ lens followed by interactive discussion and/or practice. Each Nourish & Nurture Group session is drop-in, virtual, and free. RSVP is required to attend.

Facilitated by: Emily Abraham, LCSW
License No. LCSW 110789 

JQ SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATORS

Mastaneh Moghadam, LCSW

Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
LCSW 23095

Mastaneh's Bio

Mastaneh Moghadam, LCSW., is the co-founder and executive director of the non-profit organization, Cross-Cultural Expressions, in Encino, CA. Mastaneh has worked with the Iranian LGBTQ community for over 15 years, providing therapy to Iranian Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals and their families. In January of 2015 Mastaneh started “We Do Care: Iranian American Parents of LGBTQ” support, advocacy and leadership groups. In July of 2017 Mastaneh collaborated with Raha International in establishing the Iranian- American LGBTQ support and leadership groups. In 2016, Mastaneh was hon- ored with the JQ International Inspiration Award for bringing the Persian LGBTQ community into the forefront, while giving a voice and support to Per- sian parents of LGBTQ children. In 2018, CCE was awarded a contract from Los Angeles Department of Mental Health to conduct a year long campaign focus- ing on reducing stigma’s and providing education on LGBTQ issues within the Iranian community of Los Angeles.

Michael Levine, AMFT

Support Group Facilitator
(She/They)
AMFT 124078

Supervised by Thomas J. Pier, LCSW, OSW-C, CMF (he/him) LCS-21605

Michael's Bio

Michael (they/them) received their MA in clinical psychology at Antioch University. They are from Oakland, California, and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2007 with concentrations in child psychology and theater. Michael is passionate about Jewish education and speaking out about gender issues, and leads youth groups through a program called Moving Traditions, as well as support and community groups through JQ International. They are also a published author of three books, including one titled, All The Feelings.

Laura Ticho, ACSW

Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
ACSW 106550

Supervised by Rachael Parsons Svendsen, M.S., LMFT | LMFT 10951

 

Laura Ticho, ACSW

Laura (she/her) is a queer, Jewish woman providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families who are in need of support managing life transitions. She is committed to a culturally humble practice as she puts compassion and curiosity first in her work with folks of all backgrounds. She specializes in therapy with adolescents, folks who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, and all families wanting to improve their communication and heal attachment wounds. She works to create a collaborative space that is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and attuned to the client’s needs.

Lillian Farzan-Kashani, LMFT

Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
LMFT 121953

Lillian's Bio

Lillian Farzan is a first-generation American and the daughter of Iranian Jewish immigrants born and raised in Southern California. She grew up with an acute awareness of oppression and inequity from a young age. This awareness developed into a commitment towards advocating for individuals impacted by systemic injustice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Lillian works with people of color, the queer community, and first generation individuals in her private practice in addition to offering workshops on diversity and inclusion. Lillian is a social-justice oriented therapist who serves her community by providing sacred spaces in which clients can come as they are, with their various intersections acknowledged and celebrated.

 

Jordan Held, LCSW

Support Group Facilitator
(he/him)
LCSW 99905

Jordan's Bio

Jordan Held, LCSW (he/him) is a Private Practice Family Therapist and LGBTQ+ Specialist. Jordan specializes in working with adolescents displaying complex mental health presentations, including suicidality, persistent mood disorders, and acute and chronic PTSD. Jordan is an adjunct clinician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Jordan sits on multiple Board of Directors, serving the LGBTQ+ community nationally. Jordan has worked extensively in secondary school education, developing health and wellness curricula, focusing on DEI and cultivating strength and resiliency for adolescents.

Emily Abraham, LCSW

Support Group Facilitator
(She/Her)
LCSW 110789

Emily's Bio

Emily Abraham, LCSW (she/her) is an individual and couples therapist in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to her clinical work, Emily provides LGBTQ+ inclusivity workshops for diverse audiences, including clinical staff, parents, caregivers, and teachers. Emily seamlessly integrates various modalities into her therapeutic approach, providing a transformative space for self-expression and growth. Her warm and empathetic style, coupled with a dedication to the LGBTQ+ Jewish community, reflects her vision for a more welcoming and connected world in which mental wellbeing is a shared priority.  

 

JQ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate and strengthen queer Jewish life through community building, educational programs, and support services creating a joyful and healthy future for LGBTQ+ Jews and their loved ones.

© 2018 JQ International. All Rights Reserved.

 

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