Jeff Levy, LCSW
(originally posted on Branching Out: The Live Oak Blog, and Linked In, May 2017)

I was reading an article in the Chicago Tribune about Barry Manilow, his recent public “coming out,” and acknowledgment of his marriage to his partner of 40 years.  The article talked about the mixed reactions of the public ranging from support to questions about why Manilow waited so long.
 
What disturbed me most about the article was its implication that coming out means we are finally living authentically.  The author writes, about his own coming out:  “I felt my mind clear and my stomach quiet.  Life was different now.  I knew that.”  And later he writes “but living my truth in public outweighed all that.  I was free to be me at last.”

Jeff Levy, LCSW
(originally posted on Branching Out: The Live Oak Blog, April 2014)

After I received my bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy, my first job was at Adler Mental Health Center,  a state psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents.  Adler was where I “cut my teeth” as a mental health professional, and a place where I worked with incredibly smart, committed, and dedicated people.  Located in Champaign, Adler had the benefit of also being connected to the University of Illinois. 
 
Most of us were U of I alumni.  Many of us were pursuing advanced degrees, so Adler also served as a rich source for research.  We fought hard when the governor announced he intended to close Adler.  Despite community support and advocacy efforts, however, Adler closed its doors in 1982.  I’m providing this background information to give some context to my acceptance of “not knowing.”

Jeff Levy, LCSW
(originally posted on Branching Out: The Live Oak Blog, March 2014)

When I talk about the work I do I with other professionals and students, I often share that some of my most intimate relationships are with my clients.  I frequently see eyebrows raise; often two people glancing at one another with a knowing look.  I imagine they are silently communicating their judgment---that I have a problem with boundaries.  I wonder if they are thinking that I am lonely, or sad…or that I don’t know how to meet my needs in my personal relationships.

Jeff Levy, LCSW
(originally posted on Branching Out: The Live Oak Blog, February 2014)

Relationship Defined:  “an emotional or other connection between people”
When I begin meeting with someone, I try to make a point of discussing how therapy works.  I talk about the importance of the content of our sessions, and I talk about the importance of exploring the relationship that evolves between us.  I share that what we talk about is important and equally important is how we are talking about it; how our relationship develops.