Valentine's Day can present a challenge to anyone who is struggling in his or her relationship. There may be heightened pressure to focus on how the relationship compares with an ideal, when what it really may need is help moving past its less-than-ideal characteristics. If you would like to improve your current relationship, now may be the perfect time to seek couples counseling. Staff Therapist Ryan Crawford, MS, LMFTA, believes that every couple can benefit from therapy.

Couples counseling often is beneficial because it allows the individuals within the relationship to get the perspective of a third, relatively unbiased party. A licensed therapist can help improve communication and teach people how to be more productive in dealing with existing problems, as well as how to address new problems that may arise. Therapy can be structured around specific problems and goals, or it can start with a general desire to improve things. The reasons people seek couples counseling vary, from communication problems, parenting disagreements, lack of acceptance by extended family, financial stress, dealing with life changes, health issues, sexual problems, substance abuse issues, etc.

"Building healthy relationships can be especially difficult for members of our GLBT communities because many of us grew up without positive relationship role models," says Crawford. "Many of us learned how to have relationships through trial and error." The process is made even more difficult when GLBT relationships are not accepted and affirmed by mainstream society. As the primary mental health provider of Houston's GLBT communities, our experienced therapists can help.

Couples counseling varies from individual therapy because its goal is to improve the relationship, although it often involves addressing the individuals' problems too. "Couples counseling gave me a new way of seeing my issues and the problems that I needed to work on. My partner and I have been doing much better now, and when we do have problems, we work on them with respect towards one another. We have grown closer and wiser because of the services we received from MCC," says one client.

Crawford suggests that couples seek counseling as soon as possible after identifying problems within a relationship. "Often, the sooner a couple seeks help, the more beneficial counseling can be," says Crawford, "Most people don't see the need for therapy until they experience long-term problems for which they haven't been able to find solutions. However, counseling can also benefit new relationships because it can help people learn about each other, work through past relationship issues, break unhealthy patterns, and just generally start off on the right foot."

For more information about couples counseling, or to start the process by scheduling an intake appointment, please call 713.529.0037.

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February 7 was designated to bring HIV/AIDSAwareness to our nation's African American community. In 2008, African Americans accounted for 56 percent of HIV cases reported in Houston/Harris County, according the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS). National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day encourages African Americans to get educated, get tested, get involved, and get treated.

Year-round, Montrose Counseling Center's Community PROMISE team works to educate African American Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) about HIV/AIDS and how to reduce one's the risk of HIV infection. MSMs accounts for 33 percent of African American HIV cases reported in 2008, according to HDHHS. The Peers Reaching Out and Modeling Intervention Strategies (PROMISE) program works by allowing members of the African American MSM community to share their stories about how they have lowered their risk for HIV infection. Ways of reducing risk include increasing condom use, reducing the number of sexual partners, decreasing substance abuse, and engaging in safer methods of drug use. Besides sharing their own stories, Peer Advocates distribute other role model stories, condoms, and bleach kits. Their participation allows MCC to reach people who otherwise might not receive services. For more information or to volunteer as a Peer Advocate, please call 713.529.0037 x321.

"This program is important because the HIV numbers among African American MSMs are very high, and we have the opportunity now to address the specific needs of this community," says Education Program Coordinator Jaymie Mielke. The goal of the program is to decrease HIV infection among African American MSMs, and therefore to decrease Houston's overall HIV rate. MCC's Community PROMISE programs also include components which target Intravenous Drug User MSMs of all races.

Knowing your HIV status is an important first step in keeping yourself, your partners, and your community healthy. To schedule a free HIV test at your convenience, please call 713.529.0037.

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All members of the GLBT communities are invited to make use of the David Bohnett Cyber Center Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. and Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3 - 5 p.m. The Cyber Center consists of state-of-the-art computers and color printer. Come by whenever you need to pay a bill online, conduct research, create or update a resume, check email, surf the internet, etc.

There is no cost to participate, and attendees do not need to be clients of MCC or participants in SPRY or HATCH. Cyber Center shifts are staffed by volunteers, who are able to provide assistance as needed. The Cyber Center is located in Room 101 of the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. Please bring your own portable device to save documents and a headset to listen to audio or video. For more information, please call 713.800.0872.

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Askallie.org is a safe, affirming site where GLBT and Questioning teens everywhere can anonymously ask questions that they may be hesitant to ask of an adult in person or in front of others. Montrose Counseling Center's Anti-Violence Program Specialist, Allison Vogt, LBSW, responds to the questions on the website. So far, topics of discussion include coming out, dating, family, health, relationships, self-esteem, safety, sexuality, social life, transgender issues, etc.

Visit www.askallie.org to view current posts. Is there a nagging question you have been too shy to ask? Ask Allie!

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Be sure to mark your calendar for Friday, March 12! You won't want to miss Montrose Counseling Center's 21st Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Bringin' in the Green is a favorite of MCC's supporters, a long-held tradition in Houston's GLBT communities, and one of our most enjoyable fundraisers.

The event will take place from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the beautiful home of the party's host, John Danielson, at 3618 Burlington Street. Due to his generous underwriting, one hundred percent of the funds raised at the event will go to direct client services. Hors d'oeuvres are provided courtesy of Dwane Todd, Attorney.

Help us cover the cost of services not covered by government grants! Tickets are $30 ($25 for seniors) and may be purchased at the door oronline. Just designate Bringin' in the Green when you make your online donation. Sponsorship opportunities range from $50 - $5,000 and include tickets to the event. Click here for more information or call 713.800.0872.

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Under the reign of Emperor and Empress XXV J.P. Gill and Marcia Mink Anne Gill, the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star, Inc. (ERSICSS) has raised funds for HATCH since January 2009. 

By selecting HATCH, ERSICSS has made a difference in the lives of countless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. At the very least, HATCH provides a safe, social environment where these youth may be their authentic selves. This is something every member of ERSICSS does on a daily basis -- live a truthful and honest life. 

At its very best, HATCH saves lives.

Through Reign XXV, ERSICSS has contributed to this mission, andMCC is filled with gratitude and appreciation. 

Be there as they present the proceeds to MCC and HATCH representatives.  Investiture begins at 4 p.m. at Brazos River Bottom (BRB) at 2400 Brazos street on Saturday, February 13. 

After the presentation, you'll want to stay for the wonderful show, as the evening's hosts, Emperor- and Empress-elect XXVI Falcon and Sheri Anne Bouton, begin raising funds for their charities, which will be announced that evening. Hope to see you there!

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Montrose Counseling Center's Continuing Education classes will feature Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis on Friday, February 19, from 1 - 4 p.m. The class will take place in the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC and is open to everyone. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for LMSWs, LBSWs, LCDCs, and LPCs. The class costs $30 if prepaid. There will be an additional $10 fee if paid at the door.

For more information about upcoming Continuing Education classes and how to register for them, click here. For more information, please call the Education Department at 713.529.0037.

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Partners of Transgender Group,
Feb. 15-Apr. 5
This confidential support group is for cisgender (non-transgender) partners of transgender individuals. Topics of discussion will include: accepting self and partner; vicarious discrimination; sexual identity and orientation; self care; family relationships; out vs. stealth; spirituality and communities of faith; being an ally; etc. Meetings will be held Mondays from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., February 15 - April 5. There is no fee to attend, and you do not need to be a client of MCC to participate. Registration is requested, but not required. For more information, please call 713.529.0037 x703.

Coming Out Support Group,
Feb. 24-Apr. 28
This confidential support group is open to all persons who identify as GLBT, whether they are years into the process of "coming out" or if they have not yet begun. Topics of discussion will include: homophobia and self-loathing; coming out in the workplace; gay history/gay pride; coming out to family; spirituality; healthing relationships; etc. Meetings will be held in Room 114 in the GLBT Cultural Center on our 1st Floor, Wednesdays from 6 - 7:30 p.m. during an 10-week period from February 24 - April 28. There is no fee to attend, and you do not need to be a client of MCC to participate. Registration is requested, but not required. For more information, please call 713.529.0037 x701.

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Are you 60 years or older? Do you want to stay active with a supportive network of your peers? Please join us at SPRY's upcoming socials, which will be located in Room 101 of the GLBT Cultural Center on the 1st floor of MCC at 401 Branard. February's events include:

SPRY Potluck from 4 - 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 11. SPRY will provide baked chicken and fried chicken. Please bring a dish to share with the group, and prepare yourself for some delicious treats.

Movie Afternoon from 1 - 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 18. This month, the feature will be "The Celluloid Closet" starring Lily Tomlin and Tony Curtis.

For more information about SPRY, or if you have any suggestions for a movie or themed potluck, please call us at 713.529.0037. For more information about SPRY, check out the website, or watch this video.

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If you travel frequently, please consider helping MCC clients by picking up any unopened extra shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion that your hotel/motel leaves for your convenience.

Sometimes we have clients who are fleeing an abusive partner and need to be placed in emergency shelter immediately. Your donation of small and sample-sized hygiene products can help them make it until we can work with them to get back on their feet and in their own safe place.

Donations also help our neediest case management and SPRY clients, many of whom struggle to make ends meet at the end of the month when their Social Security checks run out.

These simple items also can help a GLBT youth who is kicked out of his or her home because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you have any products you would like to donate, please drop them off at the second floor reception desk at MCC, 401 Branard Street, anytime between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Beginning this spring, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin the task of counting the number of people who live in the United States and compiling demographic information about the entire country.

The U.S. Census is conducted every ten years. A two-page questionnaire is mailed out to every household, collecting the number of people who live in the house, their relationship to one another, their age, race and gender.

Collecting this information is important because the government uses it to allocate congressional seats, possible redistricting and social service funding, and that has a direct impact on organizations like Montrose Counseling Center.

The Census does not collect information about sexual orientation, so it will only collect information about same-sex couples living together. As of right now, same-sex couples will be listed as "unmarried partners."

The U.S. Census recommends that as far as gender is concerned, transgender persons should select male or female, based on whichever best represents the person filling out the form. Some people believe the Census requires the respondent to fill out their biological gender, but that is not the case.

MCC recently received a letter of appreciation from the U.S. Census Bureau. For the last six months, the Census has been meeting at the GLBT Cultural Center to recruit and train new employees for the 2010 Census. It is estimated that the local Census office will hire as many as 15,000 individuals in the Houston area.

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On January 29, 2010, the African American State of Emergency Task Force presented Montrose Counseling Center with its Valor Award in recognition of our valued participation.

The women of ERSICSS at Coronation XXVI on January 16.

Attending ERSICSS Coronation XXVI, L-R in back, MCC Board President Corey E. Devine, Tobin Hellums, MCC board members Brendan Mikeska and Jeff Bishop, and Angela Young in front.

Executive Director Ann J. Robison, PhD, joins MCC board members being received at Coronation XXVI by his and her majesties Marcia Mink Anne Gill and J.P. Gill as representatives of HATCH.

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Thank you to Bayou City Boys Club, as well as Bunnies on the Bayou, for selecting MCC programs as beneficiaries for 2010. Please support both of these fine organizations by attending their events the first week of April. For more information about what's in store this year, please visit the Jungle Houston or the Bunnies websites.

Huge thanks go out to Mitch Pengra, the Magnolia Party Host Committee, and everyone who attended the Magnolia Party in December, which raised $595 for HATCH. Thank you for including us in this annual event.

Congratulations, Emperor and Empress XXV J.P. Gill and Marcia Mink Anne Gill, on a fun and successful reign! We extend our sincerest appreciation to you, and all the members of ERSICSS, for your ceaseless work on behalf of HATCH as one of 2009's charities. Three fund-raising shows a week - Wow! Your support has really gone above and beyond anything we could have imagined. Beyond the funds you've raised for our communities' youth, you have truly impressed us with your desire to get involved with HATCH in creative, fun ways and to help the youth in any way you can. Thank you, thank you! It has been our honor to work with you throughout the last year.

Thanks also to our wonderful donors who included us in their end-of-year giving. Your support helps us provide services at little or no cost to clients. Rest assured that 93 cents of every dollar given will go directly towards client services.

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