work/life balance

Work Barbie: How the Ideal of "Having it All" Impacts Women's Mental Health and Ways to Combat It

Work Barbie: How the Ideal of "Having it All" Impacts Women's Mental Health and Ways to Combat It

Work Barbie: How the Ideal of "Having it All" Impacts Women's Mental Health and Ways to Combat It

In the pursuit of equality and empowerment, women have been encouraged to embrace the idea of "having it all:" a successfully balanced career, family, and personal life, without compromising any aspect. This concept, often symbolized by the iconic "Work Barbie," and highlighted in the recent Barbie movie, has been ingrained in societal expectations, portraying women as effortlessly managing multiple roles with impeccable grace, ease, and style. However, behind this façade lies a reality that can significantly impact women's mental health.

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's crucial to shine a light on issues that continue to affect women globally. One such issue, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful, is the mental load women bear within households. Often described as the “invisible work” of managing a household and family, the mental load encompasses everything from organizing schedules and finances to remembering birthdays and doctor appointments. While both partners in heterosexual couples may contribute to household tasks, studies consistently show that women disproportionately shoulder the mental burden.

Navigating Workplace Toxicity as an LGBTQ+ Individual: Strategies for Self-Care and Advocacy

As an intersectional therapy practice, and human beings living in NYC, we support our clients who are members of the LGBTQ community both in our individual practices and in the realm of advocacy. We live in a country where Pride parades, celebrating love and true expressions of self, are happening simultaneously with anti-trans legislation in our governments. The National Human Rights Campaign has declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ folks, given the increased legislative assault against this community. 

A gay pride protest in support of the LGBTQ community. If you are dealing with workplace toxicity because you are LGBTQ, working with an LB+GBT Therapist can help you understand your rights and develop coping skills.

Know Your Rights

If you’d like to know your rights in each state, the NHRC has listed LGBTQ+ legislation on its website here.


An Alarming State of Affairs

It is unfair, alarming, and disheartening that individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are and have been dealing with prejudice, discrimination, and dehumanization on so many levels. 

Workplace Toxicity is a Common Issue for the LGBTQ Community

One place we’ve seen this discrimination manifest in our work with clients is in the way of workplace toxicity. Discrimination, prejudice, and harassment persist in many work environments, making it unfortunately crucial for individuals to develop strategies for self-care and advocacy. As an intersectional therapy practice, we understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and aim to provide empowering strategies to navigate workplace toxicity effectively.

Acknowledge Your Emotions:

The first step in addressing workplace toxicity is to recognize and validate your emotions. Experiences of discrimination and microaggressions can be deeply hurtful and emotionally draining. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions without judgment. Seek support from friends, loved ones, or a therapist who can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings.

Cultivate Self-Care Practices:

Self-care is essential for maintaining your well-being in the face of workplace toxicity. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. This may include practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical exercise, pursuing creative outlets, or spending time in nature. Prioritize self-care consistently to build resilience and foster a sense of balance.

Seek Allies and Support:

Building a network of allies and support within your workplace can be invaluable. Connect with coworkers who are accepting and understanding, as they can provide emotional support and solidarity. Consider reaching out to LGBTQ+ employee resource groups or affinity networks, where you can find like-minded individuals who share similar experiences and may offer guidance or mentorship.

Two LGBTQ people support each other as they deal with workplace toxicity. LGBTQ Therapy in NYC is a great resource for self-empowerment.

Document Incidents:

It is crucial to document any instances of workplace toxicity, including discriminatory comments, harassment, or unequal treatment. Keep a record of dates, times, locations, and the individuals involved. This documentation can serve as evidence if you decide to pursue formal channels such as filing a complaint or seeking legal recourse. Remember to consult with legal professionals to understand your rights and options.

Educate Yourself and Others:

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about workplace policies, laws, and your rights as an LGBTQ+ individual. Understanding the legal protections and anti-discrimination policies can help you navigate the system more effectively. Consider sharing this information with colleagues, managers, and human resources to promote awareness and a more inclusive work environment.

Advocate for Inclusive Policies:

If you feel like you have the energy and desire to do so, you can become an advocate for change within your workplace. Many individuals feel so burnt out from the experience of a toxic workplace, that they don’t want to, or feel like it should be their job to advocate for themselves. We hear you, and that feeling is valid. But, if you’re feeling up to it, you can work with others to encourage the implementation of inclusive policies, diversity training, and anti-discrimination measures. If you feel safe to do so, you can consider sharing your experiences and insights during diversity and inclusion initiatives or proposing LGBTQ+-related events or workshops. Your voice can have a significant impact on fostering a more inclusive workplace culture.

Explore External Support:

If workplace toxicity becomes overwhelming or persists despite your efforts, consider seeking external support. Connect with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, legal services, or professional counseling to explore your options. These resources can provide guidance, advice, and assistance in navigating complex situations and ensure your rights are protected.


You Are Not in This Fight Alone

Navigating workplace toxicity as an LGBTQ+ individual can feel like it requires resilience and a proactive approach to advocacy, but we want you to know that it’s not all on you. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. By acknowledging your emotions, prioritizing self-care, seeking allies, documenting incidents, educating yourself, advocating for inclusive policies, and accessing external support when needed, you can empower yourself to navigate toxic work environments. Remember, you deserve to work in an environment that embraces diversity, respects your identity, and values your contributions.

A gay couple stand nose to nose smiling as they have found support to overcome adversity through LGBTQ Therapy in NYC.


If You Are Facing Workplace Toxicity as an LGBTQ Individual, LGBTQ Therapy in NYC is Here to Help and Support You.

If you feel like you could use some additional support in navigating a workplace that isn’t supporting you, the therapists at the New York City Psychotherapy Collective are here to help and support you. Our therapists uphold our ethical standard to always continue learning both as practitioners and supervisors, for example by taking continuing education courses like “Fundamentals of Therapy with LGBTQ Clients,” and “Intersectional Authenticity with LGBTQ+ Clients,” among others. We encourage you to pursue frank and open discussions with your therapist of how race, culture, gender, sexuality, and any other identity markers will show up in the room during your work together.

Follow the steps below to get started:

  • Click here to share some information about you so that we can match you with the perfect therapist for your needs.

  • Have a low-pressure, 20-minute call with your therapist to make sure they are the right fit.

  • Schedule your first session and start on your journey to feeling better right away.

We offer specialized services for related issues like Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ Affirming Therapy, and Therapy Specifically for Young Adults. We can help you feel less overwhelmed, more relaxed, and more like the self you want to be.

Contact us here to get started today!

What Role is Trauma & Its Ongoing Impact Having On Your Life?

What Role is Trauma & Its Ongoing Impact Having On Your Life?

You may read the title above and think this article isn't for you because you haven't experienced trauma in your life, but we encourage you to keep reading. Some of our clients show up seeking help for trauma they've experienced, but many more show up to therapy for help with things like anxiety, depression, work-life balance, or managing relationships. Through our work together, we uncover they've experienced trauma that plays into their experiences and the perception they have of themselves and the world. As a result, they feel validated as they gain awareness and understanding of how these experiences truly impact them on a daily basis.

Is Perfectionism The Real Struggle You’re Facing? How to Identify the Symptoms of Perfectionism

Is Perfectionism The Real Struggle You’re Facing? How to Identify the Symptoms of Perfectionism

There are a lot of different reasons why women in NYC decide to reach out to an online therapist. We hear from women regularly who have anxiety at work, struggle with relationships, want to resolve their feelings about their parents, or build stronger coping skills. However, many of the women we work with ultimately come to share similar experiences and the same underlying frustrations.

How to Stop Catastrophizing & Why “Expecting the Worst and Hoping for the Best” Doesn't Help

How to Stop Catastrophizing & Why “Expecting the Worst and Hoping for the Best” Doesn't Help

How to Stop Catastrophizing

We often think that if we can “plan for the worst and hope for the best” then we will be both prepared for disappointment and pleasantly surprised by success. Unfortunately, what we fail to realize is how powerful our minds are, and that when we plan for the worst, we unconsciously create conditions for the worst to come true.

How to Manage Anxiety When You Can't Control the World So You Can Actually Get Stuff Done

How to Manage Anxiety When You Can't Control the World So You Can Actually Get Stuff Done

How to Manage Anxiety When You Can't Control the World So You Can Actually Get Stuff Done

During a time of external crisis, our biological drive to predict and prepare for the worst possible outcomes can backfire, causing employees to become paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Successful employees often thrive on taking action. They see a problem, they identify a solution, and they execute. When the desire to take action can’t be met, employees can feel increased anxiety with no outlet for it.

How to Find Joy in Your Work Again

How to Find Joy in Your Work Again

How to Find Joy in Your Work Again

The past year and a half has taken its toll on all of us. For many of us, navigating work, parenting, relationships, health, and worry has left us on autopilot, having a hard time finding enjoyment in anything. If you used to like your job, or even if you never did, you have an opportunity to try to find some level of fulfillment from your work again as you look forward to returning to some version of normal.

The Great Resignation: Whether You're Hiring or Seeking, How to Make Sure It's the Perfect Fit

The Great Resignation: Whether You're Hiring or Seeking, How to Make Sure It's the Perfect Fit

The Great Resignation: Whether You're Hiring or Seeking, How to Make Sure It's the Perfect Fit

Whether you’re the hiring manager looking to fill roles after your workforce fled for a quieter life in the suburbs or a job-seeker who is ready to take a leap into something new, here are 3 strategies for each role to ensure you are both the perfect fit for one another.

So Your Office Went Fully Remote and You're an Extrovert

So Your Office Went Fully Remote and You're an Extrovert

So Your Office Went Fully Remote and You're an Extrovert

How to survive working from home if you're an extrovert and your office went permanently remote. Like any unexpected changes, our default is to focus on the negative, but you may find that by reframing your mindset to focus on the positive aspects of working from home, you may end up finding yourself a lot happier than you anticipated.

Hey, It's Okay

Hey, It's Okay

Public Service Announcement: It’s Okay. Whatever “it” is, it will be fine. You are smart, powerful, and driven. Your life may not be working out the way you envisioned right now, or it may feel like the world has betrayed you and left you untethered, or you may just feel stuck.

Because You're Worth It

Because You're Worth It

Too many women are afraid to negotiate because they will look greedy, ungrateful, or unlikeable. Many women have absolutely no practice negotiating, so even if they want to, they don't know where to begin. Women who don't negotiate for their salaries leave, on average, one million dollars on the table over the course of their lifetimes. Don't be that woman - read this guide and close that gender pay gap!