Michele OMara
MSW, LCSW, ACSW, Certified Imago Therapist
Free
Lesbian Relationship Therapist Expert
Michele OMara Quick Facts
- Main Areas
- lesbian relationship, imago therapy
- Career Focus
- Therapist, Author, Educator, Workshop Presenter
- Affiliation
- thelcafe.com
Michele O’Mara, LCSW is a 1992 graduate of Indiana University (IUPUI) with her Masters in Social Work. As a private practice therapist she has been working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients since 1997. She has authored two books, created multiple educational classes, workshops, and community presentations. In 2002 Michele become a certified Imago Therapist,and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Sexology, with an anticipated graduation date of 2012.
A complete list of credentials include:
* Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Indiana (License # 34003162A)
* Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, Imagotherapy.org
* Certified by the ACRPS (Accredited Relapse Prevention Specialist)
* Certified by the ABS ( Academy of Bereavement Professionals)
* ACSW (Academy of Clinical Social Workers)
* Member, National Association of Social Workers
* Member of the Harry Benjamin Association, now known as World Professional Association for Transgender Health or WPATH
* Member of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Teachers
She was also voted ”Indianapolis’ Best Gay Couple’s Therapist” according to the Indianapolis Monthly, 2005. And she is currently back in school working toward her PhD in Clinical Sexology. She is expected to graduate in May, 2012.
Michele OMara Books
Love Tips & Trips For Gay & Lesbian Relationships: Useful for Heterosexuals
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1425983960?ie=UTF8&tag=omaracounseli-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1425983960
Ask Me!: 728 Questions For Heterosexual and Gay Couples
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1425901247?tag=omaracounseli-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1425901247&adid=0M660E76DF108B32YYQJ&
Articles by this expert
SelfGrowth articles and saved writing connected to this expert.
Article
Coming Out of a Heterosexual Marriage
Coming out is a challenging process, whether you are 15, 21, or 50. The first step toward “coming out” is self-awareness or recognition of having feelings of attraction for persons of the same sex. This awareness may lead to confusion, attempts to deny or repress feelings of attraction, anxiety about unwanted feelings, or even attempts to “pass” as heterosexual. It is no secret that in our society there are a lot of societal stigmas, and negative feelings about being gay.
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Rebound Relationships: When to Get Back in the Game?
When a relationship ends, one of two things is typically happening. One, you are being spared something (such as a life with someone who is not well-suited to be your partner); or you are being prepared for something new (learning lessons that will prove invaluable to you in your next relationship). Unfortunately, though, no matter how good a break-up might be FOR you, they rarely FEEL good to you. That’s okay. Not everything that’s good for us feels good.
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Coming out to aging parents
Dear Michele,
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Article
How to be a Lesbian
No one is ever surprised when they learn I am a lesbian. Well, I suppose my grandma did seem a little taken aback, asking, “How did that happen?” Interestingly though, aside from my appearance I am seriously lacking when it comes to a lot of common stereotypes of a lesbian. My friends even tease me, saying my card-carrying status as a lesbian is in danger!
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Raise the Bar on Coming Out
Rarely do I speak the words, “I am gay (or lesbian).” Although very early in my being out process, I attempted this strategy at work, rather unsuccessfully. This happened years ago when gay marriage was but a blip on the radar screen. I was working at a private psychiatric hospital and it was the end of a very long workday. I walked my last client out to the lobby, and, after saying goodbye, the receptionist said I had a personal call waiting. She asked if I wanted the call transferred to my office, or if I wanted to take it there at the front desk.
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Gays and Lesbians: Are you Normal?
Imagine that all humans were produced on a production line of various human production factories around the world. Would all of the non-heterosexuals just be plucked right off the conveyor belt and tossed in to a pile labeled defects? Most of us, gay or not, are raised to believe that non-heterosexuals are some sort of alte ate human design (the design without the standard human feature known as heterosexuality). And this design is considered a deviation from the “normal” human design, which suggests that non-heterosexuals are defective. Or worse yet, not normal.
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Article
Am I Gay? Am I a Lesbian?
It was 1979 and I was 13 when the beautiful new girl in school, with long brown hair and green eyes, approached the locker next to mine. Obviously struggling to satisfy the lock she was trying to open, she turned to me and said, “Hi.” She told me her name and said, “I’m new here.” Out of the blue, my entire body flooded with what felt like a million butterflies all trying to get out at once. It was at that moment that I knew there was something very, very different about me.
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Heterosexual’s don’t advertise their sexuality, why should this lesbian?
Heterosexual’s don’t advertise their sexuality, why should I? Like any good lesbian, Jen was innocently strolling the aisles of Target one Sunday afte oon with her partner Sally, when they ran into her co-worker, John. Jen says, “Hey John. How are you?” “Great,” he replies while looking at Sally with curiosity. On cue, Jen says, “Oh, John, this is my friend Sally.” He doesn’t notice Sally cringing. She’s mastered the art of deception. She smiles politely as she always does in these situations and simply says, “Nice to meet you.”
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Article
What is Imago Therapy?
Developed by Harville Hendrix and his wife Helen, in their book, Getting the Love You Want, the Imago theory of relationships is described in great detail. In fact, if you were told that you could only read one book to figure out how to dramatically improve your relationship, this is the book I would recommend. Read on to learn more about the Imago theory (and then get the book!). IMAGO
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Article
What is Imago Therapy?
Developed by Harville Hendrix and his wife Helen, in their book, Getting the Love You Want, the Imago theory of relationships is described in great detail. In fact, if you were told that you could only read one book to figure out how to dramatically improve your relationship, this is the book I would recommend. Read on to learn more about the Imago theory (and then get the book!). IMAGO
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Article
The Kindest
Today is the first day of Spring Break for my kiddos. They were promised a treat of their choice if they get through their last week of class without “moving their apple,” which is 1st grade code language at their school for “ummmmm, you’re in big troooouble!” I sweetened the deal a bit, (for Teresa and I, of course) by extending the requirements of their extra-good behavior through this afte oon. Hey, we gotta do what we gotta do, that first day of break is high energy stuff (think children on crack, enough said?).
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Lesbian Dating Tips
“You can explore the universe looking for somebody who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and you will not find that person anywhere.” – Unknown 1. Speak confidently, honestly and well of yourself. Repugnant and worthless won’t get you dates… well, at least dates that you want. Dating is like marketing, it is critical to highlight the benefits and features of dating or being in a relationship with you.
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