2005 Montana LGBT Health Summit
LGBT of Substance: Strong Mind, Body, Spirit and Community

This Summit Welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender men and women to enjoy an oppportunity to learn more about health issues affecting the mental health and well being of our community. It's FREE of charge including a contental breakfast and lunch, and features a wide variety of interactive workshops examining topics such as depression and anxiety.

WHEN: September 10, 2005

WHO: Everyone is welcome that is in the LGBT community or works with the LGBT community. We are especially encouraging Montana mental health professionals and HIV prevention providers to attend.

WHERE: University of Montana, Missoula

REGISTRATION: Registration required
Call FDH & Associates @ 406-829-8075 or (outside Missoula area) 888.713.4683 (toll-free) to register or email FDH

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 2nd (EXTENDED to Sept. 6th!)

For more information please contact:
FDH & Associates - FDH

Below are a few workshop descriptions for the Summit

Food: Friend or Foe
Presenter: Cheryl Van Denburg, Counseling & Psychological Service

As members of the GLBT community we are not immune from struggles with food, body image or eating disorders. This workshop will discuss the spectrum of eating disorders, how the media influences us, and ways to improve one's relationship to food and body image.

A Clearer Mind: Life Without Addiction
Presenter: Bryan Cochran, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of MT

This workshop will focus on how substance use impacts the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. For people who identify as LGBT, societal homophobia and the presence of the "bar scene" as one of the few community meeting places may contribute to problems with drugs and/or alcohol. We will discuss the contributing factors to LGBT substance use for those of us who live in Montana, ways of identifying whether someone has a substance use problem, and strategies for cutting down or stopping substance use.

In Search of the Big O
Presenter: Ani Bell, Life Coach, BellaSpirit!

OK, now that we've got your attention ~ join Life Coach, Ani Bell, for a fun, insightful, and enlightening playshop where you'll explore Ani's innovative perspective on mental health and wellness. Are you as whole and complete as you can possibly be? Discover the answer for yourself and then develop effective methods to fill in any missing pieces that you find. Don't miss this!

click to enlarge

To view the University of Montana campus map, click here.

Want to view the current Summit schedule? Click here! This schedule is subject to change.

Workshop descriptions continued...

When "Real Life" Strikes Your Relationship
Presenter: Jennifer Robohm, PhD, Director, Clinical Psychology Center, University of MT

Falling in love is fun, but staying connected is hard work - especially when you or your partner is wrestling with stress, depression, anxiety, illness, or loss. How can you maintain and even strengthen a relationship in the face of such challenges? How can you support a partner who's struggling, while still taking care of yourself? How do you assess when to hold on and when to let go? Do LGBT couples face particular challenges wehn the "honeymoon" is over? In this interactive workshop, we'll tackle these and related questions.

Taking the "I" Out of STI's
Presenter: Pam Goldberg, RN, BSN, Missoula County Health Department

This interactive session will focus on ways to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI's), whether it is through close body or sexual contact. Some STI's may cause mild symptoms, others may be more serious if left untreated. The stigma associated with STI's leaves many ashamed to seek out information. And knowing where to go can present a problem. Bring your questions and concerns to this workshop to take the "I" out of STI's.