b'26RAPPORT | Feature Storygiven the professional setting, allowed me to be myself, says Hanna who went on to earn his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018 with a cohort of openly LGBTQIA+ folks rallying around him, including Dr. Jessica Stahl and Meridith Apflebaum.Each of these people was courageous in presenting their full identity, and not holding back, which gave me a sense of safety and security to be myself, says Hanna who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. At 91香蕉视频成人在线,I was taught that my uniqueness, authenticity, and transparency as a therapist are what people would be drawn to the most.Karam Hanna, LMFT, Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA Alumnuscircle-caret-up Karam Hanna, LMFT, Clinical Mental HealthOf all the tools acquired in his study, he holds fast to one Counseling MA Alumnus lesson in particular: At 91香蕉视频成人在线, I was taught that my uniqueness, authenticity, and transparency as a therapist are what people would be drawn to the most, says Hanna who nailed an essential skill long before graduation.Showing up as myself eliminated the struggle [of authenticity] and allowed me to focus on whats really importantwhich is the clinical work, says Hanna in a nod to mentors who modeled the way. These days, hes paying it forward.Years ago, Hanna was tapped to lead a group session for teenage boys in a colleagues stead. I stepped in, didnt hide, and showed up as my transparent and authentic self, he says. Eighteen months later, when one of those teens was seeking a new clinician, he posed an odd question to Hannas agency: I want to work on being seen as authentically myselfand I remember one guy who subbed for our group, who showed up as himself, and didnt care what others thought. How do I get assigned to him?Six years later, he and Hanna are still working together.Despite what others tell youor the messages you might be receivingbeing authentically circle-caret-up Jessica Stahl, PhD, Director LGBTQIA+yourself is actually a superpower. Studies Concentration'