Grooby’s Kristel Penn will present their popular “Finding a SWer Affirming Mental Health Provider” educational workshop this Friday as part of the InterNEXT Expo.

“I’ve been doing this workshop for several years at our industry conferences and will continue to do so for as long as there is a need for it,” explained Penn. “Whether you already have a provider or are considering your options for mental health resources, this workshop is structured to empower performers to find a competent and affirming provider that fits their specific needs.”

In addition to Penn’s responsibilities as Grooby’s longtime Creative and Editorial Director, they are an MFT (marriage and family therapist) trainee at the LGBTQ Center in Orange County wrapping up their MA in Psychology. Penn has presented educational workshops to both industry and non-industry professionals for over eight years at numerous conferences across the United States. In 2022, Penn teamed up with Domino Presley to offer group therapy and letter of support services through the ‘Jazmin Shibata Scholarship,’ a financial scholarship for trans sex workers founded by Presley herself.

Penn is presenting “Finding a SWer Affirming Mental Health Provider (For Performers)” on Friday, January 6, from 1-2pm at the HERstory Stripchat Lounge: Meeting Room 5.

The workshop description is as follows:

Navigating the mental health system can be a labyrinth filled with confusing technical jargon, safety and privacy concerns, plus the fear of being judged and discriminated against because of your profession. Not to mention the extra task of finding a competent and affirming therapist who understands the unique concerns of being a sex worker.  This workshop outlines the different types of mental health service providers and other important terminology, how to find a therapist and select a therapist, and client expectations and rights.

For more information, visit Internext Expo.