In this conversation, I talk with Roland Scheppske and discuss the evolving landscape of therapy, particularly in the context of LGBTQIA+ mental health. We explore the impact of telehealth, the importance of community and connection, and the role of authenticity in therapeutic relationships. Roland shares his unique approach to therapy, incorporating music and nostalgia as tools for healing, while also addressing the complexities of grief and the shifts in mental health practices post-pandemic. We emphasized the need for therapists to be present and engaged, and the importance of putting oneself first in the journey of mental health and well-being.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings
02:56 Therapy in the Pandemic Era
09:52 Community and Connection in Therapy
16:10 The Complexity of LGBTQIA+ Community Dynamics
19:33 Journey to Becoming a Therapist
23:01 Integrating Creativity in Therapy
26:00 The Power of Neural Nostalgia in Therapy
34:13 Shifts in Therapy Practices Post-Pandemic
41:46 Understanding Grief in the Context of COVID-19
48:45 Prioritizing Self-Care in Mental Health
Roland Scheppske, LPC, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC is a queer-affirming psychotherapist and Clinical Director based in the Washington, D.C. area, licensed across multiple states. He specializes in LGBTQIA+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and helping people make meaning of their inner worlds through memory, music, and story. Roland is the co-host of a mental health podcast and the writer behind Queerly Therapeutic, where he explores therapy, identity, and healing in accessible, human ways. His work blends clinical depth with creativity, offering therapy—and conversations—that feel grounding, reflective, and real.
Links:
You Seem Fine Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
Queerly Therapeutic | Roland Scheppske | Substack
