About Us
Founded by Sage Nestler, MSW in 2019, Releasing the Phoenix became a queer mental health organization in 2025
Our approach emphasizes all factors that influence mental health. We validate and identify the whole person beyond labels or diagnoses.
We emphasize the unique challenges the queer community and other marginalized communities face and how they impact mental health and wellbeing.
Our programs are designed for individuals and loved ones. Including training, education and certifications for professionals.
Learn more about our holistic mental health pillars below
Our Unique Approach to Holistic Mental Health
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Physical
We look at physical health in a way that includes physical health factors that impact the queer community, such as access to gender affirming care, HIV prevention and care, etc.
Our approach also addresses chronic illness and disability, and how physical and mental health are connected.
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Nutrition
While nutrition often includes "healthy eating" or weight loss, our approach addresses eating disorders, disordered eating, and incorporates the Health at Every Size Approach.
We also provide resources for food insecurity and come from a mindful eating approach.
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Emotional
We believe that creativity is healing, and healing can be found beyond standard therapeutic and mental wellness practices.
Our specialty is incorporating alternative healing methods with traditional, such as:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Bibliotherapy
- Therapeutic art coaching
- Nature therapy
- Music Therapy
- Crystal Therapy
And more
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Social/Connection
We understand that while social connection is important, everyone's social/connection needs differ.
Sage is AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) and is passionate about addressing how neurodivergent folx have varying connection needs. We are passionate about providing accommodations and honoring every person’s unique social needs.
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Spirituality
For many of us in the queer community, religion has been harmful. Our stance on spirituality is centered more on what spirituality means to each person.
We provide a lot of nature-based practices surrounding spirituality. But we do keep a discussion on religious harm - as well as how religion has shaped a lot of us - open for those who need it.
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Intellectual
What intellectual fulfillment means differs from person to person. We help individuals explore what this means to them - from furthering education, to reading or watching educational based materials, or expanding knowledge on any of their passions.
We examine intellectual-based pursuits with a childlike wonder.
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Financial
Finances can come with a lot of stress or unnecessary shame and stigma.
When it comes to finances, we work from a stigma-free approach on all accounts.
Our work involves helping individuals identify ways they want to address their finances, may that be budgeting and addressing debt, or changing their relationship with money.
We also address money-based addictions, such as shopping and gambling, and provide essential resources when necessary.
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Environment
Environmental factors refer to our immediate surroundings and the communities where we work and live.
Our approach addresses what changes we can make in our personal surroundings that benefit our mental health.
However, we also work on the systemic level. We help to identify things that may not be directly within our control, how to manage these factors and advocate for ourselves, while advocating for widespread change.
