Written by: Katie Pancione, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Interesting title, right? You are probably wondering what I am referring to and why it’s so unpopular. I am a clinical mental health counselor, and I have several clients who have what is known as an ‘alternative lifestyle.’
That phrase always gives me a crick in my neck as no matter who you are, what you believe in, or what you spend your time doing, who decides it is an alternative? An alternative lifestyle is another way of saying society labels it the incorrect way to conduct yourself compared to the mainstream majority.
I often face clients who come to our sessions with their heads hung low, carrying the weight of shame society has placed upon them for living the life they choose. Some come to sessions to expose their lifestyle as a secret; they are afraid to tell others. There are so many things that can warrant feelings of shame and guilt. Opinions that today’s culture deems inappropriate for no other reason than the fact they are not faced with it regularly should not be one of them.
Some people participate in open and/or polyamorous relationships. Some people enjoy safely using recreational drugs. Some people co-parent and never had the intention of being in an intimate relationship themselves. People who believe in a higher power that is not a mainstage religious organization. People who do nothing to hurt others around them and yet feel the need to hide in shame simply because they are considered “alternative.”
These are all people you pass on the street. They don’t wear signs that attract their status, and they don’t wear clothing or have haircuts that make you assume they are “alternative.” These people are in therapy because they feel judged and isolated for what they believe. Be sensitive when sharing your opinions with others. Encourage those around you to live authentically and not hide in fear.
I am here to say if you are safe, healthy, and do not cause harm to others, who cares how you spend your time? So, while it may be an unpopular opinion, I say you go ahead and do you. Live your life for yourself.
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Katie Pancione, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Katie Pancione spent well over a decade in corporate America before concluding that she wanted something more personally meaningful in life, helping others. While still working her high-powered executive position, she took her undergraduate degree in psychology and continued her education by receiving a Master of Arts in Counseling. At this point she departed her corporate career and started her own counseling practice, NOVA Mental Health Counseling. Katie focuses on helping others via tele-health work through grief, loss, anxiety, and the many overwhelming life transitions that many individuals face across their life span.
