Dulcinea Pitagora
PHD, LCSW, CST
Journey Clinical Member and KAP Provider
State: New York
Can you tell us about your background?
I accidentally ended up with multiple masters degrees because I love learning, and also because as I went along I was honing in on which programs would best support my career goals. I started off with a masters in general psychology, then pivoted to a masters in social work to get my clinical license and begin practicing. I then went on to get a PhD in clinical sexology (a very deep sex therapy specialization), and that program included a master of education in sexuality.
What are the clients and communities that you specialize in?
I identify as trans/non-binary and queer, kink- and non-monogamous-oriented, and as a former sex worker. I work mostly with people in those groups, and many of them have multiple intersecting identities in those groups. I went back to grad school later in life knowing I wanted to work within my extremely underserved communities. I have the privilege of being very out and open about who I am; it’s not always safe for people to be out and I want to help make it safer.
What are some of the biggest mental health challenges you’ve observed within the community that you serve?
There is so much discrimination toward my communities, as well as the trauma that comes from being stigmatized on a daily basis. Because of the lack of sexuality and gender education and training among practitioners in my profession, there is all too frequent mistreatment of LGBTQIA+ clients among mental health professionals. A lot of my clients work with me because they feel a greater sense of trust and relatability than they might with other providers.
What words of advice do you have for those who are hesitant to seek mental health treatment because of these dynamics?
Something that I say to my clients regularly is that I am in service to them, and their doctors and providers are in service to them. If you are ever in a situation where you feel less than or diminished, remember to advocate for yourself because it is our job to serve you and your wellbeing.
What are your motivations for offering KAP in your practice ?
I have a long history with psychedelics myself, both recreational and therapeutic. I’ve been grateful for how much these experiences have helped me grow, so I think it’s exciting that psychedelic therapies and KAP are becoming more widely available. I’m looking forward to making KAP accessible to clients who wouldn’t otherwise consider it. In my practice, clients can offer to pay higher than my full fee to subsidize lower sliding scale openings for community members in financial need, and I’m hoping to extend this model to KAP as well.