Encircle: Who We Are & Where We're Going

OUR MISSION

To Bring the Family and Community Together to Enable LGBTQ+ Youth to Thrive.

A Letter from the CEO

Dear Encircle Family,

As founder and CEO of Encircle, I get the privilege of rubbing shoulders with some of Utah’s finest. It seems like everyday I find myself in awe of how amazing the LGBTQ+ youth and young adults that come to Encircle are. I see individuals full of creativity and passion, drive and hope.

So many of our youth have struggled because of they have heard the message that something is wrong with them and that they need to be fixed. I want our LGBTQ+ youth to know that they are not broken because of their sexuality or gender identity. This part of who they are is valid. We celebrate the diversity that each one of them brings to the world.

Did you know, Encircle offers affirming therapy and programs that validate and empower LGBTQ+ folks in their own lives? Your contribution helps make it possible for Encircle to offer free and reduced cost therapy sessions, friendship circles and evening programs. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our LGBTQ+ friends and families!

At Encircle, we also strive to empower parents and families as they learn to include ALL members of their family in the circle of their love. Encircle’s unique approach of supporting families is rooted in research showing that LGBGTQ+ young people who come from affirming families have a lower risk of suicide.

No Sides, Only Love.

Stephenie Larsen, CEO & Founder

No Sides, Only Love

OUR GOAL OF THRIVING IN OUR COMMUNITY IS BASED ON CONCEPTS THAT HELP ALL HUMANS ACHIEVE FULFILLMENT AND PERSONAL GROWTH.

At Encircle, we provide space for meaningful connection, creative and purposeful activities with inherent meaning, and experiences to educate and empower. Our unique approach utilizes data driven programming, evidence based mental health therapy, and a comprehensive range of support groups—all in a safe, affirming home.

ENCIRCLE OFFERS

A Place Everyone Can Call Home.

Encircle opens homes that provide programs, services, and reduced cost therapy to LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, families, and the community.

Encircle aims to provide a safe environment for all members of the community. For LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, that means a place to study, connect with others, obtain the resources they’re looking for, or just grab a cookie.

For parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals, Encircle is a place to create meaningful connections and find support as they navigate their own journey.

Our Areas of Focus

SOCIAL CONNECTION

Healthy social connections are consistently and positively associated with all indicators of psychological well-being.

POSITIVE EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES

People who have positive emotions in their everyday lives tend to be happier, healthier, learn better, and get along well with others.

EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS

Skills like sharing emotions, countering negative thought patterns, and mindful acceptance of emotion all contribute to greater mental health and increased well-being.

AUTHENTICITY

Humans thrive when they are working towards self-defined meaningful goals.

ENCIRCLE OFFERS

Therapy

A SERVICE BY ENCIRCLE THERAPY

Encircle Therapy offers affirming, affordable therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. All of our therapists have experience in navigating the complex intersection of sexuality, gender expression, and religious beliefs.

Our therapists never “push” a client in any direction, but allow our clients the space to decide for themselves where they want their life to go in accordance with their values.

Encircle therapists practice in accordance with all ethical and legal guidelines and therefore do not practice or endorse conversion or reparative therapy.

Meet our Clinical Director

Dr. Klundt is a licensed psychologist who received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Brigham Young University. Dr. Klundt has extensive experience working with individuals and groups across a broad range of mental health issues, including helping LGBTQ+ individuals work towards health in all areas of their life. Dr. Klundt has dedicated the vast majority of his career to the research and care of the LGBTQ+ community at BYU, being the first faculty member to receive approval to run research on the intersection of mental health, sexuality, and religiosity at the university. Previously, Dr. Klundt was a clinical faculty member at BYU’s Counseling and Psychological Services.

Therapy at Encircle Overview

6000+

Therapy sessions that have been subsidized by Encircle

80%

clients paying $10 or less per session made possible by generous donations

25%

Encircle Therapy clients are couples and families.

Everyone.

Encircle Therapy sees individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, and identities.

Therapy helped me feel comfortable in my own skin. I was able to talk about hard topics in a safe place. I finally felt like I could move on and live my life.

An Investment in an LGBTQ+ Individual’s Life.

Encircle Therapy believes every LGBTQ+ individual should get high quality mental healthcare when they need it. This belief has led us to offer a therapy service that is accessible to all.

ENCIRCLE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Individuals can pay out of pocket on a sliding scale. Fees are based off of income, federal poverty guidelines, and the Encircle Therapy Assistance Program.

INSURANCE

Encircle Therapy accepts Cigna, EMI Health, Optum, United Healthcare, Tristar, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and DMBA with more on the way.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENCIRCLE THERAPY encircletherapy.org

ENCIRCLE OFFERS

Programs

Programs are the heart of Encircle. They’re inspired by research, customized for connection, and designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, families, and members of the community.

Connect

Sometimes we forget that parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals also have their own journey when those they love come out to them.

CONNECT is designed as an opportunity for parents and loved ones of LGBTQ+ individuals to come feel connected and supported by other parents and leave feeling hope for their LGBTQ+ child’s future — and theirs.

Beyond

A night of music in which all members of the community are welcome to come sing, play/ bring instruments, laugh, and jam together. It is intentionally unstructured, giving an informal and casual feel for families and LGBTQ+ youth to connect through music, a way that speaks to so many people when it might be difficult to find words in a different way.

Blue Sky

Clear away cloudy days by putting pencil to paper. Facilitated by writing professionals, BLUE SKY provides a safe space to find your voice through writing.

Love Louder Art Series

This program is for the people that want to add color to their life through creative and artistic expression. With a different art project each week, the LOVE LOUDER ART SERIES is hosted by local artists and masters of their craft who provide new skills and new experiences. No artistic experience necessary!

Lunch with Lisa

An opportunity for parents of LGBTQ+ children to gather around the dining room table and share the successes and sorrows they may experience in their journeys - and to share a meal.

Rainbow Mutual

An opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth, families, and allies to come together for a fun monthly event ranging from game nights to petting zoos to talent shows.

Encircle Live

Encircle LIVE is a series for everyone, each week featuring a guest speaker, workshop, panel, service project, and more. This program highlights the diverse and thriving members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families, as well as provides helpful information from other community organizations and experts in their respective fields.

Being an LGBTQ+ young person, Encircle’s programs are an amazing opportunity to find community and support from people like me!

Across all Encircle programming, 95% of guests report feeling connected to others, feeling understood, engaging in meaningful activities, and increasing self-acceptance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS encircletogether.org/programs

ENCIRCLE OFFERS

FriendshipCircles

Friendship Circles provide opportunities for sharing, connection, and support through discussion of issues and experiences relevant to each group. Discussions often explore the intersectionality of conservative cultures, spirituality, sexuality, social issues, transitional issues, health issues, and the ways it impacts us.

Friendship Circles create an opportunity for you to take control and thrive in your own life. Groups are organized by sexuality, age, and/or gender identity.

95%

Across all Encircle Friendship Circles, 95% of guests report feeling connected to other group members, feeling an increased amount of well-being and learning emotional and psychological skills to cope with pain.

Friendship Circles have provided me a place of safety and comfort when most places and people don’t feel very safe or comforting.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FRIENDSHIP CIRCLES encircletogether.org/friendshipcircles