December Updates from Vered
Spring is almost here!
Want to sign up for next season’s free continuing education classes?
Check out the full list of offerings at the link below!
Is the ✨ sparkle ✨ sarcastic?1
Semiotics and Signifiers
I went to rainylune’s website to get a picture of the frogs I do have, and fell in love with this guy! I keep being enchanted by this delightful animal.
Let’s start this newsletter with a collective scream.
inhale
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Okay, that’s better.
With everything that is happening every day, I wanted to focus on one of the least-pressing issues of our time:
Why the hell do I have so many goddamn frogs?
I was talking to a friend recently, showing them my tableau vivant of frogs wielding tiny weapons, while sitting in front of my frog backdrop, and wearing a frog shirt.
My friend astutely guessed that frogs must be my favorite animal.
Actually - no.
So how did I end up entirely encircled in amphibians?
Frogs are the culturally-agreed-upon chaos animal.
It’s not so much that I am drawn to frogs (although, look at that lil guy!) as much as I am interested in chaos animals.
In my introduction to every education class, I say “I work with ages 13-25, which I call the chaos years.”
I want to show that I embrace chaos, complexity, and a range of emotion.
Again, went to LookHUMAN to find another of my frogs and instead found an item that is 100% my vibe. It’s even yelling!
Using the rich language of symbols, I have unintentionally embraced the semiotics of FROG.
If you want to investigate frog merch yourself, here are the stores mentioned. I don’t get any commission - I am merely enraptured by the image of chaos.
Old Therapist Yells at Cloud
Vered in the News
We go together like Frogs and Snails
No one asked my opinion this month, so here’s a vintage Vered interview about something light: our fascination with odd parings.
Like the frog and snail in an earlier image, why do we love couples that seem unexpected?
This frog comes with its own romantic flower!
CEU Spotlight
MLMs: An Ethical Trap
To close out a great season, we have one of the more unconventional CEUs.
If you haven’t heard of MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing companies, also called “direct selling”), you might be aware of them through Facebook spam messages.
These companies are ethically dubious (at best). They can pose real risks to therapists and patients.
This free class explores how these companies work and why they can be more psychologically damaging than other types of businesses.2
If someone you know would benefit from any of the free CEUs, please share!
Showing Some Love
Gender Unbound
I’ve been asked repeatedly How can trans people survive [this]?
Whatever recent event they’re referring to, the answer is the same: together.
Pay artists while they’re still alive!
Gender Unbound is an organization that strives to empower transgender and intersex artists within the Austin area (and beyond). They describe their work this way:
From visual art galleries, to music showcases, to poetry headliners, to installation art, to film nights, to drag performances, to comedy showcases, to art markets and picnics, to community choirs—we’ve always been light, adaptive, and imaginative!
They’re currently assembling their 2026 version of the Austin Trans Pink Pages. Any organization that is trans-led (or takes the effort to treat trans people with dignity) can submit a listing. Now’s a great time to let the community know you care!
Monthly Hater’s Corner
Sources Regarding My Ire
a.k.a. please don’t sue me
1 I have been told by younger, cooler people that sparkles are now sarcastic. In an era of suffering, it makes sense that this symbol would take on a darker, more subversive tone.
2 If you’re in an MLM and love it, good for you. I’m not interested in debating, but sharing other’s lived experiences.
Instead of a sending a tip, say “thanks” with a donation
Survival, Together
Some lovely people have reached out wanting to send me a tip for my free CEU offerings.
Instead of sending me something, why not pay it forward in our community?
I've been a personal supporter of RAICES for a decade. Their work on immigration justice has, unfortunately, never been more important.
Until next time,
Vered