Pineapple Support to Host New DBT Online Support Group

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LOS ANGELES — Pineapple Support has announced a free, online support group with a focus on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to improve interpersonal skills.

The six-week support group, led by therapist Sophia Graham, will start on Friday, August 20.

“Our efforts to manage our own emotions are frequently challenged by our interactions with other people,” said Graham. “Sometimes this leads us to behave impulsively or to explode, damaging our relationships. Other times we can fail to speak up assertively for what we need, which can lead to resentment or misunderstandings later. This course is about empowering us to handle interpersonal situations more effectively.”

Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit said, “This course invites you to reflect on the myths that can hold you back in relationships, while teaching you how to be more assertive.”

“Sophia is a disabled, queer coach and therapist working primarily with marginalized individuals and groups,” Tanit added. “Sophia’s work can help you gain control over your life and relationships. These flexible and scientifically supported dialectical behavior therapy techniques are a way to clearer communication and more fulfilling relationships.”

The two-hour “DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness” support group begins on Friday, August 20 at 10 a.m. (PDT), and will take place online each Friday at the same time until September 24.

Ariel Anderssen Joins Pineapple Support as a Sponsor

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BDSM model and producer Ariel Anderssen has joined over 60 adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

“As a BDSM filmmaker, I have many friends and peers who’ve delayed getting support for their mental health, because of the discrimination they anticipate facing if they tell a therapist about their career choices,” Anderssen said. “The safety-from-stigma that Pineapple Support represents seems immensely valuable to me.”

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ariel Anderssen as a supporter of our organization,” Tanit said. “Generous contributors like Ariel help us to fight the stigma surrounding mental health and help send a message to our industry that seeking support is encouraged. I’m incredibly grateful to all of our generous sponsors that enable us to continue providing mental health services and emotional support to performers all around the world.”

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States; click here for sponsorship details.

Pineapple Support Announces Corporate Training Program

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Pineapple Support has announced a corporate training initiative, available exclusively to sponsors of the organization, that is designed to help companies provide better support to their performers.

“The industry has suffered a number of tragic losses in the past few weeks,” said Leya Tanit, founder and CEO of Pineapple Support. “Not everyone who is suffering reaches out or asks for help directly, and it’s critical that we train people in our companies and on our platforms to recognize need, and enable them to begin discussions.”

“We know navigating this conversation without proper training can be frightening and traumatic for both the person struggling and the person attempting to help,” she continued. “Our corporate training sessions help employees and other staff members know how to react, and what resources to provide, when someone is in need.”

The sessions will cover a range of topics, noted a rep, including “how to identify and react to a performer in crisis, how to support a sexual trauma survivor, spotting the early signs of mental health issues and invisible disabilities, as well as training in gender, sexual orientation, cyber-bullying and BIPOC-specific support.”

The interactive training sessions will be held every two months and archived on a password-protected portal.

Pineapple Support, founded in 2018, has so far connected over 5,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“This is the first step in helping to build a greater web of support for industry workers,” said Tanit. “Equipped with the right knowledge and training, employees who work directly with models can play a critical role in providing crisis support. In the future, we’ll be inviting participants to gather and talk about the issues they’ve faced on their platforms, so that we can better learn from each other.”

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States; click here for sponsorship details.

Callum & Cole Launch Fundraiser for Pineapple Support

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Content creators Callum and Cole, twice-crowned XBIZ Europa award-winners for “Best Male Clip Artist,” have launched a fundraiser to benefit Pineapple Support that involves the duo climbing Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Great Britain.

“The duo launched a Givelively fundraising page for those that wish to support their venture, setting an initial goal to raise $1,500 in donations,” noted a rep.

The real-life couple first began fundraising for Pineapple Support in 2019.

“We decided to take on the seven to nine-hour climb to raise money for a charity that’s close to both of our hearts,” Cole said.

“Mental health is really close to home for me; it’s something I’ve battled with most of my life,” noted Callum. “I’m in a good place now and have been for the last few years. Something I found that brings me peace is my love for the outdoors and this climb will be a challenge, but one I’m buzzing to achieve. I truly understand the important role Pineapple Support plays in our industry and would love to use this opportunity to support them in supporting others.”

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 2,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K. Click here for sponsorship details.

“I’m both touched and inspired by Callum and Cole’s generosity with this brave fundraiser,” Tanit said. “The challenge they’ve set themselves is also a wonderful example of how setting goals, helping others, exercising and enjoying time outdoors can have an incredibly powerful effect on mental health. The entire Pineapple team is behind you, Callum and Cole, and we thank you for undertaking this adventure to give back to your community.”

Click here to make a donation; follow Callum and Cole on Twitter and find their premium social media linkage here.

Pineapple Support Connects 5K Performers to Mental Health Services

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Pineapple Support has announced the organization has now connected over 5,000 adult performers to mental health services globally.

“This is a significant milestone,” Founder Leya Tanit said. “When I began as an adult performer, sex-positive and stigma-free support for mental health was extremely rare and difficult to find. In the past three years, we worked hard to change that. We still have a long road ahead, but I’m hopeful we’ve begun to make a difference.”

Tanit founded Pineapple Support in 2018, after losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, a 501(c)(3) in the United States and a registered charity in the United Kingdom, connects adult workers to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“Without the generosity and dedication of our partners, supporters, sponsors, therapists and staff, we would not have been able to connect so many workers with mental health services and support,” said Tanit. “Most importantly, I’d like to thank everyone who has trusted in the services that Pineapple Support provides. Your health and happiness is what drives us to ensure that no one in our industry has to suffer alone.”

Pineapple Support to Host ‘Family Conflict’ Support Group

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Pineapple Support will provide a free, online, six-week support group with a focus on family conflict led by counselor Steven Mollura, LPC, LMHC, beginning Tuesday, July 6 at 1 p.m. (PDT).

The series will focus on “the unique stressors related to adult entertainment on performers and family members,” says Mollura. “We provide a safe place to explore the characteristics of healthy family relationships, appropriate assertiveness with family members and the hidden dynamics that shape your life.”

Pineapple Support founder Leya Tanit explained that Mollura “is a kink-aware counselor that helps individuals gain insight into the meaning of their lives as well as address the unknown or unconscious factors affecting thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and beliefs. We’re very excited to have such a talented counselor leading this support group to help equip performers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively deal with family conflict.”

The “Family Conflict and Support” support group will take place online each Tuesday at the same time until August 10.

For more information, visit Pineapple Support online and on Twitter.

MobiusPay Joins Pineapple Support as a Sponsor

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MobiusPay has joined over 60 adult businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

“Ultimately, mental health is essential to wellbeing,” MobiusPay Founder and President Mia said. “The work Pineapple Support is doing is important for the support of the community we have served for over a decade and I’m pleased to contribute to such a worthwhile cause.”

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 2,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“Thank you to MobiusPay for their support and generosity,” Tanit said. “Your support helps us pay for professional therapy for those performers who need it but cannot afford it. It will help us save lives.”

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K. Click here for sponsorship details.

Visit PineappleSupport.org and follow the group on Twitter.

Inaugural ‘Pineapples United’ Meeting to Convene Thursday

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LOS ANGELES — Pineapple Support will host the inaugural virtual meeting of its Pineapples United membership club Thursday at 12 p.m. (PDT).

A rep noted the meeting will bring together all Pineapples United members with staff and board members to discuss how the organization can continue to provide the best possible support and resources to the adult community.

The group, founded in 2018 by Leya Tanit, has so far connected over 2,000 adult performers and industry members to mental health services, including free and low-cost therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“You still have time to sign up and become a part of our Pineapples United team,” Tanit said. “For a low monthly donation, you will [join] a committed group of individuals who will be invited to organizational meetings, have your voice and opinions heard and help grow the organization.”

“Your voice matters and we welcome your thoughts on how we can further provide care to our community,” she added.

The following support packages are available:

  • Mango
    $10 monthly subscription
  • Banana
    $25 monthly subscription
  • Kiwi
    $50 monthly subscription
  • Passion Fruit
    $100 monthly subscription

Click here to make a donation to join Pineapples United and follow the group on Twitter.

Pineapple Support is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K. Click here for sponsorship details.

Pineapple Support, XLoveCam to Host ‘Restorative Yoga Workshop’

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Pineapple Support will host a free online Restorative Yoga Workshop sponsored by XLoveCam. The online event, led by yoga teacher Eliza Belle, will take place on World Yoga Day, June 21, at 11 a.m. (PDT).

XloveCam CEO Patrick Konings explained his company “supports the actors of the adult entertainment sector in their wellbeing and cares about the comfort of the models registered on its platform.”

“This is why we are financially helping Pineapple Support by becoming one of its sponsors,” Konings added.

Pineapple Support’s Leya Tanit said, ”Yoga helps improve overall wellbeing by relieving stress, supporting good health habits and improving mental health, sleep and balance. To celebrate World Yoga Day, we’re excited to partner with XloveCam for this workshop. Eliza is a wonderful yoga teacher, trained in polyvagal theory, yoga for stress and burnout and dysfunctional breathing. We welcome everyone in the industry to join us for this event and enjoy the restorative benefits of yoga practice.”

For more information and to register for the workshop, visit PineappleSupport.org.

Kellie Marsh Joins Pineapple Support as Operations, Logistics Community Chair

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Pineapple Support has announced the appointment of Kellie Marsh as Operations and Logistics Community Chair.

Marsh succeeds Lane Farin, who recently stepped down as Vice President and Company Secretary.

“The wonderful Lane Farin is leaving the team at Pineapple Support and we want to extend our gratitude for everything she’s done for the organization,” Founder Leya Tanit said. “Although we are very sad to say goodbye to a crucial member of our team, we are extremely excited to welcome Kellie Marsh to the Pineapple Support board.”

Marsh described herself as “beyond happy” to step into her new role.

“I’ve known Leya for over 20 years and have been involved in Pineapple Support since the very beginning as VP and board member of the U.K. charity,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of such an incredible industry and look forward to playing my part in helping to ensure low-cost and stigma-free support for all performers.”

Marsh will take over “many of Lane’s day-to-day operations in the organization and will be the new point of contact for all things finance-related,” noted Tanit.

“Kellie will be implementing a number of new operating procedures and we thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition period,” she added. “On behalf of myself and the team at Pineapple Support, we would like to extend a huge thank you for your support and for enabling us to continue providing these much-needed services.”

For more information, contact leya@pineapplesupport.org or kellie@pineapplesupport.org and visit Pineapple Support online and on Twitter.