My Values & Therapeutic Philosophy
1
We are equals.
Therapy with me is teamwork, not hierarchy. You are the expert in your own life, and I honor your knowledge and power as much as my own. I encourage you to share feedback often, help determine the direction of your therapy, and lean into your own empowerment.
2
Healing is messy.
This isn't social media, and that means not everything about healing is aesthetically perfect. It's non-linear and unavoidably imperfect. There are times where meditation does the trick, and there are times we need to binge-watch 7 hours of Game of Thrones. There is space in healing for both.
3
The personal is political.
We don't exist in a vacuum, and all the systems around us inherently impact our mental health. Maybe it's clinical depression, maybe it's it's the suffocating system of patriarchy and a chronic lack of social support. Most likely it's some of both.
4
Carceral isn't therapeutic.
In the therapy world, we are starting to acknowledge what some have known all along: there is harm that comes from taking away your right to choose what is best for you and your life. There are still legal barriers to restoring full self-determination (like mandatory reporting laws), but I will work with you to make sure you fully understand those barriers and how we can avoid them.
5
I am human.
If you're looking for a "blank-slate" robot therapist, I'm not your girl. I show up as myself, flaws and all. I wear what's comfortable, I swear like a sailor, I talk politics, and I share my honest suggestions when you ask for them. I invite you to show up as your messy self, too! Hungry? Eat! Anxious? Let's fidget! Tired? Wear your PJ's!
6
Colonization isn't cool.
As in every other area of life, white folks in mental health have stolen indigenous practices and re-branded them as "evidence-based" techniques. It's important to acknowledge that only certain people have been allowed to create and profit from "evidence." I do my best to acknowledge all voices and give credit where credit is due.