Decolonizing Therapy
I work diligently to foster a safe, rich, and complex environment with you, for your stories, identities, and life experiences. Therapy is not just a space where you talk and then nod and do homework and the longer I do this work, the more I understand the differences between good therapy vs. transformative therapy. And creating spaces of Healing for all folx
Ways I Try To Decolonize My Therapy Practice
No therapist is perfect because perfection doesn’t exist. I don’t want to be perfect. However, being a therapist requires lifelong (un)learning, (re)learning, and I am actively engaged in the following so I can continue to work towards providing clients with space for them to speak their truths.
-integrate cultural humility, affirming care, queer theory, cultural competence, deconstructionist and de-colonial approaches.
I explore the the history of social work, mental health, the psychedelic field, psychology, yoga, reiki, and meditation all to challenge my foundation through critical thought, training, education. Ultimately, my goal is to continually develop a deeper awareness of how power and privilege affect the way I and others navigate and experience the world.
What Is Decolonizing Therapy?
Decolonizing therapy is an approach and process toward healing from the dehumanizing effects of colonization, imperialism, state-sanctioned violence, exploitation of resources, systemic oppression, and the poly crisis.
It is a way to center our own rich familial, cultural, and ancestral wisdom, experiences, knowledge, and strengths at the heart of our therapy and healing journeys
It is the reminder that we do not need permission from others or systems to heal ourselves and our ancestors
Ultimately, while we may experience problems and distress, we also simultaneously carry our own internal solutions for healing, growth, and transformation, I empower you to draw on this internal wisdom to navigate your healing journey (this is supported through IFS and other trauma-informed therapy approaches)
There are many pathways to healing, sex and relationship therapy and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy are just a couple, but they are not the only way toward growth, change, and liberation.
Amen, Awen, Aho and Ashe
Common Questions
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Decolonize Therapy- Dr. Jennifer Mullan
AASECT Conference
Decolonizing Psychology Conference
Liberation Psychology
Why I Am A Liberation Psychotherapist
Decolonizing mental health: The importance of an oppression-focused mental health system
Decolonizing Therapy: Why an Apolitical Mental Health System Doesn’t Work
Why race matters when it comes to mental health
Your therapist is white. You're not. Is this a problem?
How To Be An Anti-Racist Healer
Finding Therapy Isn’t Easy for Queer and Trans People of Color
30+ Ways Asians Perpetuate Anti-Black Racism Everyday
7 Ways Non-Black People of Color Perpetuate Anti-Blackness
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There is hope for everyone, and finding the right therapist is critical
Research in 2015 shows 14% of psychologists are people of color. Research in 2017 shows 27% of master’s level social workers are people of color.
While it’s impossible to find the “perfect” therapist who shares all your identities and experiences, it is crucial to feel seen, validated, supported, and encouraged by a therapist who understands the issues you’re going through.
I don’t assume your concerns or trauma relate to your identity. Some clients want a place to discuss the impacts of race, gender, sexuality, and faith while some clients do not.
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I want you know all parts of you are welcomed and accepted.
Your anger, rage, tears, sadness, pain, confusion, silence are all welcomed in our therapy container.
To be seen, witnessed, and believed is transformational and healing, especially for those who have not had this experience prior.
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Educating myself on non-Western and non-Eurocentric theories, literature, and research
Continuing to learn about the impacts of ableism, anti-blackness, racism, colorism, cissexism, transphobia, sexism, heterosexism, classism, poverty
Unlearning ways internalized, unconscious patriarchal conditioning holds me back from vulnerability and connection
Deeply acknowledging, examining, and challenging my many implicit and explicit biases, fragility, limitations as well as my areas of power and privilege
While I am not an expert, I’m continually learning about the following areas: disability justice, polyamory, kink, neurodiversity and neuroaffirmative care, gender diversity, gender based violence, and international politics.