I spend a lot of time thinking about the systems of oppression in this country and in the world and the impact they have on our physical and mental wellbeing. How living in a country that values productivity, money, and individualism over pretty much everything else takes a toll on us—both emotionally and physically. We live in a society that puts the burden on individuals—one that tells people the very real fears, emotions, and challenges they experience are their problem instead of finding ways to change the systems that oppress people. I won’t be doing that in the therapy space.

Here are other things to expect in therapy with me:

• Sessions will be solely focused on you. This is your time to use however you wish.

• I don’t subscribe to the idea of maladaptive and adaptive coping skills. All of your behaviors and coping tools benefited you at some point in your life—they may even still keep you safe in many ways.

• I’m not going to tell you that dissociation and avoidance are bad. That you are broken because you have SI or engage in self-harm.

• We’ll get to know all of the parts of yourself—even the ones you might feel ashamed of.

• We’ll explore what it can look like to live with your illness or your grief.

• We’ll find ways to honor your needs and desires.

• We’ll rebuild your sense of self that was shattered by illness, grief, and trauma. Or build a sense of self that was never able to form due to childhood trauma.

• We’ll practice coping tools.

• We’ll laugh or rage together.