Cultural and Systemic Oppression

Systems of oppression including but not limited to racism, heterosexism, cisgenderism, sexism, and ableism are often at the root of many of the suffering that bring people to therapy. I have 20 yrs of experience holding space to witness these experiences, to counter and prevent internalization, and develop strategies of disruption. I have trained and supervised therapists and other human services professionals to address oppression as an essential part of clinical work.

I utilize a Treating Internalized Oppression (IO) framework as a foundation for all of my work with clients. This framework helps me to collaborate with my clients to hone in on how their interior world has been shaped by the identities they inhabit and the oppressions/traumas lived through in their lives, past and present. The goal of using the IO framework is to increase self-awareness toward liberation by identifying and metabolizing internalized messages that limit thriving.

As an adolescent and adult, I observed the violence that is inflicted upon marginalized bodies when spiritual leaders attempt to act outside of the scope of their training and provide counsel to people with needs beyond their grasp. I saw how their limited understanding as well as their internalized white supremacy hurt multiple generations of families. As an active participant in my own healing, I have devoted my life to helping others reclaim their own power, and fight for their healing.

Oppression can be covert or overt, but it is always unjust. Understanding how external factors, whether it be from legislative policies or society's perception, affect our lives makes it easier for us to learn how to navigate and break down these barriers. We must also mourn the ways in which our lives have been shaped due to oppression.

As intersectional beings, intersecting systems of oppressions influence our experience incessantly. With the ever expanding technological and historic globalization, the oppression we face daily may even feel overwhelmingly debilitating. It's no wonder that many of us are experiencing burnout, insecurities, and overall disconnection in relationships. My approach to therapy values your insectional experience and how these systems influence your life, so that you can heal and engage differently.

Humans are brilliant learners, absorbing messages from our environments — families, society, culture. These external influences shape our identities based on creed, gender, colour, etc., which then shape our realities. To know who we are requires understanding these influences, and how it has shaped who we are. By doing so, we can tease out who we are at our “core,” from what we’ve been taught. Let’s sift through these layers to find your true self.

Humans are brilliant learners, absorbing messages from our environments — families, society, culture — these external influences shape our identities based on creed, gender, colour, etc., which then shape our realities. Knowing who we are requires understanding these influences, and how it has influenced our lenses and behaviours. Only then, can we be empowered to feel in control of our lives.

"Power-over" tricks like racism, patriarchy, and able-ism oppress, dis-empower, and silence human beings. These tricks are everywhere: in our language, religion, businesses, non-profits, even in families. Even in our own minds. Both the obvious and subtle manifestations cause harm, especially when they happen repeatedly. Together we can question oppressive assumptions, and replace "power-over" with "power-with" relationships of equality, respect, cooperation, and empowerment.

All of my practices are shaped by being anti-oppressive (to reduce harm), liberatory (to find ways of healing and thriving), and de-colonial (challenging the harmful impacts of colonization and white supremacy culture). I support clients from diverse and often marginalized backgrounds, include LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, immigrants, and diverse abilities.

I consider myself a strong activist and work hard to understand how issues of oppression impact the problems presented in therapy. I understand how racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and any form of bigotry both on an institutional level and personal level, create huge amounts of stress in different populations. I taught for over a decade in a masters level course around understanding issues of oppression and internal biases and how they impact therapy.

I help clients heal from the effects of systemic oppression and rejection that they experience because of their sexuality, gender identity, or racial identity. If you have experienced rejection in your family or faith community for having a particular identity, I am here to support you as we release the shaming, painful messages in your life. Together, we will sit in the tension and reconcile all parts of you so that you can embody your authentic self with joy and compassion.

I identify as multiracial person of color. I use a mix of trauma healing techniques and Liberation Psychology to help you on your journey away from negative internalized beliefs & Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). I'm trained in a specialized type of EMDR focused on Identity-Based traumas, and describe it in the PTSD section below. I'm passionate about making this type of therapy available to communities of color, and other minoritized communities.

Doc believes in education and creating communities for transformative, adult learning. Doc is completing their third doctoral program at Morgan State University in the School of Community Health and Policy. As a DrPH student, Doc's work is grounded in carceral abolition, complex trauma, addiction recovery.

I actively stand against systemic oppression in my work and my life. As a cisgender, white person with class privilege this is an ongoing commitment and effort, and one that happens outside of the therapy room (in my own therapy and through my relationships, supports and ongoing training). All that said - I still screw up all the time, and listen and take accountable, relationally-driven action when people tell me so.

As intersectional beings, intersecting cultures and systems of oppressions influence our experience incessantly.

Humans are brilliant learners, absorbing messages from our environments — families, society, culture — these external influences shape our identities based on creed, gender, colour, etc., which then shape our realities. Knowing who we are requires understanding these influences and how it has influenced our lenses and behaviours. Only with this deeper insight, can we feel empowered to regain control of our lives.

As a therapist committed to dismantling cultural and systemic oppression, I provide a safe space for you to explore the impact of social injustices on mental health. Let's navigate these complexities together and generate empowerment, healing, and social change.

I believe that the cultures, systems, and communities we live in impact the way we navigate the world. A lifetime (or lifetimes, if you want to get into intergenerational wounds) of dealing with oppression can have a profound an impact on mental health. In my practice I consistently keep in mind the ways systems impact the individual.

All staff are people of color and participate in trainings aimed at enhancing our ability to practice from an anti-oppressive lens.