Culturally Sensitive Therapy

This type of therapy acknowledges and respects the cultural backgrounds and identities of clients, ensuring that treatment is relevant and effective by incorporating cultural perspectives and experiences into the therapeutic process.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy provides a social justice and equity lens that is essential in understanding the systemic impacts on mental health and general well being.

Diversity is intersectional and culture is so much more than simply race or ethnicity. I take into account the whole person and their experiences, beliefs, and worldview and let them educate me in their culture without making assumptions based on how they present.

This is the lens that I view therapy through.

Beyond my preparation in social work and counseling, I also have a degree in anthropology which guides me through work with all clients, no matter their background. Much of my daily work is done within a department dedicated to international students. I've also taught master's level courses on social work with diverse clients, and have spoken at Chicago-area universities on the importance of culturally responsive work.

I take into account the impacts of culture, ethnicity, race, immigration status, history, language, acculturation, religious and spiritual beliefs, community, and society.

My experience spans personal and professional realms. Every interaction is a cultural interaction, and that is the foundation of my work with clients. I have specific training via supervised practice as well as academic training. I also completed a post-doctoral specialization in sexual health and gender. This has involved my own personal work, learning/unlearning, and growth in regard to my own areas of privilege and marginalization.

I encourage clients to share how their cultural experiences shape their identity and challenges. I'm open to discussing cultural issues and how they affect the client's mental health. In our sessions, it's important to foster a safe, inclusive space where clients feel comfortable expressing their cultural identity without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

I believe that context matters, and recognize that each individual exists in a larger system (family system, cultural context, etc). I am curious about how issues that present themselves in therapy may be informed by these larger contexts and systems, which also includes an awareness of issues related to power, privilege, and marginalization. I bring this curiosity with me, while honoring you as the expert in your own experience.

I keep a close eye on what role the environments you have inhabited may have played on your current views about yourself, others, and the world at large, and I constantly invite you to do the same. It can be very empowering to realize how you came to embrace your beliefs, and with that information, be able to decide which of them you want to keep or reject.

I have studied at the Multicultural Family Institute, the Ackerman Institute for the family, and the Eikenberg Academy for Social Justice following the teachings of leaders in culturallly sensitive therapy such as Kenneth V. Hardy, Monica McGoldrick, Nydia Garcia Prieto, thandiwe Dee Watts Jones, and Resmaa Menakem. I continue to develop and deepen my ability to practice culturally sensitive therapy through ongoing practice, supervision and training.

Culture informs how we view and understand our values and others around us. It's important to integrate that into therapy, as well as for me to respect and understand your perspective.

I specialize in culturally sensitive therapy because of my unique personal and professional journey. As a bicultural immigrant, spouse in a biracial marriage, and parent to American children, I have firsthand experience navigating the complexities of cultural identity and family dynamics. In addition, my therapy practice focuses on working with first- and second-generation Americans and immigrants, helping them address the challenges of intergenerational expectations and cultural transitions.

I have cultivated expertise in culturally sensitive therapy through dedicated training and a deep commitment to understanding diverse cultural backgrounds. I recognize the significant impact that culture has on a person's identity, beliefs, and experiences. By actively listening and incorporating cultural perspectives into my therapeutic practice, I create a safe space for clients to explore their unique challenges.

Culturally sensitive therapy emphasizes the therapist's understanding of a client’s background, ethnicity, and belief system. Therapists can incorporate cultural sensitivity into their work to accommodate and respect differences in opinions, values, and attitudes of various cultures and different types of people.

My approach centers on recognizing and validating the unique mental health struggles that LGBTQ+ individuals and family members encounter, exploring and processing the underlying sources of distress, and empowering you to live your most authentic life in a world that does not always feel safe. We will explore the cultural/social/political issues that are impacting you Our work will focus on building resilience and preparing you for a world that is not prepared for you.

I have special expertise in bilingual assessment and multicultural competence in both graduate school and internship training. I have extensive clinical experience working with culturally diverse clients and continue to stay current in culturally sensitive therapy through workshops. I have published, conducted workshops, and served as an expert consultant in several states in the area of bilingual assessment.

Having lived in different countries and engaged in my own self-growth with a therapist, I’ve grown to see the world through various different lenses. I believe this makes me uniquely equipped to help individuals navigate their journey in therapy, especially the LGBTQ+ community. Every person deserves to live a full, authentic life without fear of judgment or exclusion, and that’s what I’m focused on with my clients.