Cultural and Systemic Oppression

Seeking out a therapist who understands systemic oppression, cultural factors related to identity, and how they may exacerbate organic symptoms should be easier. With this in mind, I orient my therapeutic work (and life) in acknowledgement of the many systems (overt and covert) that impact folks whose identities fall along the margins.

I chose to complete my studies in Social Work, specifically to study systems of oppression in our society, with a strong focus on religious systems of oppression. I am well-versed in religious systems of oppression, but this understanding translates to any hierarchical system: racism, workplace discrimination, family systems of oppression, interpersonal oppression (abuse and neglect), and financial oppression (capitalism). Where you have humans in societies together, there is always risk.

In my graduate education, I have both taken and taught classes on racism and systemic oppression. In my clinical practice, I see systemic oppression to be more then race; it also includes gender, sexuality, ethical non-monogamy, ability, citizenship, etc. Much of my experience working with cultural oppression include the manifestations of anxiety and depression.

Given that I approach therapy from an anti-oppressive lens, I am deeply committed to understanding how power and control manifest both within our sessions and throughout your life. Also, my training in liberation-focused therapy equips me with tools to address and dismantle systemic inequalities and power imbalances.

I believe in calling out and speaking the truth to the systems of oppression that surround and us and impact our healing journey. This may look like us having a conversation about your frustrations at work being compounded by the overt sexism in your industry or it could involve a safe place to unpack the microaggressions your mother in law drops at every famiy gathering. I think it's important to discuss these moments in therapy and I work to be an ally and a advocate for my clients.

Are you feeling the weight of oppression more acutely? Social media and globalization has connected us all, but has also exposed us to more vicarious trauma by witnessing the victimization of members of targeted groups, especially with the rise of nationalism, xenophobia, and the effects of capitalism, globally. We can work together together to sort though your thoughts and feelings, and decide what kinds of action you'd like to take (if any) to heal and honor your culture and yourself.

The Shame Resilience Theory developed by Dr. Brené Brown in 2006. I believe many of us live with internalized shame and the core beliefs about ourselves are clouded by this specific emotion. Over time, internalized shame can develop into symptoms anxiety and depression.

I aim to create a space where my clients can safely discuss how the systems around them either uplift their wellbeing or bring it down. It is our responsibility as therapists to hold space for complicated truths and also acknowledge that the wounds of all oppressed people are related to each other. Aside from being a therapist, I am nationally recognized leader in mental health policy and equity, and this awareness fosters a deep empathy I have for the experiences of the historically oppressed

We all know we exist within a dominant culture that was designed to cause us systematic harm. My approach to therapy is rooted in this lens - I am not here to help you "cope" with the impact of systemic oppression; I am here to help you reclaim safety, power and agency as you continue to exist within systems of oppression. I am here to support your own knowing - so you can hear yourself through the noise of white supremacy, patriarchy, heteronormativity, capitalism, and colonialism.

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.

My work is justice-minded counseling. The conversations we have will always focus on your experiences in the context of our world. You may have experienced injustices based on any axis of your identity. You may have experienced the consequences of being perceived as a woman or just as different. I want to create a safe space with you for every part of you that feels less than or not good enough because you're different. Let's build the world that fits your unique needs!

Cultural and Systemic Oppression related to Race, Sexuality, and alternative lifestyles

We are a product of the environment around us. In therapy, we will look and explore how these systems effected us in a negative way and how we can heal from this oppression and found our power and to claim it back.

I work with every individual to help them understand their intersectionality of identity (racial/ethnic identity, immigration status, gender, sexuality, class, religion, disability, trauma history, etc.) and how systematic oppression leads to the pathologizing of people who hold marginalized identities on a micro, meso, and macro levels.

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. Let’s sift through these layers to find your true self.

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.