Values & Practices
Image created by Sonny Jane Wise
Neurodiversity Affirming
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is an approach to mental health treatment that recognizes and celebrates the natural variations in human neurocognitive functioning (examples: ADHD & Autism). The overall goal is to create a supportive, validating, and collaborative therapeutic environment that helps neurodivergent individuals thrive rather than struggle. This contrasts with more traditional approaches that aim to “fix” perceived deficits.
Neurodiversity Affirming Practices
Viewing neurodivergence as a natural form of diversity, not a disorder to be cured.
Honoring an individual’s strengths, abilities, and preferred ways of thinking/behaving, rather than pushing societal norms & expectation.
Emphasizing acceptance, accommodation, and empowerment rather than pathology or forced normalization.
Honoring the clients perspectives and preferences. Therapy approach should be collaborative and client comfort is prioritized.
Addressing societal and environmental barriers that disable or disadvantage neurodivergent individuals.
Recognizing the intersections of neurodiversity with other forms of diversity (e.g. race, gender, class).
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
LGBTQ-affirming therapy is a type of counseling or psychotherapy that is supportive and validating of a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The main goal of LGBTQ-affirming therapy is to improve the client’s mental health and well-being by supporting their authentic LGBTQ identity.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Practices
Affirming and validating the client’s LGBTQ identity as a normal and healthy variation of human experience. There is no assumption that the client’s LGBTQ identity is a disorder or problem to be “fixed”.
Providing a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment for the client to explore and express their identity.
Addressing minority stress, discrimination, and other challenges that LGBTQ people often face.
Helping clients build resilience, self-acceptance, and a positive LGBTQ identity.
Avoiding conversion therapy or other practices that attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity against their will.
Recognizing the diversity within the LGBTQ community and tailoring support to the individual client’s needs and experiences.
Trauma Informed
Trauma-informed therapy is a type of psychological treatment that acknowledges and addresses the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. The goal of trauma-informed therapy is to help the client heal from the psychological and emotional effects of trauma, improve their overall well-being, and develop effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms.
Principles of trauma-informed therapy
Safety
Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of the client is a top priority. The therapist creates an environment where the client feels secure and protected.
Trustworthiness & Transparency:
The therapist builds trust with the client by being transparent about the therapeutic process.
Collaboration and Empowerment:
The therapist works collaboratively with the client, empowering them to take an active role in their own healing process.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues:
The therapist recognizes and addresses the unique cultural, historical, and gender-related experiences that may have contributed to or influenced the client’s trauma.
Health at Every Size (HAES)
The HAES approach promotes the idea that health can be achieved regardless of body size or weight. The overall HAES philosophy is to improve health and wellbeing through these non-weight-centric approaches, rather than trying to achieve a “perfect” body weight or size.
In my practice, I don’t look down on those who hope to lose weight, but I do encourage compassionate treatment towards self if weight loss is a priority. I hold respect for bodies of all shapes, sizes and abilities.
Principles of HAES
Size Acceptance
Accepting and respecting the natural diversity of body shapes and sizes. Rejecting the idea that there is one “ideal” body type.
Health Improvement
Focusing on health behaviors like nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellbeing, rather than just weight or BMI.
Joyful Movement
Engaging in physical activity because it feels good, not just to lose weight. Focusing on the functional and emotional benefits of movement.
Body Respect
Valuing the body and treating it with kindness and compassion, regardless of its size or appearance.
Anti-Oppressive
Anti-oppression is a philosophy and set of practices that aim to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression, discrimination, and power imbalances in society.
I like to be straightforward about my stance on racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and heteronormativity so that prospective clients are able to make an informed decision on client-therapist fit. In my practice I stand by individuals with marginalized identities and advocate for equity, inclusion, and system change. I may not be well suited for clients who are hoping to discuss opposing ideas as a part of their mental health treatment.
Anti-Oppression Practices
Acknowledging the existence of oppression:
Anti-oppression work involves recognizing that certain groups in society face systemic barriers, discrimination, and marginalization due to their identity, background, or social status.
Centering the voices of marginalized groups
Anti-oppression emphasizes the importance of amplifying and centering the perspectives, experiences, and leadership of people from oppressed or marginalized communities.
Challenging power structures
Anti-oppression work seeks to challenge and transform the dominant power structures, policies, and institutions that perpetuate oppression and inequality.
Intersectionality
Anti-oppression recognizes that different forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and heteronormativity, intersect and compound each other, creating unique experiences and barriers for individuals with multiple marginalized identities.