Inclusivity
It is important to me that my therapy practice is welcoming and accessible to people from a wide range of communities, identities, and walks of life. When we feel seen, understood, and not judged for who we are, we are better able to go deeper and explore areas that are causing us difficulties.
Although the problems you are experiencing might feel completely unrelated to identities you hold, or the communities you are a part of, it can be reassuring to know that your therapist has some knowledge and understanding about these aspects of yourself. This hopefully removes some nervousness about mentioning parts of your day to day life, or worrying about needing to take time to educate your therapist about your life or how best to support you.
I am committed to continually broadening my knowledge and developing my skills in the area of inclusivity, through further trainings, keeping up to date with research, reading, and discussions. I know there is always more to learn, and I hope to reduce any gaps in my knowledge as much as I can. I strive to meet you with openness, acceptance, and helpful adjustments where appropriate.
LGBTQIA+
My therapy practice is an explicitly LGBTQIA+ positive and affirming space. Research continues to show that LGBTQIA+ people experience higher rates of mental health difficulties, due to discrimination, worrying about experiencing future discrimination, feeling you need to hide who you are, or developing internalised stigma from growing up in an LGBTQIA+ phobic society. Whether I simply check in about pronouns and don't assume the gender of a partner, or we're working on the link between gender identity and body image, I prioritise making sure you feel as safe as you can to be fully who you are in our sessions.
Neurodiversity
Being neurodiverse affects how we live in and encounter the world, but also affects our experience of therapy. I am most familiar with working with autistic people, and those with ADHD. I understand the importance of adapting therapy to best suit the individual, and can offer suggestions that can support your experience, as well as encourage you to share ideas about what you would find most helpful. I take into account factors associated with neurodiversity, such as sensory sensitivities, the impact of masking, experiencing bullying, or chronic stress, and incorporate these into our understanding of your current problems, when relevant. I make sure we are working towards goals that feel important to you, rather than automatically promoting neurotypical behaviours.
"Non-Traditional" Relationships
I understand and support people whose relationships do not fit within more "traditional" relationship structures, such as polyamory or ethical non-monogomy (ENM). I am also allied to those who explore kink, and take a non-pathologising stance to these practices.
