I work with folks whose experiences of systemic and interpersonal exclusion leads to an ongoing question of belonging. They received the message loud and clear that certain parts of their lives are not welcome, that they’ll always be the odd one out, the scapegoat, the outsider. These messages, regardless of their source, originate from oppressive capitalistic institutions and practices rooted in white supremacy, racism (specifically anti-Blackness), and ableism. The impact of this hurt is deep and expansive, and can present in a variety of ways. The folks I work with often struggle to meaningfully navigate close intimate relationships, listen to their intuition on the big and small things, advocate for themselves, and create a life where they feel secure in who they are.

Folks who are familiar with chronic exclusion learn to survive by shape-shifting. My clients have intimate knowledge of which parts of themselves to show and when, as well as to whom and from whom. They’re surviving, but they also have to work harder and more creatively to find spaces where they can unwind and feel fully embodied. This can be exhausting work. The catalyst for therapy is the force in them that says, “Enough is enough. I am tired, and I am ready to find a way to put some of this down to make more space for me.”

When my clients reach out to me, I can hear that they are using that voice as a guide. They seek congruency within themselves, and long for healing. They are ready to rewrite their stories, ground themselves in their truths, and reclaim their power.