Culturally Sensitive Therapy

I use a systemic approach in order to look at the different life stressors that our society, environments, family, and educational systems have created and imposed upon us through time.

Societal oppression and discrimination so influence our mental health. Isolation from the pandemic even more so. When we're discriminated on the basis of race, gender identity, sexuality, health, etc., we learn to silence our voice and take up less space. We learn to hold the shame of our identity &that takes a toll. I hold a grad certificate in gender, women's, sexuality studies and my passions are fueled by empowering the voices of those who have been marginalized, silenced, and/or erased.

My graduate training program specially focused on social justice and providing culturally sensitive therapy. I have been trained by racially diverse mentors and have experience with many different cultural groups including clients who identify with various races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, national origins, ability statuses, genders, sexual orientations, and immigration statuses.

I continuously educate myself on culturally sensitive skills I can apply to my therapeutic approach. I educate myself on the different cultural backgrounds of my clients. After all, it's my job to educate myself, not my client's job to educate me.

I was raised in a family that were open minded. Throughout my life I have sought to be involved in social justice activities. I acquired a minor in ethnic studies and surround myself with people different from myself to continue to grow. I seek opportunities for additional training in cultural competency. The most important thing that makes me an expert in this area is knowing that I am not an expert in others' lives and learning never ends, it is ongoing.

As a multicultural person, providing a space that is not only trauma-informed, but culturally sensitive is vital to me as a mental health professional. I believe therapy not only should be culturally-sensitive, but creative in the ways we reach clients to make therapy accessible, meaningful, and impactful. By providing this space, I keep in mind I am not an expert on everyone's culture, while not expecting those to educate me so that they feel comfortable.

Biases and barriers exist which can negatively impact a person's ability to heal. The importance of cultural humility in providing compassionate care is essential. Together we will explore relational concerns to ensure goodness of fit and in dialogue create a physically and emotionally safe place for an optimum therapy process.

I seek to understand your specific cultural needs as they appear in therapy, politically, socially, and within the family system. I welcome clients from all diverse backgrounds. I specialize in LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, marginalized, and kink orientations.

For someone who holds an identity that is a cultural other, it is important that therapy is a space that is protected from further cultural othering. Culturally sensitive or Culturally humble therapy is a space that prioritizes and centers someone's cultural experience. Meaning, you don't have to defend why your family was the way it was - rather, you can experience acceptance for your cultural parts and process healing in therapy together.

Operating from a culturally sensitive model is important in creating a safe space. I seek to understand your specific cultural needs as they appear in therapy, politically, socially, and within the family cultural system. I welcome clients from any diverse background, and will strive to ensure my work is culturally informed and sensitive. I specialize in LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, marginalized, and kink orientations.

In a culturally responsive and humble approach, I work to bring all aspects of your identity as strengths in the counseling environment. I believe that when we are in touch with all aspects of our identity, we are better able to proactively address the challenges that are facing us.

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.

Much of my graduate school training was in cross-cultural psychology, including understanding how culture is important in helping clients who struggle with various mental health problems. I use a cultural lens to view each of my clients and consider how culture has shaped them over time.

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.

Operating from a culturally sensitive model is important in creating a safe space. I seek to understand your specific cultural needs as they appear in therapy, politically, socially, and within the family system. I welcome clients from all diverse backgrounds. I specialize in LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, marginalized, and kink orientations.

Our culture, ethnicity, and race play a big role in how we define ourselves as humans. I am sensitive to the intersecting identities we hold and address the issues pertaining to our respective groups. I am attuned to how being a culturally sensitive in therapy allows space to build the relationship between you and I and foster a safe space.

I have not only education and training but lived life experiences.

I was raised in a family that were open minded. Throughout my life I have sought to be involved in social justice activities. I acquired a minor in ethnic studies and surround myself with people different from myself to continue to grow. I seek opportunities for additional training in cultural competency. The most important thing that makes me an expert in this area is knowing that I am not an expert in others' lives and learning never ends, it is ongoing.

As a Black gay male therapist, I feel I understand people's needs who come from diverse cultural backgrounds. As a person who endeavors to be culturally humble, I encourage exploration in the areas of Age, Developmental disabilities, Indigenous heritage, National origin, Racial identity, Ethnic identity, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and sexual orientation.

Culturally sensitive therapy is important to me because it helps me to understand a client’s background, ethnicity, and belief system. With me practicing culturally sensitive therapy, I am able to communicate an awareness of my client's culture, beliefs, and practices, and I have an awareness of the client's goals and expectations.