Cultural and Systemic Oppression

Our therapists believe in addressing the global contexts that impact us and our clients.

Growing up in Mississippi exposed me to the harsh realities of oppression early on. These experiences position my current work in a way that centers racial terror and post traumatic stress syndrome. Combining both my artist and art therapist identities, I visually translate archival data as it relates to elements of oppressive systems. Using visual representations, I foster dialogue about the health inequities as a result of heightened stress factors that impact our quality of life.

I assist individuals to navigate the systemic oppression experience through life and within our systems, family, and workforce. I use self-compassion and strategies to process the daily impact of systemic oppression on daily life.

I specialize in Culture Shock & Cultural Identity Issues. Cultural assimilation is not just some fun theoretical concept one learns in school. Doing it successfully can mean the difference between getting a job and going hungry, between having friends or not having friends, between being shunned or being accepted in your new community, and between surviving and thriving.

I have received training on supporting clients who are impacted by racism. I also have lived experience navigating and healing despite living within cultural and systemic oppression.

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.

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.

Personal empowerment is inseparable from transformative sociopolitical change. This conviction infuses all that I do, including my psychotherapy approach. Since 2016, I have offered workshops and courses on Racism, Diversity, and Psychoanalysis. I also have years of experience as a grassroots environmental and social justice community organizer.

Racism, patriarchy, able-ism, and other old tricks hurt, use, dis-empower, and silence human beings in the legacy of a "power-over." These tricks toxify language, religion, business, and other institutions. Even non-profits. Even families. Their subtle manifestations can hurt like the obvious ones, especially when they happen repeatedly. A "power-with" way of thinking supports equality, respect, and cooperation. I love to help people find support for power-with.

Clinically, I work from a holistic, relational, empowerment focused and intersectional feminist perspective. I recognize that areas of oppression are linked and cumulative. In response, I work to help clients navigate these complex dynamics and improve their quality of life. As a cis-white, able-bodied female, it is my job to do the background work and create a space where clients can explore, learn and understand themselves better. You are the expert of your life.

I am an HIV positive single mother of an adult child with a significant developmental disability - I have a deep understanding of systemic oppression and the impacts it can have on your well-being. In addition, I have a close relationship with poverty and have spent 16 years working with underserved and marginalized populations.

In my personal life, I have experienced cultural/systemic oppression. I know all too well the impacts it can have on someone's mental health and relationships. I utilize a cultural framework to highlight how oppression impacts the problem and how to cope with the effects.

Our culturally diverse and competent therapists are dedicated to understanding identities and experiences, ensuring that you feel heard and supported throughout your therapeutic journey. We recognize the interconnected nature of oppression, we take an intersectional approach to therapy. We consider how various forms of oppression intersect in your life, tailoring our therapeutic interventions to meet your specific needs and challenges.

I address cultural systemic oppression by creating a safe space for clients to explore their sexuality. I work with clients to dismantle internalized biases, foster self-love, and build healthier relationships. Emphasizing empathy and understanding, I empower individuals to reclaim their sexual narratives and embrace their authentic selves.

I am an HIV positive single mother of an adult child with a significant developmental disability - I have a deep understanding of systemic oppression and the impacts it can have on your well-being. In addition, I have a close relationship with poverty and have spent 16 years working with underserved and marginalized populations. Prior to entering private practice, I worked with individuals living in permanent supportive housing.