Seeking out a therapist who understands systemic oppression, cultural factors related to identity, and how they may exacerbate organic symptoms should be easier. With this in mind, I orient my therapeutic work (and life) in acknowledgement of the many systems (overt and covert) that impact folks whose identities fall along the margins. We have life experiences that result in traumatic stress that amplify typical life stressors. In consideration of all of these things, my healing work is “holistic”, in that I consider the individual and the impact of oppressive systems in treatment. 

I also recognize that privilege is important to consider in tandem with other identities, especially in relation to healing work. I acknowledge the inherent privilege that my light skin and citizenship have offered me and I am in a constant quest to unpack both in relation to my work/relationship with others but also to wield them to protect and uplift my Black, brown-skinned, and undocumented siblings. 

I have been working with LGBTQ+ folks for the past 10 years at many non-profits and government orgs providing education, crisis counseling, therapeutic treatment trainings, and community organizing.