Identity includes race, gender, religion, citizenship status, country of origin, size, language, class, neurotype and so much more. When we are in the minority with one or more of our identities, we can experience stress, distress, or trauma, or what is called minority stress. For LGBTQ, BIPOC, immigrant/migrant, first gen, disabled, and neurodivergent people, space for being with these stresses is fundamental to mental health counseling. As humans, when we are in a stress/trauma response all we can do is focus on the danger. For this reason, its necessary to take time to recognize our strengths, well-being, resources, community, survival strategies, culturally-informed values, and pleasure.

Anti-oppressive therapy isn’t only for those communities that experience marginalization. When we are in majority, we can deal with shame, guilt, confusion, defensiveness, and cognitive dissonance (a term referring to the discomfort we feel when there is a mismatch between our actions and our thoughts regarding our values). It can be challenging to match our values without cultural shaping. These experiences too deserve time and attention. More importantly, they need healing in order to align our behavior, words, and beliefs with our values.

Most people have some identities that are socially undervalued, or marginalized, and other identities that are considered “normal”, or centered, by society. In both experiences, marginalization and centering, there can be tremendous sense of stress, pain, discomfort, confusion, hopelessness, and even trauma at times. I take a social justice counseling and anti-oppression counseling approach to working with identity. This means I invite you to reflect on how your identities affect your well-being and relationships with others. We build up your inner resources and coping skills and explore the uncomfortable parts. We examine how social norms and systems affect you, those around you, and your environment. Anti-oppression work is a thread woven through the entire tapestry.