Social Location & Anti-racist Stance.

The field of psychology and counseling have historically been racially biased and oppressive systems (citation). Although we are improving, inequities and injustices persist today. Proven data shows that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are more likely to need mental health services and are less likely to receive treatment because of stigmatization, distrust of historically racist/oppressive systems, and less access to the care (citation). Studies also reveal that, while in treatment, BIPOC individuals and families are often treated differently than their white counterparts and may even suffer microaggressions and other subtle forms of racist treatment.
Recognizing these inequities along with my own unconscious biases, I work to make my practice anit-racist in the following ways:

1. I continue my personal and professional education through periodic ant-racist trainings, readings, and consultation.

2. I practice cultural humility (rather than “cultural competence”) built on respect, openness, curiosity, ongoing study, and awareness of—and responsibility for—privilege and power dynamics.

3. I offer sliding scale rates (and pro bono—in some cases) to increase access to private care. I am in the process of becoming a Medicaid provider to make my services even more accessible to people with less access.

4. I volunteer time with organizations whose missions include supporting and empowering historically marginalized populations.

5. I educate peers and clients through frank discussions about race, racism, intersectionality, privilege, unconscious biases, and white fragility.

6. I vote, and encourage others to vote.