3 Ways the Fosnight Center Practices Inclusive Therapy
1. We are Anti-Racist.
Practicing anti-racist therapy means we actively work to dismantle white supremacy in healthcare, including mental health care. As a majority-white healthcare practice, we work to investigate our own biases and the systems of power that subject BIPOC folx to harm.
We are changing the dynamic of therapy from one in which the therapist is in a position of power, to one in which the therapist is a partner in empowerment; moving from the historical model of power-over to a model of power-with.
We do not solely work from therapeutic models developed by white folx, but also incorporate the works of BIPOC scholars, including Kimberle Crenshaw, bell hooks, Audre Lorde, Ta-Nahesi Coates, Resmaa Menakem, and more.
We are open to feedback from BIPOC clients, and work to eliminate fragility and insecurity in ourselves, because it’s our job to hold space for you, not the other way around.
2. We Practice with Intersectionality in Mind.
Intersectionality means that different aspects of identity, like race, gender, and social class, can create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. People with different identities experience the world in very different ways and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy.
For example, a cisgender woman who immigrated from Afghanistan might have a harder time getting healthcare than a white, cisgender woman born in the U.S. And a plus-size, white, cisgender woman might have different needs in therapy than a thin, BIPOC, transgender man. By understanding intersectionality, we aim to provide better support for each person based on their unique experiences and needs.
3. We are LGBTQIA+ Affirming.
Affirmative therapy is the practice of accepting and validating gender identity, expression, and sexuality. We do not believe that your identity is a problem to fix, but instead validate and support you in your journey to becoming your most authentic self.
Affirmative therapy supports the notion that you know yourself better than anyone, including your therapist. For folx who are transitioning genders and/or questioning their sexuality, we support you and your unique process of finding yourself. We take into account the impact of minority stress and strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Your gender identity, expression, and sexuality are not medical conditions that require remediation, and we will continuously advocate for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our practice offers in person and virtual therapy appointments Monday-Thursday! Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
