Mission and Values Statement
My mission as a therapist, activist, and scholar is to promote self-worth and empowerment in all the communities I serve. I believe that every individual has the right to inclusive and affirming mental health care and relational health care. Through my work, I aim to dismantle systems of oppression that hinder access to these essential services.
I strive to create a safe, supportive environment that encourages growth, healing, and change. My goal is to help individuals and families develop the skills and tools they need to overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
As an advocate, I am committed to promoting social justice and equity. I work to create awareness and understanding of the impact of systems of oppression on mental health and well-being. I aim to empower marginalized communities to advocate for themselves and challenge the structures and policies perpetuating injustice.
My personal commitment to nourishing self-worth and empowerment informs my approach to therapy and advocacy. I believe that every individual deserves to feel valued and respected and that by working together, we can create a world that supports the growth and flourishing of all its members.
Social Location Statement
As a White, cisgender, pansexual/queer, mostly-able-bodied, atheist, married woman and mother, a citizen of the US, and a native English speaker, I recognize the privilege and power that comes with my social locations. I acknowledge that my upbringing in a working/lower-class, two-parent, Christian home in Las Vegas has shaped my worldview and experiences. Currently identifying as middle class and residing in Olathe, KS, I recognize the land I live on is named for the Pawnee and Osage Native American tribes and is their traditional and ancestral home. I acknowledge the systemic and historical injustices that have impacted and continue to impact indigenous communities.
As a White individual, I recognize my bias with race and ethnicity, and I work to be anti-racist by educating myself, engaging in uncomfortable conversations, and taking action to dismantle systemic oppression. Additionally, as a cisgender and mostly able-bodied person, I acknowledge my privilege and strive to be inclusive and affirming of individuals with different gender identities, abilities, and disabilities.
As a pansexual/queer person, I recognize the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and I work to be anti-heterosexist, anti-cissexist, and anti-transphobic. I acknowledge the unique challenges faced by those who identify as LGBTQ+ and work towards creating a safe and affirming space for all individuals.
Overall, my social location statement serves as a reminder that my experiences and perspectives are shaped by my identities and experiences. As a therapist, I am responsible for being aware of my biases and working towards creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals, regardless of their social locations. I strive to continue learning, growing, and challenging my own biases to provide the best possible care for my clients.