Native Land Acknowledgment

I currently reside on the ancestral territories of the Nisenan peoples. I acknowledge that the Nisenan people are still here among us today and that their land was unceded and remains unceded to this day. I acknowledge the relationship between these lands and of the people who have safeguarded them. I support the strengthening and stabilization of the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe as well as their campaign to restore federal recognition.

Committing to decolonizing power, knowledge, and relationships is essential for ethical mental health professionals. Decolonizing mental health care involves carefully reexamining the lens from which we understand human psychology and working to dismantle powers rooted in colonial and institutional violence. It seeks healing, meaning, and connection through equitable, culturally responsive and intersectional practices. The decolonialization process shifts mental health care away from white, cis-hertero, patriarchal, ableist and classist structures and encourages the reassessment and dismantling of harmful mental health views and practices. I am an advocate for the liberation, sovereignty, rematriation, and reparation of Indigenous and Black communities. As a therapist I understand that the legacies of colonization have profoundly impacted the mental health and well-being of Indigenous and globally communities.

As we work towards healing and reconciliation, I am committed to the work of revisioning mental health care and prioritizing the principles of decolonization:

1. Centering Indigenous Knowledge and Self-Determination: I honor Indigenous ways of knowing, healing, and being. I acknowledge that Indigenous healing practices have been falsely discredited, then co-opted and capitalized upon by the mental health field. I respect Indigenous healing traditions and practices, and remain vigilant towards appropriation.

2. Acknowledging Historical and Ongoing Trauma: I recognize the intergenerational trauma caused by colonial violence and displacement. I speak truth about the historical and ongoing pains and injustices experienced by Indigenous communities.

3. Advocating for Land and Life: I support the LANDBACK movement and its call for the reclamation and restoration of Indigenous Lands, sovereignty, and self-determination. I acknowledge that healing and well-being are intricately connected to Indigenous Peoples' reconnection with their ancestral lands, language, and cultural practices.

4. Committing to Accomplice-ship: I commit to building collaborative and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and healers that center their needs and visions by following their lead.

5. Challenging Colonial Norms/Dominance: I actively challenge and debunk colonial norms, practices, and power structures within the mental health field. I strive to create a space where Indigenous communities, voices, and expressions are prioritized and honored.

Anti-Racist, Culturally Affirming Therapy

"Cultural competence" is considered an ethical requirement for all licensed mental health professionals, but too frequently this term is loosely defined and insufficient as a true professional standard. In my experience cultural knowledge, awareness, and "acceptance" are not enough to meet the diverse needs of clients. Therefore I strive to embody a culturally humble, responsive stance that recognizes my clients as the expert of their own culture and lived experiences. In doing so I hope to honor cultural strengths and values, and acknowledge the impact of racialized injustice and trauma. I humbly seek to understand the cultural lenses through which my clients view their systems and presenting issues.

I am committed to identifying and taking ownership of my privilege/s, and examining my own internalized bias, prejudice and shame. I am continually working on leaning into discomfort, seeking healing and developing the inner and outer resources needed to repair within and beyond the therapeutic space. I’m deeply grateful for this work and its ability to foster more authentic relationships as well as to strengthen our skills of awareness, understanding, and empathy (with the self and others).

I am passionate about continuously taking steps to make this work more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for everyone and actively welcome open dialogue and sharing. I’m always looking to expand this list. If you feel driven to chat or share resources please feel free to get in touch!