The need to engage in therapy can occur for a number of reasons: significant life events or transitions, trauma, feelings of anxiety or depression, worry, doubt, shame, and experiences of racism, homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny, to name a few. Whatever the reason, we truly believe that we don’t have to be reduced to our negative experiences; they don’t have to dictate our existence.
At Affirmative Spaces, we have lived experience of being both BIPOC and Queer, but we recognize that’s not enough. In addition, each provider has extensive experience and training working with marginalized groups, with an emphasis on Queer Folx of Color. In working with your clinician, we’ll ensure therapy interventions are tailored to your needs and work collaboratively toward your liberation and healing.
We utilize several theoretical approaches in treatment, but at our core, we utilize Affirmative Therapy. It’s a therapy approach that works to validate the lived experiences of Queer Folx, our identities, and relationships. Affirmative Therapy recognizes and addresses the negative impact of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism on our lives. It embraces a positive view of queerness across sexuality and gender identities. In addition, Affirmative Therapy works well with other marginalized and minoritized communities.
In addition, we utilize a culturally informed approach to treatment, meaning we value all of your identities. We recognize how gender identity, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, spirituality, religion, socioeconomic status and finances, physical health, age, and relationship status all come together to make up who you are and what you have experienced. In treatment, we consider all these identities and experiences, and these considerations inform how we approach care.
With us, you’re a whole person full of rich and layered experiences, not a list of symptoms.