Diversity and Commitment to Anti-Oppressive Practice

As a son of immigrants raised in the most multicultural city in the world, I became a person that genuinely appreciates diversity in all its forms. This translates into my professional practice in such a way that I celebrate and affirm all persons of all cultures, ethnicities, faiths, ages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and intersectionalities. As your therapist, I affirm, value, and celebrate what makes you unique. You are wonderful the way you are and deserve to be accepted as such.

Power and Privilege

I am aware of the privileges afforded to me as a white-passing, cisgender, able-bodied, educated, and straight man in today’s society. I acknowledge the years of historical, overt and systemic oppression that has long plagued many minority groups until today. As a therapist, I strive to reduce the power imbalance in the therapy room by working collaboratively with clients to empower them. Outside the therapy room, I am committed to always furthering my education in anti-oppressive practice and advocating for social justice.

LGBTQ+

The LGBTQ+ acronym refers to persons who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. The plus sign is used a way to recognize that there are other identities that this umbrella term may not capture (e.g. Asexual, Intersex, Pansexual, Two-Spirited). As your therapist, my role is to meet you where you are and support you. When working with LGBTQ+ folks, I do not assume that your gender or sexuality is the reason for attending therapy, unless you say you want to talk about it. I also support parents, partners, and other family members that are interested in talking about LGBTQ+ concerns.

Spirituality and Faith

For some folks, spirituality is an integral aspect of their lives. I identify as a Christian (Coptic Orthodox). As a therapist, my faith inspires me to support, encourage, and build others up (e.g. 1 Thes 5:11) in a spirit of non-judgment (Matt 7:1) and a spirit of love (e.g. 1 Cor 13, Rom 13:8). My faith also inspires me to support and advocate for the marginalized and “less fortunate” (e.g. James 1:27). While my faith motivates me to help others as a therapist, my faith is not part of our work together in session. I never impose my beliefs on anyone. If you’d like to bring up faith or spirituality in session, I am happy to make that part of our work together. If spirituality is important to you, then your faith, religion, or spiritual orientation can be a helpful tool in your journey—and I am happy to explore that with you in an open and supportive way.