When I started doing my degree in Neuropsychology, my plan was originally to go into academia, but as a part of an internship I was required to do a number of clinical hours at a deaddiction clinic, and CBT interventions were a part of my role there. I fell in love with the interactions I had with my clients there, who I got the sense were being seen as a list of symptoms, and seemingly for the first time were having a real conversation with a health professional, and really opened up.

Even though on a day to day basis my excitement about my job waxes and wanes, I really cherish the therapeutic relationship I have built with so many people over the years. Therapy becomes one of the very few places me and other people can have deep, meaningful conversations about the abstract concepts of justice, violence, community, advocacy and other political philosophy I hold so close to my heart. It’s also the only place where I feel like my ideas of social justice (that I’m obsessed with) have real world value and don’t feel like armchair activism. People’s lives change in a tangible way because of some Judith Butler book that I read in my master’s and I think that’s very cool.

I hope for them to think that I will be a person who can facilitate safe, comfortable sharing with of their thoughts, regardless of how odd or embarrassing or nonsensical they may feel. While I don’t want them to think of me as a friend, I do want them to think of me as a friendly person who they can approach. Lastly, I want them to also see me as a human being with my own needs of space, boundaries, rest and financial resources.

I would like to tell my client that I’m really proud of them for taking the first step of seeking therapy. Finding the right therapist is a difficult process, and unfortunately it may take a little bit of trial and error. While I will do my best to work with my client’s needs, not all therapists and clients click, just because we all have different styles of working. As a therapist, I have a plethora of different techniques I can employ to work with you, and if something isn’t working, we really appreciate the feedback! If it feels like it’s REALLY not working, I would also be happy to refer you to someone who will possibly feel like a better fit for you as a client - the point is not for me to have a job, the point is for you to seek mental health care that works for you.

In the first session I ask my client what their goals are, so I have some understanding of what direction the sessions will take. I also usually explain what my general approach will be for the client’s sessions, and they have an opportunity to suggest any changes or veto anything they need to. Additionally, I tend to take feedback every 6 sessions until a relaxed rapport is established with how they think our sessions are going, and if they would like to change anything in the way we are working.

I have learnt that human beings are so much more than the small, uncomplicated labels that our textbooks have assigned them as. Often, people’s thoughts, behaviours and emotions are important context for full and complex lives, rather than the main focus of what our work should be.

I think I tend to be a much more relaxed and informal therapist than some of my other peers, and have recently learnt to appreciate my ability to make clients feel comfortable and chatty very quickly! I also think I am good at asking questions that help my clients get to the crux of whatever issue is being discussed, and this enables us to have deep, meaningful conversations.

I have many hobbies - I love creating colourful eye looks with my collection of makeup. I also sew clothes for myself, knit and embroider. I also love making cocktails on weekends.

I approach therapy that looks at two important components of an individual’s mental health - I look at the individual themselves, their thoughts, feelings, and complex internal life, but also at the way these complexities interact with the outside world. These interactions range from interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, community and regional dynamics, and also larger social institutions of marriage, education systems, legal systems and state governance.

I start by establishing to clients that I am part of the queer community myself and introduce my pronouns, and then ask for theirs. If they are unfamiliar with the concept of pronouns I briefly explain how they work, what some common pronouns look like and let them know that any time they would like to change them during the therapy process they are welcome to do so. I am also very mindful of not assuming that queer clients have different experiences than cis/het clients, and know not to expect dating/sex, family dynamics or friendships and sometimes even mundane things like shopping to follow the same ‘rules’ as cis/het people.