09/19/2024
There is a school of thought that believes therapists should never share any opinions or show their personality. I do not belong to that approach and I believe it is outdated.
I belong to a school of thought that believes that political viewpoints should be in the therapy room.
The western medical model of disease deflects political causation and individualizes the origin of the problem or illness. - Ana Clarissa Rojas Durazo
Depoliticizing people's suffering is a problem because it allows people to say, for example, it's not capitalism or poverty or racism impacting your mental health its that you have a label/disorder like depression or anxiety and that's a YOU problem.
We MUST name the cause of people's pain. When there is genocide and the world is on fire, it is important to name that and grieve it and work with it instead of putting the expectation on the individual to be able to overcome those deeply rooted issues that are triggering your wellness struggle, challenges or suffering.
There is a place and a time for all of this, of course. Incorporating politics into therapy will always be done with sensitivity and respect for your comfort and needs. I always strive to create an environment where you feel safe to express your views and explore the influences, biologically, sociologically, or psychologically, that may be impacting your wellness.
