You're not alone.
Therapy allows for you to explore the stress you're experiencing in a safe, affirming, healing space. I use a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) framework with a heavy influence of feminist therapy approaches to address anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, etc. CBT recognizes the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings and behaviors. For example, imagine you wake up on the wrong side of the bed: you're feeling upset, you would probably have negative thoughts about the upcoming day and have grouchy behavior. With CBT, we would work together to build skills so that you can challenge negative thoughts and/or regulate your feelings which would positively impact your behaviors. I also practice Feminist therapy through the use of language and awareness of intersectionality. To eliminate a sense of hierarchy, in sessions, I don't use "you;" I say, "we," "together," or "our." I'm aware of and acknowledge how disability, socioeconomic backgrounds, race, class and gender can impact how one operates in the world. I also utilize a sliding scale in hopes that it would make mental health care more accessible. |