COUNSELING SERVICES
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ANTIRACISM
WHAT IS SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ANTIRACISM THERAPY?
I have lived my life in multiple cultures, giving me a unique perspective to the ways in which race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class may impact one’s experiences. My work in social justice and antiracism is designed to address the profound impacts of racial identities and social justice issues on mental health. It is rooted in the understanding that race is a socially constructed concept that profoundly influences personal experiences and societal interactions, often leading to inequalities and stigmatization. My goal is to address these issues and support those who are affected by them.
My approach is deeply rooted in intersectionality, acknowledging how various aspects of identity—such as gender, sexuality, ability, neuro minority, and socioeconomic status —intersect with race. Each session aims to provide a safe space where you can share your stories without judgment, instead focusing on healing and empowerment.
Addressing racial identities in therapy is vital for fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. I support my clients in navigating racial experiences, validating identities, and offering new perspectives on how these experiences can shape your life. Whether working with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) clients or engaging with White folx interested in antiracism work, I strive to create an inclusive environment that promotes social justice and personal growth. Social justice and antiracism are deeply rooted in my therapeutic approach, guiding every aspect of our work together.
UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ANTIRACISM
Social justice is all about striving for a society where everyone has equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. It also means challenging and addressing collective trauma and systemic inequalities based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other identity markers. Antiracism is actively opposing racism by advocating for changes in political, economic, and social life to promote racial equality for all.
The concept of racial inequality impacts the mental health and well-being of many of my clients. As someone with lived experience in multiple marginalized communities, I deeply understand the impact of systemic discrimination and how it can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Racism and social injustice can erode a person's sense of safety, self-worth, and belonging, affecting mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
My therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of social justice and antiracism. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore and address the impacts of systemic oppression. Grounded in understanding how social identities and power dynamics affect mental health, my approach uses an intersectional lens— recognizing that experiences of oppression and privilege intersect across various aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, and ability.
Validating and empowering my clients by acknowledging their experiences of discrimination and injustice involves helping them to process and heal from racial trauma, build resilience, and develop strategies to navigate oppressive systems. Additionally, I work with clients to explore their own biases and engage in antiracist practices, fostering personal and collective growth.
By integrating social justice and antiracism into our work together, I aim to create a more equitable and inclusive environment. I firmly believe that supporting individual healing contributes to broader societal change. With each session, I am committed to challenging systemic inequalities and promoting mental wellness for all individuals, recognizing that true healing and well-being are intrinsically linked to justice and equity.
“Addressing racial identities in therapy is vital for fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.”
THE IMPACT OF RACIAL IDENTITIES ON MENTAL HEALTH
By definition, race is a social construct— a concept meant to assign folx to racial categories based on physical appearance—that has no biological basis. However, these categories are powerful in shaping an individual’s identity, experiences, and opportunities. The concept of race has been used for generations to create and maintain systems of power and privilege, resulting in significant social and economic disparities.
It is important to note that racial identities do not exist in silos; they intersect with other aspects of identity such as gender, sexuality, ability, and socioeconomic status. This means that certain individuals experience layers of privilege and oppression based on the combination of their various identities. Intersecting identities can compound the effects of discrimination, making the experiences of marginalized individuals more complex and multifaceted.
CREATING AN AFFIRMING SPACE FOR ALL STORIES
Validating my clients' racial identities is essential in fostering a supportive and effective therapeutic environment. With each client, I aim to recognize and affirm the significance of your racial identity, and acknowledge your lived experiences and the unique challenges you face. My hope is that this validation helps us build trust and rapport, allowing you to feel seen, heard, and respected in your experience.
Many individuals from marginalized communities have stories that are often judged, stigmatized, or dismissed by society. In therapy, it is vital to create a safe space where these stories can be shared without fear of judgment. Providing support for these narratives involves actively listening, showing empathy, and validating your experiences. This approach can help you feel understood, and can also empower you to reclaim your narratives and identities..
Diverse racial identities bring unique perspectives and strengths to the session. Your cultural background and experiences offer valuable insights into your worldview, coping mechanisms, and resilience. By emphasizing these unique perspectives, the therapeutic dynamic can become more culturally responsive and inclusive, allowing for a deeper understanding of your context and promotes more effective and personalized therapeutic interventions.
I strive to provide a space where you can explore your identities, share your stories, and feel supported in your journey toward healing and empowerment. Emphasizing the importance of racial identity in therapy not only enhances our therapeutic relationship but also contributes to your overall mental health and well-being.
MY PERSPECTIVE AND PERSONAL JOURNEY
As the child of immigrant parents from North India and Pakistan, my background has shaped my worldview and therapeutic approach. Growing up, I navigated multiple cultural contexts, which gave me a unique perspective on the complex ways race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class impact individuals' lives. This multicultural upbringing allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges and strengths that come with balancing different cultural identities and dealing with systemic inequalities.
Living in diverse environments, including Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and even a brief stint in France, exposed me to a wide range of experiences and perspectives. These experiences deepened my understanding of how social and economic disparities influence mental health and well-being. I have seen how systemic racism, cultural stigmas, and economic barriers can affect access to resources, opportunities, and support. This awareness drives my commitment to social justice and informs my work as a therapist.
My personal journey has deeply influenced my therapeutic approach. I understand the importance of validating clients' racial and cultural identities and creating a space where they feel seen and heard. I bring a compassionate, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach to therapy, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths that each client brings. The goal of each session is to provide a safe and affirming space where we explore your identities, process your experiences, and work towards healing and empowerment.
By integrating my personal experiences with professional training, I strive to offer a holistic and inclusive approach to therapy. I use a blend of narrative, attachment-based, and body-focused techniques to address the diverse needs of my clients. Whether working with individuals, partners, or marginalized communities, I am committed to promoting mental wellness and social justice. My journey as a first-generation born American with a multicultural background continues to inspire and guide my work, helping me connect with clients from various walks of life and support you in your unique path toward healing.
WORKING WITH BIPOC COMMUNITIES
Working with BIPOC communities is a central focus of my practice. The experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOCs) are deeply influenced by systemic racism and discrimination, which can significantly impact their mental health and overall well-being. These experiences include facing microaggressions, racial profiling, and social and economic inequalities that contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Understanding and addressing the unique positionalities of my BIPOC clients is essential. Each individual’s experiences are shaped by the intersection of racial identity with other aspects of identity, such as gender, sexuality, ability, and socioeconomic status. This intersectionality means that BIPOC clients face layered and multifaceted challenges. Acknowledging these intersecting identities is crucial for providing effective and empathetic therapy practice.
I strive to create a supportive space where BIPOC clients can explore racial identities and experiences.
This involves:
active listening
validating each client’s feelings
providing a non-judgmental environment where you can express yourself freely
My goal is to help you process your experiences of racism and discrimination, build resilience, and develop strategies for navigating systemic oppression. I aim to empower clients by helping you reclaim your narratives and identities, fostering a sense of pride and self-worth.
In my practice, this means being attuned to the cultural and historical contexts that influence BIPOC clients' lives. I integrate culturally responsive techniques into therapy, ensuring that clients feel understood and respected.
This might include:
discussing the impacts of current events
exploring cultural traditions and practices
addressing generational trauma.
By acknowledging the broader social context, I help you make sense of your experiences in a way that affirms your identities.
I am committed to promoting social justice and equity in each therapy session. By integrating a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals, I strive to offer a therapeutic experience that is culturally responsive, inclusive, and empowering. My work with BIPOC clients is guided by a commitment to validating experiences, supporting your healing journey, and advocating for systemic change. Together, we can work towards mental wellness and personal growth, recognizing that true well-being is intrinsically linked to justice and equity.
ANTIRACISM WORK
I have lived my life in multiple cultures, giving me a unique perspective to the ways in which race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class may impact one’s experiences. My work in social justice and antiracism is designed to address the profound impacts of racial identities and social justice issues on mental health. It is rooted in the understanding that race is a socially constructed concept that profoundly influences personal experiences and societal interactions, often leading to inequalities and stigmatization. My goal is to address these issues and support those who are affected by them.
My approach is deeply rooted in intersectionality, acknowledging how various aspects of identity—such as gender, sexuality, ability, neuro minority, and socioeconomic status —intersect with race. Each session aims to provide a safe space where you can share your stories without judgment, instead focusing on healing and empowerment.
In our sessions, we delve into the historical and social contexts of racism, helping you to understand the broader structures of inequality. We discuss the impact of these structures on marginalized communities and the importance of allyship. I provide resources and tools to help clients become more informed and effective allies, such as reading materials, book suggestions, podcasts, or other resources.
Creating a space for meaningful conversations about race and privilege is essential. I work to create an environment where each client feels comfortable discussing fears, uncertainties, and misconceptions about race. These conversations are vital for personal growth and societal change. Through a back-and-forth dialogue, we can develop a deeper understanding of our role in perpetuating or challenging systemic racism.
My goal is to empower you to take actionable steps toward antiracism.
This might include:
understanding how policies and systems impact minority groups
supporting marginalized communities
reflecting on your own behaviors and beliefs.
By integrating antiracism work into therapy, I aim to contribute to a larger movement towards social justice and equity.
In my practice, I am committed to facilitating these important conversations and supporting clients on their journey toward becoming more conscientious and active participants in the ongoing fight against racism. Together, we can work towards a more just and inclusive society.
HOW TO GET STARTED
If you’re interested in working with me, the first step is requesting an appointment. Once you fill out the form, I will contact you promptly to set up an appointment for a free 20 minute video consultation. During this call, we will discuss your needs and determine if my services are a good fit for you. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about my therapeutic approach.
After the consultation, if you decide to move forward, we will schedule your first session at a convenient time. I offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your availability. I am currently accepting new clients for telehealth sessions in both Oregon and Washington. This allows you to access my services from the comfort and safety of your own home.
I always encourage potential clients to reach out with any questions! Whether you're seeking individual therapy, relationship counseling, or support with social justice and antiracism work, I am here to help. Contact me today to take the first step towards your mental wellness journey with Chiron Counseling.