Decolonization must center on Indigenous peoples across the world reclaiming sovereignty over their lands.

It is also important to acknowledge how deeply rooted the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and social work are in colonialism.

The central tenets of my counselling approach are a start to decolonizing my practice. However, I mindfully engage in the ongoing struggle of continuing to decolonize my practice. This requires lifelong learning and, more importantly, unlearning.

Here are some examples of how I am actively decolonizing my practice:

• Using person-centered, non-pathologizing language and refraining from pathologizing mental health concerns by acknowledging the innate wisdom of our protective systems

• Bringing my humanity to my work with a therapeutic intention, so that you have a sense of who I am and where I come from, and so that you feel at greater ease in expressing your own vulnerability 

• Engaging in my own healing work so that our sessions are always centered on your healing 

• Seeking continuing education, particularly from racialized and anti-oppressive teachers/mentors in the field 

• Calling attention to internalized systemic oppression that may be masking as an individual problem, including imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and people pleasing

• Exploring beyond individual and/or family of origin experiences, considering the influence of intergenerational/ancestral experiences, culture, history, and oppressive systems 

• Minimizing the power dynamic in a therapeutic relationship through transparency and collaboration so that you maintain an important role in directing your healing journey 

• Understanding the trauma that the mental health industrial complex continues to cause and how this intersects with other forms of oppression, including white supremacy