Dear Therapists: Therapy is Political

Therapy is political - because everything is political.

When I say this, I get a variety of reactions. Some clinicians take this literally and think my meaning and intentions are to get into discussions about politics, my political beliefs, etc. with clients.

That's not what this means.

Our lives are being determined, influenced, and overall affected by politics. When a person doesn't have appropriate health care options, for ONE example, that's often being determined by politics. For us to acknowledge the multiple ways are lives are shaped by politics is key in supporting our clients, especially those who are in marginalized groups.

It's Pride Month - politicians, along with the public votes, are regularly attempting to determine issues that are simply human rights. I sent out my newsletter the other day, which acknowledged a celebration of Pride Month, and had a clinician respond, "UNSUBSCRIBE, I do not believe in Pride Month!" (It exists, despite your beliefs). Is that a safe person for a member of the LGBTQIA+ community to see as a therapist? Do they make it clear to all prospective clients they don't support Pride Month?

We clinicians simply cannot ignore the elephant in the room.

P. S. Happy Pride Month!!

#Therapy #TherapyIsPolitical #TherapyThoughts #PrideMonth