Transparency

 Transparency and therapy can be tricky to understand.  There are many therapists who do not say anything aloud about their identity.  Historically, the pioneers of therapists were very strict about not answering personal questions, and wanting to be a tabula rasa, or blank slate for clients to project upon.

    As therapy has evolved over time, many theories of therapy have become more flexible when it comes to being transparent.  Social Constructivist thought indicates that being truly neutral is impossible.  That it is better to be self-aware, and work through any bias's that arise as a therapist.  The therapists who adopt this philosophy are considered postmodern. Postmodern therapists may also share snippets of who they are in therapy, for the purpose of supporting the client.  Sometimes, lived experience creates an understanding in a way that knowledge and compassion can't replace.  Another reason to be transparent and share about self, is to name differences and give clients a greater amount of information when choosing their therapist and honestly exploring themes that arise in therapy.

    You may have guessed by now that I am a postmodern therapist.  As such, there are some things that I want to be transparent about from the start.  My sharing is intentional and boundaried, intended for you to make the best choices for yourself.  My aim is assist you, your needs and interests, express a sense of understanding, and to be human.  I believe that therapy should feel supportive and not rigid or cold.  I am naturally a warm person who deeply values relationship, including my professional ones with my clients. 

    Okay, here are some transparent things about me I want to share with you:

     I am a white, middle-aged, able-bodied human.  I am married with children and have pet dogs.  My dogs might bark in sessions.  My kids might knock.  The door will be locked, and you will have confidentiality.  Some things that might not be as apparent but are part of my lived experience:  I have a bi-racial marriage and multi-racial children.  I can easily pass as heterosexual, monogamous, and female.  The truth is I have lived experience as a polyamorous person as well as a monogamous person, and I identify as a Relationship Anarchist.  I am pansexual, and my pronouns are She/They. I am neurodivergent (ADHD). I see a therapist too.  Other members of my family are also neurodivergent. 

    When you do therapy with me, I welcome all of you to session.  The above-mentioned parts of my identity and experience are here to guide you in your choices, as well as to be launchpad for discussion if you wish.  <3

**A note about the art.  I do not know who the artist is.  I acquired this image from a protest I attended with my sister in Brooklyn Center, MN.  Someone was giving posters out for free.**