Culturally Sensitive Therapy

Alison is a native New Yorker and believes understanding a client’s background and belief system is paramount for optimal treatment as it relates to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or other important elements of culture and/or identity.

I work with clients in a collaborative relationship to identify goals for therapy and treatment or growth plan. Together, we will identify what will be helpful, to explore how you relate to yourself (your thoughts, feelings, body, identity), the context within which you live, and how the heck to manage the societal structures we have to navigate. As a therapist I aim to practice with cultural humility, and will educate myself on topics important to you.

A culturally sensitive therapist is one who is intentionally and mindfully curious about all ways of being human and all ways of healing. For the therapist, this takes work and deep listening, a willingness to be moved, disturbed, and humbled. Cultural sensitivity is understanding that there are experiences and feelings that you can never fully know or understand because you will never experience these things yourself (humility). It means staying vigilant for signs of implicit bias within.

Through my own experience of navigating the world as a POC and through academic learning, I have learned the importance and value of always considering someone's culture when working with them. Not only because one's culture informs their outlook on life, but also inversely, because of the insidious effects of cultural expectations on one's self-esteem & self-growth. I do not pretend to be all-knowing, and always stay culturally humble.

Culture informs how we view and understand our values and others around us. It's important to integrate that into therapy, as well as for me to respect and understand your perspective.

Extensive cultural therapy trainings and workshops since 2020. Diverse cultural education training at Drexel University. Carribean-American, African American Woman born to an immigrant parent.

I provide culturally sensitive therapy by understanding the client's background, ethnicity, and belief system.

My life experiences as an Asian-American who has lived abroad in various socio-economic settings has helped me see and understand people as unique individuals in their own communities.

Providing culturally sensitive therapy is a value priority in my work. This involves me taking the labor off of my clients - not expecting them to educate me - but checking in on their experience & inviting honest input. I am committed to doing the ongoing work on my own cultural humility, never imagining that I can quickly learn "best practices" on groups of marginalized/ minoritized folks, & assume that's sufficient or even relevant for an individual.

We are a diverse group of therapists, social workers, and counselors from various walks of life. Our collective experiences enable us to offer telemental health online therapy services and individualized treatment in a kind and compassionate manner.

From the very beginning there are expectations that are projected onto each one of us by the outside world and our family systems. Expectations of how we should or should not act, feel, love, do, pursue, or be. This often is a source of decreased mental health symptoms. I believe it is important to talk about our differences, you are the expert of your experiences. I lead with honest curiosity and open understanding in order to validate your inner world and perspective.

Based upon your unique pieces of diversity (e.g., age, gender, race, class, etc.) I work to uncover how to view these from a place of agency and strength; in your home, work and social spheres. Each of us have aspects of our identity which we aren't nurturing to the fullest of our ability.

I work with couples experiencing conflict due to cultural differences lean how to celebrate and enjoy these differences using a unique combination of psycho education and intimacy based communication skills that takes on average 6 months. Learning how to focus on the real cause of your conflict is liberating, and is based in learning how to be selfish by paying attention to your inner cues and identifying needs. I work to help you set healthy adult boundaries that create intimacy.

As a multicultural person, providing a space that is not only trauma-informed, but culturally sensitive is vital to me as a mental health professional. I believe therapy not only should be culturally-sensitive, but creative in the ways we reach clients to make therapy accessible, meaningful, and impactful. While providing this space and expertise, I keep in mind I am not an expert on everyone's culture, while building a connective relationship where the full you can show up at your pace.

Identifying as BIPOC, AADPI, and/or Latine is a huge part of your life. We all wear our races on our faces. Understanding how your race, ethnicity, and culture effect your life is an inherent part of my role as your counselor. Together, we can explore what parts of your cultural identity feel like external expectations placed on you (like your parent's influences or stereotypes) and what parts create who you are as an individual. Going through my own cultural journey has taught me a lot!

As a therapist, I recognize the importance of honoring and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and identities. I understand that cultural factors can significantly influence an individual's beliefs, values, and experiences, including their mental health and well-being. I aim to provide therapy that is sensitive to the unique needs and perspectives of each individual, fostering a sense of validation, empowerment, and cultural pride.

I don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. I care about who you are and what matters to you. In therapy, I’ll take the time to learn about you, your identities, and experiences. I take great care to customize therapy to you and your needs, which may include culturally-based approaches to healing that are important to you. I’ll work closely with you to ensure that therapy is appropriately and carefully tailored to you.