ALT’s Core Values
In therapy, I always include a discussion around values. Values are freely chosen and intrinsically motivating principles we can act on and live by. I work with clients to distinguish between values that really hold meaning and vitality for us, and those we may have picked up from our surroundings. Sometimes values can get entangled with what I call the “shoulds” and for various reasons we find ourselves acting in service of values that aren’t truly aligned with what we find personally meaningful. By identifying our values that are unique and freely chosen, we can empower ourselves to act in ways that match those values and also bring meaning and wellness into our lives.
Therapy itself has underlying values and organizing principles. They steer the therapy, how we progress through therapy, and even influence the desired outcome in therapy. Not all therapies or therapists have the same underlying values. I believe in client self-determination and by extension, believe clients have the right to know and ask questions about the therapist’s orientation, principles and values that influence the relationship between client and therapist, and the overall therapeutic treatment.
I can’t help but feel it’s reductionistic to assume that just because a therapist specializes in one therapy model or concern that they ascribe themselves to the values underlying the model. I often find that well-meaning therapists may not even know the underlying assumptions and motivating principles behind the work they do with clients.
If you are coming to ALT for therapy, I want you to know where I stand. This will enable you to make an informed decision about starting therapy and some ideas of what you can expect as a client of Aligned Life Therapy.
With this said, here is my list of 6 core values and principles that organize my work:
Compassion
Compassion is defined as the acknowledgement of suffering and the earnest desire to do something about it. Compassion as a value at ALT looks like treating experiences and feelings with reverence and care. It means looking at pain for what it really is, and not shying away just because it’s hard. It also means looking at common humanity and the universality of suffering. Compassion as a value is action orientated; we do not seek to just understand and validate suffering, but to play an active role in taking practical steps to alleviate pain and struggling as well. Specific to my specialities, I use compassion and self-compassion teachings to help clients develop their caring and compassionate selves. My understanding of suffering expands to include the layer of unnecessary suffering we often learn to put on ourselves in the form of anxiety and self-criticism.
2. Anti-oppression and Social Justice
Therapy at ALT is infused with an anti-oppressive framework. What this means is that your identity and personal context are essential elements of therapy, and that they will be taken seriously. Oppression on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, religion, class background, body size and medical status all influence mental health. Capitalism has detrimental effects as well. ALT works from a perspective that psychological factors are only one part of mental health. This stance in action looks like processing identity based experiences for all clients and actively working to name the influences of privileged and oppressive systems and culture on wellbeing. It means looking beyond the self and looking at community care, social and political change as essential components to improving mental health for all people.
3. Collaboration
Collaboration is a driving value of ALT’s therapeutic approach. This means that I operate from a trauma-informed, client-as-expert perspective where I will illicit regular feedback from clients about their experience in therapy, so we can work as a team to define treatment priorities. I believe in honoring client self-determination and intuition, which means the client is in control. The client controls when they feel comfortable to go into certain topics, when it’s time to nurture themselves, and when it’s time to challenge. I view one of my roles as a collaborator to adapt the therapy experience to the client’s unique needs.
4. Excellence and Integrity
I am committed excellence in the therapy space and act on this value through completing advanced therapy training and consultation. Integrity as a value in my work looks like knowing and being clear on the ways I can help. I offer help in the areas I am qualified to provide evidence based therapeutic care. The therapeutic relationship is a serious responsibility, because I know therapy seekers are taking a risk when coming to therapy. There can be no guarantees about the outcome of therapy, though I can say I am deeply committed to respecting and honoring the work we come together to do and bring my learning and expertise mindfully to the table.
5. Creativity and Fun
I believe that while therapy is a serious undertaking, there is room in therapy and life for creative expression and moments of joy. You have a unique way of perceiving the world which is not quite the same as anyone else. The ways in which we can access insight and change vary from person to person. I use imagination frequently in session to help clients think creatively about their experience and to find new ways of seeing their stories. I enjoy designing writing exercises, intentions and practices for between sessions to encourage the client’s awareness and connection to themselves. Similarly in line with compassion, I also find humor and common humanity go hand in hand. It is hard being a human and life can be absurd. We often stand to benefit by sharing laughter.
6. Growth and Balance
One issue I have with the therapy world and wellness culture as it stands today is the relentless pursuit of growth and optimization. Now, please don’t mistake me and think I’m not focused on growth, I am. I believe that every person has the capacity to grow in ways that are meaningful to them. I also believe that you are good and worthy as a human being just as you are today. My work is guided by finding a balance between challenging and nurturing. This means we’ll work to find a balance that feels right to you, to grow sustainably in a way that feels aligned with what truly matters to YOU. We’ll work to counteract toxic cultural expectations that our lives are “projects” to continually make more productive or perfect. You are enough.
