Affirming Therapy
Affirmative Care in Alabama
A recent conversation came up in the Alabama Counseling Community about whether therapists who have NO intention in affirming LGBTQAI+ individuals should label themselves as "non-affirming".
It sparked a heated discussion among therapists in our state. It felt fitting to use this Mellowblog platform provide more clarity on the Affirming lens and share our passion for providing it.
So what is Affirming Care?
Affirming Care says that everyone is born with differences and there is no attribute that is better or worse than others. We celebrate, accept, include, and honor those differences.
Most commonly "Affirming Care" refers to two categories: Neurodivergent Affirming Care or LGBTQAI+ Affirming Care. (Please see our blogs dedicated to each of these!) But Affirming Therapy can serve ANY marginalized yet important and valued population.
Simply, it means that we are not here to change the part of you that makes you different and unique. Each person’s neurotype, sexuality, gender identity, spirituality, age, life experience, and other identities have their own strengths and challenges.
Take a look at this powerful visual:
Visual created by Sylvia Duckworth adapted from CCR
This Wheel of Power highlights the privilege of the majority and the "typical".
It represents the ease of the middle to not consider the experience, beauty, and challenges of those who are marginalized and find themselves on the outer parts of the wheel.
We check our privilege and advocate for the respect of those who experience uniqueness and marginalization.
We don't assume privilege as a pathway to healing, acceptance, connection, and joy. You are deserving of it as you are today.
Disclaimer: Everyone experiences challenges specific to their circumstance. There are life events that dont show up on this wheel that have great impact no matter whether you fall more center or outer.
Affirming Care and Affirming Therapy says "We don't see bringing you to the center of this wheel as our primary goal for your healing and wellbeing." Period.
You don't have to be at the center to begin receiving respect and healing.
You are entitled to respect and our work with you is not limited to the idea that altering these identities, abilities, and experiences will bring you wholeness in your life.
• We want to know more about your story and what you may have experienced. We honor a space for grieving the possible understanding or acceptance you didn’t have.
• We gently lead with a trauma-informed lens, recognizing possible trauma triggers. (view our blog on Trauma-Informed Therapy)
We at Mellowbeing Counseling focus on what is important to YOU. We are not here to change you. We here to help you grow into what you identify the most fulfilled version of you!
If you are seeking Affirming Therapy, lookout for this being listed on your therapist’s website / social media. If you don’t see it, ask!
You deserve care that supports YOU and the healing journey that helps you live your most authentic self!
