Ethos and Philosophy

Ethical Values: As a social worker, I am bound to the NASW Code of Ethics, which is rooted in explicit values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Further, I am called by the same Code of Ethics to “engage in social and political action” to “promote social justice” (sec 6.04).

Perspective on Research: I believe it is our responsibility to engage in ‘evidence-based practice’ as much as possible, while also engaging critically with research sources and leaving space for anecdotal expressions. Many psychotherapy discoveries begin with theory that is later validated by evidence. We can recognize that research is not objective, but also informed by notions of power, legitimacy, stakeholders and funding. We currently have a very limited understanding of the human mind.

Harm Reduction: I am professionally and personally aligned with the Principles of Harm Reduction, a practical and non-judgmental approach to activities with inherent risk (and often plenty of stigma), such as substance use. I think we can apply these principles to just about any activity as a way of identifying, reducing, mitigating, and monitoring risk and harm.

Self-Disclosure: Psychotherapists are generally expected to self-disclose (or, talk about ourselves) as little as possible, and only when it seems likely to benefit the client. I have had many experiences with therapeutic self-disclosure, as therapist and client. When a client is feeling shame and alienation around a certain experience, self-disclosure may inspire a new sense of validation or belonging. It is also possible that a therapist self-discloses and the client’s reaction is to feel mis-attuned, misheard or misunderstood, a big ‘swing and a miss.’ Feelings of attunement are central to productive psychotherapy. I believe that conflict, misunderstanding, rupture, and repair are also part of every relationship, including the therapeutic alliance.

The Collaborative Nature of Therapy: In the therapeutic relationship, the client is the expert on their own experience. I am an allied helper—a helping ‘professional’ in the sense that I have followed through on opportunities for institutionally-recognized education, training, certification, and licensure. I am present to bear witness and to aid clients on their path. In collaboration with clients, riding the continuous flow of change, we create new foundations, new patterns, new roles, new meaning, new capacities, new pathways.