Values
I believe…
Black lives matter. The fabric of America is built on white supremacy and racism. I believe Black Lives (more than) Matter. Interventions on an individual and systemic level must occur to not only reduce violence and oppression but bring equity and justice. Here’s an article explaining why I don’t use the phrase all lives matter.
This land we call the United States of America belongs to the Indigenous People who first resided here and are still alive and thriving today. Abby Howard Counseling, LLC practices on the unceded territory taken by genocide of the Arapahoe (hinono’eino’ biito’owu’), Cheyenne (Tséstho’e), Ute (Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱) and Sioux (Očhéthi Šakówiŋ) People. Click here to learn whose land you are on.
“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” - Angela Y. Davis. While I have carved out specific beliefs regarding Black and Indigenous People, the two colonized races in the United States, others are targeted by racism and white supremacy. To be anti-racist is to acknowledge all the ways racism and white supremacy exist while working to dismantle the oppressive systems holding them in place.
There is no wrong way to have a body. Your size, shape, age, and ability are not prerequisites for worthiness. Abby Howard Counseling, LLC has taken the Health at Every Size pledge, which you can read about here. Rather than focusing on weight-loss I focus on radical self-love and compassion to develop holistically healthy behaviors.
Trans, gender queer/fluid, and non-binary people belong everywhere and LGBTQIA+ love is beautiful. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am committed to providing affirming, safe, and supportive care for people of all sexualities and gender identities. These are some resources I love from my friends at Queer Asterisk on gender identity.
You deserve to take up all the space you need. Your size, your emotions, your voice, beliefs, all of you who you are is welcomed, wanted, and needed. Additionally, I utilize secular and humanistic approaches, meaning you are not expected to believe any particular religious or spiritual dogma to work with me.
Healing is a process, not a problem to be solved. It is through relationships, regulation and the dismantling of internalized oppression or supremacy (not simply adapting or adjusting to oppressive systems) that true healing occurs.
You have the power and agency to make change in your life. You are not responsible for all that has happened to you but you do get to take ownership of your healing. You do not have to do this work alone, and it is an honor to walk alongside you.
You are the expert on your life. As a therapist I bring knowledge and expertise to the relationship in collaboration with your expertise. This is a partnership not a hierarchy.
I am committed to...
Doing the work of uncovering and dismantling ways I participate in and perpetuate systems of oppression. This looks like ongoing education, engaging in relationships, being open to and incorporating feedback, as well as investing in communities, organizations, and movements that are making systemic change.
Remaining engaged in anti-oppressive work, even when I make mistakes. Guilt is a normal human reaction but I do not stay in or work from this place. I am committed to learning from all of my experiences and doing better with each of those learnings.
Practicing trauma-informed care in all I do. This means that the client’s right to self-determination and choice is always a priority. I co-create with each client a culture of trust and collaboration in order to honor the fullness and complexity of your lived experience.
Staying informed of the best practices in mental health. Through receiving expert training and ongoing consultation I keep my skills as sharp and effective as possible.
Regularly practicing rest, rejuvenation, and self-care so that I show up fully for myself and my clients. This includes engaging in my own therapeutic work, taking time off, working balanced hours, and making sure I have fun!
Accessibility to mental health services. I have a limited number of reduced fee sessions available each year. If someone is not able to access my services financially, or does not feel I am the right fit, I will work to provide quality referrals. Additionally, I currently provide telehealth so you can access psychotherapy from the comfort and safety of your home. When I resume meeting in an office I am committed to only working from places that have elevators, ample parking, and good lighting. Abby Howard Counseling, LLC invests monthly in local and national programs providing affordable mental health services to people in marginalized communities.
Engendering safety and trust with each individual I work with. Our lives are complex and you may be concerned about your legal status in some way. Your privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination are a priority. I will discuss any concerns you have, as well as any limitations to confidentiality, so you feel educated and empowered to make informed decisions throughout the therapeutic process.
Working from an intersectional feminist theory. This lens is rooted in the understanding that we hold multiple identities (race, gender, religion, sexuality, etc.) and that our experiences with oppression are directly connected to our mental and emotional well-being. Through a “whole person” and intersectional feminist lens I seek to empower individuals within oppressive systems rather expecting you to adapt to them.
I am eternally grateful to the many teachers who have supported me on my journey and invite you to explore and support their work as well. (This is by no means an exhaustive list and by listing the names of the following people, I am not saying they endorse my work or even know me directly.)
Dra. Rosales Meza, Joanna Kipnis, LCSW, Norma Day-Vines, PhD, adrienne maree brown, Regan Byrd and Reverend Tawana Angela Davis, PhD.