Recognizing the privilege that they have been afforded in life, they strive to create equity in their community. Sage Ann knows they will continue to make mistakes and is open to feedback, critique and suggestions on how to further their knowledge and practice of undoing harmful systems.

In an attempt to decolonize therapy, they will acknowledge the impact that racist and oppressive systems have had on clients both presently and throughout the client’s ancestry and ways it has contributed to current symptoms. They will encourage clients to explore how these systems impact the client’s life and trauma. In this, building a recognition of disempowering false beliefs that society has influenced clients to integrate as truth and begin to defuse from these destructive beliefs.

They recognize the importance of acknowledging intersectionality and how that influences a person’s experience of oppression and discrimination. They strive to bring awareness to the multitude of factors that have contributed to the distress that a client is experiencing in order to gain further insight and navigate toward liberation. Throughout this journey they will acknowledge the client’s choice and systemic limitations in reaching the client’s goals.

Additionally, Sage Ann makes a commitment to acknowledge the power dynamic in the counselor-client relationship and work to diminish it. One way they will do this is by asking consent to explore topics, engage in therapeutic techniques, and various modalities. Sage Ann will provide transparency in the purpose of exploration of a topic, the use of a specific modality, and any bias or assumptions developed. They will ask for clarification, feedback and encourage clients to express genuine thoughts/feelings/resonance with topics at hand.