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Liberatory Letters

Bridging the Gap, part 2

Published over 1 year ago • 3 min read

Reader,

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For the las two weeks I've introduced you to the 7 steps to bridge the gap between your and your client’s identities.

There are 7 steps to bridging the Gap:

  1. Self-Reflection ✔️
  2. Listening Actively
  3. Building Authentic Relationships
  4. Acknowledging Power Dynamics
  5. Commit to Ongoing Learning:
  6. Memorizing is not the same as understanding
  7. Compassion over empathy

This week I am unpacking step 2, Listening Actively:

Yes, we learned active listening in grad school. It is "the process of listening attentively to a speaker, understanding what they're saying, and responding in a way that shows you're engaged."

But that is not all of it if the process is not centering our clients' voice and experience, if we're not moving beyond surface-level engagement, and if we're not deeply understanding the unique narrative each client brings.

  1. Focusing on the client's experience: Active listening begins with a commitment to fully engage with the client’s story. This means setting aside preconceived notions or cultural “facts” that may inadvertently shape your perceptions. Instead of making assumptions based on general knowledge, allow the client to lead the conversation.
  2. Validating the client's perspective: This doesn’t just mean nodding in agreement but actively acknowledging the reality of their experiences. Whether they are discussing the challenges of navigating their identity, the impact of systemic oppression, or personal struggles, validate their emotions and experiences as real and significant. AND validate the impact of the oppressive systems on their experiences.
  3. Resist fusing with your assumptions: Accept that you may assume you know (part of) the client's story based on their background or presenting concern or who referred them to your services. And accept the fact that your assumption is just an assumption based on preconceived notions that we all have. Then listen to your client's unique intersections (every individual’s experience is shaped by a complex interplay of factors).
  4. Reflecting and paraphrasing: We all learned to be relational and say i.e. "that sounds hard", "I can only imagine what it feels like..." and that can sound like we're following a script. Instead:
    • Capture the emotion.
    • Keep it genuine, yes, be yourself, yes disclose without centering yourself.
    • Be honest. Seriously. Say that you don't get it, you don't have to... but you can still see how much something means to your client or hurt them.
  5. Creating a safe/brave space for expression: We've talked about this one before (brave spaces). Tell your client that while you aim to create a non-judgmental space ("safe") where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves, your space means to be brave (you may mess up and are open to repair if your client wants to, or to refer them out, if they don't want to see you ever again <--- of course paraphrase this and use your own language here).
  6. Engage in continuous feedback: Don't take for granted that your client has been working with you long enough so they will bring up anything that bothers them. Ask. For. Feedback. Every. Single. Session. Encourage clients to share: their thoughts, reactions, how they see their progress, how they see you, your attention, the relationship, etc, etc, etc. Your clients have thoughts about everything.
  7. Listen beyond words (and listen to the words beyond the words): You've been trained to pay attention to non-verbal cues (body language, tone, emotional expression). But these cues may not be what you are thinking if you and your client do not share certain cultural identities. What do you do then? Simple, check in about the cues and ask them what they mean.

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What does Listening Actively have to with Decolonizing the Mental Health and Wellness Industrial Complex?

Everything. It helps us move beyond mere cultural competency and toward a deeper, more authentic connection with our clients. This approach respects both the individuality of each client and the community they belong to AND also creates a true therapeutic environment that is genuinely supportive and healing.

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Do any of the above resonate with you or applies to you and your practice? Hit reply and let me know! (I really want to know!)

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I’ll tell you more about step 3 of Bridging the Gap (Building Authentic Relationships) in the following weeks!

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☀️ In community,

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Silvana @ Decolonize Your Practice​

PS. Starting late this year or early next, I will be offering workshops on the various ways of having inclusive and affirming practices🔥 not causing unintended harm to our clients ❤️‍🩹 and healing in community 💫
Click on the topic that interests you the most to make sure you are the first to know about these workshops:

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Let's connect!

Liberatory Letters

I'm Silvana, decolonization and liberation consultant and educator for therapists, healers and space holders.

I help therapists, healers, and space-holders bring decolonial and liberatory values into their work—so you’re not just saying you’re aligned… you’re actually practicing it. ⬆️ More integrity, more connection, more liberation. ⬇️ Less burnout, less performative wokeness, less colonial residue. If you want a practice where marginalized clients feel safe, seen, and honored—and you want to feel more grounded and intentional in your work—subscribe and join a growing community of practitioners doing this work differently. You practice can be liberatory-- let's get you there!

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