Reader,

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I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to build authentic connections in the therapy room (and beyond) when we ground ourselves in awareness of systemic oppression and power. This is more than a nice-to-have or another checkbox on the diversity forms we see in our workplaces. It’s the heart of how we practice liberation and decolonization in our work.

Let’s be real for a second: the therapy and healing world wasn’t exactly built with the needs of marginalized communities in mind. It was designed to fit within a Western, Eurocentric framework, and that’s left so many people—therapists and clients alike—feeling disconnected, unseen, and unheard. The systems of power that have shaped our world have also shaped our healing practices, and if we’re not consciously unlearning those patterns, we’re just inadvertently reinforcing harm.

But here’s the thing: healing and connection can’t happen in isolation from the social and political realities we all live in. This is why building connections grounded in an awareness of power and oppression is so important. It means we’re not just passively listening or staying “neutral” in the room—we’re actively challenging the power imbalances that shape the therapeutic relationship.

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So, what does that actually look like in practice?

Here are the action steps:

1. Naming and Challenging Power Dynamics
2. Moving Beyond "Cultural Competency"
3. Honoring Ancestral and Community Wisdom
4. Trauma-Informed and Liberatory Relationships
5. Decolonizing Our Own Practices

⬆️ I'll unpack these five actions in future emails ⬆️

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And you don’t have to do this alone! We’re in this together—this unlearning, relearning, and creating something radically different. A world where therapy and healing aren’t just tools for personal growth but are also acts of resistance and liberation. That’s the work we signed up for, even if grad school didn’t teach us that.

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So, here’s my invitation to you:

• Start bringing awareness of power and oppression into your daily work with clients. Notice where those dynamics show up, and don’t be afraid to name them.
• Explore what it means to decolonize your practice—from how you structure sessions to the frameworks you use.
• Share this email with a colleague or friend who you know is ready to dive deeper into this liberatory approach.

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And as always, if you’re down for more conversations about decolonizing our practices, I’d love to hear from you. Reply to this email and tell me how this resonates with you, or what else you need to start doing this work differently.

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We’re all figuring this out together, one liberatory step at a time. 💛

In solidarity and healing,

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Silvana @ Decolonize Your Practice​

PS.

Ready to take it even further? Sign up for the last (or next to the last) Decolonized Consultation Sessions below ⬇️

PPS.

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⬆️ Let's connect ⬆️