Reader,

Heeeey, this is the first of five letters on building healing connections grounded in awareness of power and oppression. Read on!

At the heart of everything we do as therapists, healers, and helpers is the value of healing. We’re all here because we believe in the transformative power of human connection (being truly seen & heard).

Healing isn’t just about individual change—it’s about creating spaces where clients have agency to be their full healed selves.

And let’s be real, we’re in this work because we want to help people lead lives that feel free and authentic.

But here’s the thing: conventional therapy wasn’t really built with liberation in mind. In conventional (western) therapy, we’re often taught to show up as the “expert.” We have the credentials, the training, the theories. But that same expertise, when left unchecked, can create a barrier between us and our clients.

Too often, it subtly implies, I know better than you about your own life and experiences.

When therapists/healers ignore power dynamics, they’re not just missing the chance to connect authentically—they’re inadvertently reinforcing the same oppressive systems that harm clients outside the therapy room.

So, What Does Challenging Power Dynamics Look Like?

1. Naming It. We can’t dismantle something we’re not willing to name. Instead of pretending we’re “neutral” or “all-knowing,” we acknowledge to ourselves and sometimes even directly to clients, “Yes, I hold power in this space, and I’m working to hold it in a way that centers your voice and experiences.” We’re letting them know we see the power imbalance and are committed to using that power in ways that serve their healing.

2. Holding Space for the Client’s Voice and Agency. True healing can’t happen if we’re constantly steering the conversation or assuming we know what’s best. Listening actively and deeply and inviting clients to take the lead where possible is key. This may look like asking questions that open up their own wisdom or simply allowing them the silence to find their truth.

3. Being Transparent About Our Biases. Let’s be real: we all carry biases, whether they’re about race, class, gender, ability, etc, etc. Challenging power dynamics means we’re constantly checking ourselves, asking, “Where might my own assumptions or privileges be influencing this relationship?” And if we misstep, we own it. We apologize, we make space for feedback, and we grow from it. That’s how we model healing that’s transparent and mutual.

Why Does This Matter?

Challenging power dynamics helps us create a therapeutic space that’s not just "safe", but liberatory.

When clients from marginalized communities enter a space where their experiences are honored and power is balanced, they’re able to show up as their full selves, without feeling the need to “fit” into a rigid model of healing.

And that’s where real, transformative healing begins.

Action step:

This week, reflect on how power dynamics might show up in your relationships with clients. Notice when you might feel the need to take control or “fix” things, and try experimenting with what it feels like to let your client lead the way. If you’re up for it, name that power imbalance—both for yourself and in the room. It’s a simple but powerful way to begin creating a more liberatory space.

Reply to this email and tell me how this power imbalance shows up for you in the room.

Or, once you’ve tried the step above, reply to this email and tell me how did you create a more liberatory space.

In community,

Silvana @ Decolonize Your Practice​

P.S. This journey is ongoing. If you're ready to take the first steps to name the power imbalance in the room sign up for my (last) free Monthly Consultation session for BIPoC clinicians and for white clinicians.

If you’re ready to go deeper into decolonizing your practice, check out my 1:1 Decolonized Consultation sessions. Let’s do this work—together.

PPS. If you're new around here, hi! And you can read previous Liberatory Letters here.

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Let's connect!