You deserve to work with a therapist with whom you feel seen, accepted and understood of all your identities, experiences, and cultural background. All therapists at Thrive for the People receive ongoing multicultural and social justice training and we use a multicultural and anti-oppression approach to our work with every client. As multiculturally-affirming therapists, we value understanding you as a whole person within a complex and interdependent context of history, society, community, family, and relationships. We understand that mental health counseling is not one-size-fits-all and that people from diverse and marginalized groups have unique mental health symptoms, stigma, and challenges to overcome due to the systems of oppression. We know that mental illness impacts people differently depending on their identities and cultural views of mental health. We value a deep understanding of your identities, experiences, and cultures. If you chose to work with one of our multiculturally-affirming therapists, we will take the time to step into your world and accurately understand your pain from your perspective. Many mental health professionals have basic training on cultural diversity. As a group of multicultural therapists with in-depth training, relevant research, as well as lived experiences, we can offer a deeper exploration of how your cultural identities are connected with your daily life and mental health. We will look at the cultural and historical barriers to mental health. We will honor the coping strategies that may have helped you, your family, and your community to survive. You and your therapist will talk about your similar and different identities and how power exists within the relationship. We will create a safe space for difficult conversations about inequality, oppression, marginalization, colonization, and injustice. We will assess whether the treatment plan fits with your understanding of the problem, your cultural background, and your expectations. Multicultural counseling can be especially helpful with the following issues: Cultural adjustment Language barriers Socioeconomic status Immigration status Gender identity Racial and ethnic identity Sexual identity Religious identity Experiences of bias, discrimination, and oppression Trauma as the result of oppression Cross-cultural communication Code-switching Generation gap Stigma against mental health care in families and communities Access to culturally relevant care Interracial relationships Internalized oppression Colorism Intergenerational trauma Imposter syndrome Immigration issues Model minority myth Post-traumatic slave syndrome Stereotype threat Sexual harassment and assault​ The sociopolitical climate in the US and Globally