psychotherapy for workers on the frontlines

Humanitarian, social justice and climate change work can be physically and emotionally demanding. The prolonged witnessing of social, political, and environmental injustices may impact the individual with lasting psychological and spiritual changes. This traumatic stress can come directly – such as experiencing a critical incident or witnessing a violent or threatening event. Or, it may come in the form of vicarious trauma – the cumulative effect of interacting with trauma survivors, taking in their stories or being exposed to an existential crisis such as climate change.

But how do we begin healing and engage in self-care when we live and breathe this work? So many people who are drawn to activism or humanitarian aid feel compelled to be as selfless as possible. It can seem challenging to justify taking care of one’s self when there is so much to be done and especially when you, your family, and your community are directly impacted by oppression or climate change. Disengaging from the political context is difficult and the wish for withdrawal can manifest in shame or self-judgment.

Our trauma deserves time and attention so that we can continue our work as activists and maintain healthy relationships with our community members. By attending to our own story and potential trauma, we give permission to others to do the same. As Audre Lorde pointed out so adequately, I sincerely believe that part of the revolutionary work is bringing to awareness our individual shadow and with that breaking the perpetuation of the oppressor identity that lies within all of us. It takes courage and determination to meet our dark side, to expose the internalized material of taboos, forbidden topics and anything unacceptable and to accept it as an equal part of our self. Looking inward is an important part of the fight for justice everywhere. We are all part of the system. The trauma of colonization, slavery, racism, patriarchy, capitalism, as well as many other marginalization are deeply rooted within our body, mind and spirit. I trust that the more we bring awareness to our own unconscious patterns and how we may unconsciously perpetuate the dominant paradigm, the more present and effective we can be in tackling oppressive ideology and institutions.

Our goal in working together is to increase your awareness of your needs, behavior patterns, and responsiveness to yourself and the world around you in order to further fulfill your innate potentials. Together we can recognize strengths, broaden self-awareness, reclaim healing, and build new rituals for self-care in order to sustain the movement long-term.