Alexander Sarina

Social Justice - The systems we find ourselves in including our workplaces, healthcare system, etc. are often are plagued with injustice including racism, worker exploitation/wage theft/income inequality, misogyny, cisheterosexism, and more. Systemic and political stressors can often be the root causes contributing to distressing mental health symptoms. Outside of the therapy room I advocate for social welfare policies such as universal single payer health care, affordable housing initiatives, workers rights and a livable wage and vote for politicians who support legislation for these measures as well.

Belonging - The most conducive environment to healing is one where someone feels accepted and free of judgment. My goal is to create an environment where vulnerability comes more easily and the bravery gained in therapy can be taken into the outside world.

Collaboration - The most effective therapy honors the wisdom each individual client brings to the therapeutic encounter and goals are created using the insight of both the client and therapist. In doing so the person receiving therapy can feel both affirmed for the efforts they have already made towards recovery, yet challenged to move past what is causing them to be stuck.

Autonomy and Shared Decision Making - On day one, I work with clients to safety plan with them in case of emergency to identify a community of support outside of therapy. This approach dramatically minimizes the chances of needing to involve institutional/carceral interventions.

Flattened Hierarchy - Therapists hold a lot of power; as a white/European-American, middle class, queer, cisgender man, I hold a lot of power. My goal is to minimize my “power over” and increase my “power with” by practicing therapy through an anti-racist framework by acknowledging the many forms of cultural healing, unlearning assumptions, educating my self through literature, and learning from others who’s cultures and live experience differ from my own.