SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY
Free Haiti. Free Palestine. Free Congo. Free Sudan. Free all oppressed people across the world.
Racial trauma: Black and Brown bodies
The enduring legacy of colonialism and slavery deeply permeates present-day systems and lives within the DNA of black and brown people. We not only contend with the oppressive structures in Western societies, which often 'other' and dehumanise marginalised communities, but also grapple with the generational trauma that echoes through our families.
Instances like the tragic killing of George Floyd, the failed humanitarian efforts in Haiti, the harrowing loss of refugees at sea, and the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Palestine serve as constant reminders of the enduring suffering endured by our people in an unjust world. It's inevitable that these collective experiences of oppression impact our self-esteem and our abilities to lead self-actualised lives.
Recognising the barriers stacked against us is essential in our journey to dismantle oppressive systems. Though the task of overhauling these structures and fostering more equitable ones is a lifelong endeavour, I believe that part of this transformation begins with the internal work we do for ourselves and our communities. By fostering self-awareness and collective action, we can pave the way for a more just and liberated future.
— Ash, x
In the words of Angela Davis
“We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society”.
The cost of capitalism
How can one find true satisfaction in life when the looming uncertainty of their next paycheck casts a shadow over their every thought? When the bulk of your days are spent in the pursuit of paying bills, where is the room for genuine excitement about the possibilities life holds?
Amidst the current cost of living crisis, people are grappling with unprecedented challenges. Soaring prices coupled with stagnant wages weigh heavily on both emotional and financial wellbeing. Essential public resources like libraries, art exhibitions, and advisory services are being neglected, or worse yet, shuttered entirely. Job opportunities are scarce, and homelessness rates continue to climb. It's a world that breeds anxiety and discontent, designed not for the common good but to cater to the whims of the privileged few.
This problem expands beyond the United Kingdom. We see the impacts of a broken economic system across the world. For instance, the imposition of free market capitalism through IMF loans on developing nations perpetuates a cycle of debt that enriches the elite while depriving the most vulnerable of essential services and opportunities. The rapid pace of modern society comes at the expense of marginalised communities. We see this in Congo, where slave labour creates the Apple iPhone and technical advancements. We live in a global economic landscape that prioritises profit over human welfare. A small elite have more money than the majority of the population. I recognise that fighting for a fairer economic system and robust public services is an ongoing battle.
I may not possess the power to overhaul all oppressive structures and practices single-handedly, but I am committed to my role in raising awareness of injustices and ensuring that my offerings shed light on these issues, whether indirectly or directly. Through my sliding scale pricing over at sensitive soul circle, I endeavour to provide opportunities for individuals from low-income backgrounds to engage with my offerings, fostering inclusivity and empowerment within our community.
As bell hooks poignantly expressed, “Being oppressed means the absence of choices”. I dare to dream of a world where oppressive systems are not just dismantled but uprooted. I envision a world where access to life’s essentials – food, water, shelter, and clothing – is recognised as an inherent birthright. I dream of a world where love, liberation, self-determination, and accountability lie at the heart of the systems that govern our existence.
Our approach
Decolonising therapy. Our decolonial approach seeks to bring awareness to and address the lasting impacts of colonialism. We aim to acknowledge the historical and ongoing harms inflicted by colonialism and neo-colonialism, particularly on marginalised communities, while also recognising the intergenerational effects on mental, emotional, and relational wellbeing. This approach involves creating pathways to mental health and wellbeing that are holistic and integrative, honouring mind, body, and spirit. We actively incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems and culturally relevant practices, focusing on the healing and resilience needed for marginalised communities to navigate ongoing trauma and oppression.
Intersectional lens. We recognise that people don’t live single-issue lives. We take an intersectional approach, meaning that we acknowledge how various aspects of one’s identity intersect and interact with each other, leading to unique experiences of oppression and privilege for individuals with marginalised identities. We endeavour to ensure that we are acknowledging these issues and bringing a nuanced perspective into our offerings.