Meet Chris!

Positionality:
I identify as a Black, queer, nonbinary transmasculine person of a Caribbean background.

​

My Background & Approach:

As a trans person of color, I know first-hand that those who hold marginalized identities have often received the message to remain silent and invisible. I practice with the principle that the therapeutic space belongs to the client and, to that end, I prioritize clients’ voices and self-insights. I believe that healing and growth is found when we are able to connect to ourselves and others.

My background in Black Studies and lived experience in the intersection of my own identities informs my systems approach to my work. I consider the influences of systemic oppression and generational trauma on a client’s life, and it is my intention that my practice be actively anti-racist and womanist. From my family and being in community with my peers, I have learned the power of laughter and directness; and when sitting with clients, I seek to co-create a space for accountability and joy. In the room, I focus on client strengths and working with clients to co-create a space where clients feel able to show up as their full selves.  

​

Theoretical & Clinical Orientation:

As a client-centered clinician, I practice from the perspective that you are the expert on your life and I function to provide support and tools for you to self-actualize.  In my practice, I use a trauma-informed attachment lens, meaning that I believe the ways clients show up in relationship with themselves and others are rooted in their earliest relationships with their caregivers. Being trauma-informed also means that I believe our brains are very good at helping us survive and that, sometimes, those survival behaviors or beliefs can hinder us from thriving. I believe those survival patterns deserve to be acknowledged and honored, while supporting clients in moving from surviving to thriving.

​

I have training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and incorporate elements of mindfulness in my work with clients. I believe in an integrative, holistic approach to working with clients and use a mind-body-spirit approach as is appropriate for each client. My psychodynamic training means that we may spend much of the session exploring the way your past affects your present, both in ways that do and do not currently serve you; but the ways in which we talk may look different. I also incorporate creative and nontraditional approaches into my work; for example, we may explore your feelings during a game of UNO or through a drawing exercise. I have found that activities such as these can help to foster comfort during sessions, as well as allow clients to reconnect with joys previously forgotten.

​

Licensure

• Fully Licensed Master Social Worker:  Georgia #MSW009845

• Working under the direction of Dr. Sophia Aguirre, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA and under the supervision of Phylicia Anderson, LCSW in pursuit of advanced licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Georgia.