88 | The Importance of a Having a Culturally Affirming Therapist with Melody Li

Small Steps

For those of us targeted identities, it can be hard to find places, spaces and people to work with who really see and can hold space for all of us or the parts of us that we hold especially dear. While “good enough” has been the norm, more and more people are coming together to, in their professions, make it clear that we can work with people who really see and understand all of us. In this episode, I talk with Melody Li and the importance of a culturally affirming and social justice oriented therapist, and her directory to find other like minded therapists.

About Melody Li

Melody Li (she/her) is an immigrant, therapist of color and mental health justice activist. She created Inclusive Therapists, a social justice-oriented mental health directory and therapist community that centers the needs of marginalized populations. She’s also the cofounder of the Austin Counseling Collective, an intentionally diverse group therapy practice. Melody also co-leads the Austin Therapists of Color community.

Small Steps in the Show:

• Get clear on the relationship you want with your therapist and what you want to do in therapy
• Check out the Inclusive Therapists directory
• Check a therapist’s website, social media and other web presences and their copy.
• Ask for referrals from friends that you trust.
• Look to see what therapists are talking about resources and communities that are important to you and seeing if you can work with them or if they can refer you to someone.
• Bring your past experiences with other therapists with your current therapist
• Talking about your experiences with your trusted communities in person or online

Mentioned in the Show:

Buy my Enamel Pin

Donate to Black Lives Matter (National)

Find and donate to a Black Lives Matter Chapter near you

Donate to Black Visions Collective

Donate to Reclaim the Block

Donate to the Free Black Mamas National Bail Out Fund

Donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund

Donate to the I Run with Maud Fundraiser

Sign the Justice for Breonna Taylor Petition

Small Steps #32 with Dr. Tee Williams

Small Steps #33 “Doing the Work” Part 2

Inclusive Therapist’s Matchmaking Service

Melody’s Website

Follow Melody on Instagram

Inclusive Therapists Website

Follow Inclusive Therapists on Instagram

Get the full show notes here!

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Edited by Eilise Bonebright