In lieu of recent events, we are not only reminded of the divide that exists in this country and around the world, but we are reminded of the individual differences between ourselves and people in our personal lives. For many, this type of information becoming more pronounced can be a lot to take in. Value conflicts can lead to a grieving process of sorts, a variety of intense oscillating emotional experiences, and shifts in relationship dynamics.
At Alchemy, we encourage discussions about people's unique experiences relative to their race, culture, background, gender orientation, world-views, values, political beliefs, and/or any other diverse factors. No matter the present state of the world and current events, we support people's desire to seek an increased connection to their mind, body, relational, cultural, systemic, and spiritual needs. We simultaneously honor a person's right to self-determination by choosing not to seek, or examine any of the above. As Rumi said, "Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there." We are wishing everyone well and safe during these times and every other.
With care,
Shayan Salar, LCSW
"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares."
-Henri J.M. Nouwen
A letter to the person afraid to ask:
Why is it you don’t ask? Are you scared of being judged? Punished? Condemned? Yelled at? Has this ever happened before? If you asked, were you ever been perceived as combative, or non-compliant? Will “they” see you as ignorant? Did asking questions ever put a target on your back? Are you scared how a person might react, or how the question will land with them? Were you ever shamed for asking? Did your family dynamic teach you not to ask? Did you ever pick up a “don’t ask, don’t tell” kind of vibe from your parents? Do you think that played into it at all? Was this frowned upon for them in their upbringing, family dynamic, and social environment too? Did the kids ever laugh at you when you asked questions in class? Did you not have to ask questions growing up? Are you scared of what you might find if you get an answer!? Will the entire construct you’ve been operating on completely dissipate into thin air and pigeon hole you into anew? Will you have to admit that you were wrong if you remain open to the answer?
I am not sure how to say this other then, asking can be terrifying and it totally makes sense. I hope we can both try to forgive ourselves for not knowing what we know now and maybe we can co-create an environment where we can feel safer asking questions. Would you be willing to take this on together?
With love,
A few things to think about when considering online therapy.
https://www.alchemypsychotherapy.com/online-therapy
ALCHEMYPSYCHOTHERAPY.COM
Online Therapy | Alchemy Psychotherapy
Why do therapy? What's the point? What is a the role of a therapist? How does it differ from a friendship? How might it help?
https://www.alchemypsychotherapy.com/therapy
ALCHEMYPSYCHOTHERAPY.COM
Therapy | AlchemyPsychotherapy
Anti-racist resources for anyone motivated to learn more information on the topic relative to history and current events.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bUJrgX8vspyy7YttiEC2vD0DawrpPYiZs94V0ov7qZQ/htmlview#gid=0
DOCS.GOOGLE.COM
ANTIRACIST ALLYSHIP STARTER PACK - Google Drive
Alchemy Psychotherapy updated their info in the about section.
Alchemy Psychotherapy updated their address.
