Insights by Gladys Villa, LCSW, LAC, MBA
A recent online exchange with colleagues, over this post, 5 Powerful Ways Therapists Build Trust With Clients Without Getting Political, reminded me of the fractures forming in our field. It wasn’t just a disagreement, it underscored a pressing need for unity, respect, and professionalism among mental health practitioners. The dismissive feedback, assumptions, and personal attack were disheartening. A conversation that should have been rooted in professional respect quickly became clouded by judgment. This is my heartfelt invitation to reflect, share perspectives and consider the kind of professionals we want to be. Let’s be curious and explore together.
A Critical Reflection on Our Role in Mental Health
In the wake of a divisive election and ongoing societal challenges, we find ourselves at a critical moment of reflection. The mental health field, traditionally grounded in empathy, compassion, and service, is experiencing growing polarization even within our own ranks. As clinicians, we are called to uphold the values of inclusivity, non-judgment, and respect for all people, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity. Yet, we are increasingly witnessing a fracture that threatens to undermine the very essence of our work.
Why Do We Choose to Become Therapists?
How often do we take time to reflect on our core values, our practices, and the way we show up in this field? Why did we become therapists? Was it to serve others in their moments of need or only those whose views mirror our own? The moment we decide who is “worthy” of our help, we risk betraying the very foundation of our profession. This selective mindset erodes the essential qualities of mental health care: empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to meet every client with genuine openness and non-judgment.
What was my main motivation to become a therapist?
0%A strong desire to help others and make a positive impact
0%Personal experiences with mental health challenges
0%A passion for understanding human behavior and psychology
0%Desire for personal growth and self-understanding
Essential Duty to Build a Safe, Compassionate Healing Space
As clinical mental health professionals, we hold both the privilege and responsibility of guiding others through some of their most challenging times. Clients come to us not for our personal beliefs, but for expert guidance on healing from burdens like depression, anxiety and trauma. Our role is to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel seen and genuinely understood. The client-therapist relationship is not a platform for our opinions; it’s a sanctuary for deep listening, thoughtful guidance, and equipping clients with tools for resilience and growth. Let’s stay rooted in that purpose, focusing on their journey, their healing, and bringing our best selves to this important work.
To clarify, this approach doesn’t advocate for holding back or ignoring social realities that impact our clients. Rather, it’s about adapting to what each individual client needs. Some may benefit from open discussions about systemic or social issues affecting them, while others might need space free from external opinions. Our goal is to offer a responsive, client-centered approach, understanding that neutrality doesn’t mean ignoring context but being fully present for each unique individual.
Keeping our personal beliefs in check is a crucial element of cultural humility and professionalism. When we temporarily set aside our own perspectives, we remain open to our clients’ worlds, and we can choose to share our views only when it authentically serves their healing process. By respecting each client’s unique journey, we strengthen our capacity to serve all who seek mental health support, cultivating a therapeutic environment that is both inclusive and profoundly respectful of individual needs.
Looking Inward: Addressing Our Own Bias and Judgment
Can we truly uphold the integrity of our profession if we openly express judgment? How can we be trusted as impartial healers if we alienate groups based on personal biases? Trust is essential to our work, and when we stereotype or publicly label others, we risk losing it. This harm isn’t limited to individual clients; it affects the reputation of our field as a whole.
Labels and assumptions can be divisive. Consider terms like “white” or “white-passing therapists.” What does that even mean, and how does it serve our profession? I remember calling a friend to ask what “BIPOC” meant, and she informed me that I was part of that group. I said, no, I’m not; no one asked if I wanted to join. Labels often segregate, diminish individuality and undermine the inclusivity we aim to uphold. If you feel the need to reduce someone to a label, pause and check your own hurt and bias. Stereotyping, in any form, disrespects our colleagues and distracts from the real work we’re here to do. Instead, let’s honor the diversity of experiences in our field, which strengthens our ability to serve all who need mental health support.
Let’s be clear…therapists who uphold ethical standards, treating every client with respect and without judgment, aren’t “bad” or “lesser” for doing so. In fact, they honor the core principles of our profession. For those who feel pressured, judged, or even bullied by colleagues for not choosing “sides,” know this: respecting clients of all backgrounds isn’t just ethical--it’s essential. Those committed to serving everyone deserve our respect, not criticism, for practicing true inclusivity.
Strength Through Supervision, Mentorship, & Personal Therapy
As therapists, it’s natural for certain client interactions to evoke strong reactions or reveal our own biases. This is why supervision, mentorship, and even personal therapy are indispensable. Discomfort, though challenging, provides powerful opportunities for growth—isn’t that what we encourage in our clients? Through my own reflections, I’ve found that examining my reactions deepens my empathy. But when we publicly express judgment or declare a refusal to work with specific groups, we risk undermining the very values we champion.
Reaffirming Our Purpose & Commitment to Inclusive Practice
Life is filled with complexity and shades of gray, something therapists are trained to understand and embrace. So why let rigid thinking creep into our work and divide us? If we confine empathy and open-mindedness to the therapy room alone, we risk weakening our own effectiveness and integrity. True growth in our field depends on bringing these values into every interaction, bridging divides with respect and understanding. Let’s commit to this consistency and ask ourselves: Are we here to serve, uplift, and grow or are we seeking only validation among those who think like us?
If we’re truly committed to our values, let’s act on them thoughtfully. Be an activist in meaningful spaces and contribute to causes that align with your beliefs. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “The old law of an eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind.” Yes, oppression is real. Let’s work against it without fostering division within ourselves, the therapy room or the profession.
Do you believe that therapy and advocacy can coexist within the therapy room?
0%Yes, advocacy should be part of therapy in the room
0%Yes, only when advocacy is directly relevant to the client
0%Yes, with boundaries to maintain therapeutic alliance
0%No, therapy should be a focused space, not for advocacy
Reflecting as we grow personally and professionally
Why did I become a therapist, and how does that continue to shape my work today?
How do I show up for my clients, especially those with differing perspectives?
Am I contributing to unity in my field, or am I fostering division?
Where do I feel triggered or challenged, and how can I work through these feelings to ensure I’m providing the best care possible?
The world is watching, and we must do better. True growth begins with reflection on ourselves, our practice, and our purpose. Let’s recommit to the values that brought us to this field. At our best, we are compassionate guides to all who seek healing, active listeners, and advocates for authentic connection and meaningful change.
Above all, let’s extend kindness to one another. Each of us makes deep sacrifices to serve in this profession. Let’s lift each other up, not tear each other down. Let’s create a profession rooted in resilience and mutual support, where we lift each other and thrive together.
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