Affirming, inclusive therapy: Ad Astra Collaborative Therapy, Louisville

Consistent with the social work and marriage and family therapy codes of ethics, Ad Astra Collaborative Therapy in Louisville, Kentucky, is fully committed to providing inclusive therapy services that affirm all individuals' dignity, worth, and value. We believe in creating an atmosphere of openness, trust, respect, and safety where diverse attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors can be explored and discussed. We seek to understand and honor individual differences, including but not limited to experiences related to race, ethnicity, national origin, religious and spiritual beliefs, gender, sexuality, status as a veteran, marital status, parental status, physical and mental abilities, size and appearance, and socio-economic status.

Mental health concerns are often affected by social forces in the environment related to power and privilege, such as racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, heterosexism, ableism, and other forms of marginalization and oppression. Often pervasive and institutionalized, these forces are unacknowledged in many settings, leaving the impacted individuals to feel alone, voiceless, and invalidated. Our staff and therapists consider these forces in the struggles of everyone who seeks help through Ad Astra Collaborative Therapy, and actively address them in a culturally sensitive manner, employing approaches that include affirming therapy and advocacy.

Our commitment to culturally sensitive communications extends to interactions with colleagues, staff, parents, and the greater Louisville, national, and international community. We strive to make Ad Astra Collaborative Therapy an open, affirming, and safe working environment in which all parties feel understood, valued, and accepted. We take personal and organizational responsibility to grow in our awareness, reduce barriers and bias, and strengthen our multicultural competence.

We understand that inclusiveness and social justice require an ongoing endeavor, and we can never assume to have reached the final point. At times, values may conflict, but we are committed to supporting and challenging each other through difficult dialogues. Courage and empathy are necessary building blocks for a community in which differences are celebrated. At Ad Astra Collaborative Therapy in Louisville, Kentucky, we aim to do that by providing inclusive therapy.