Some phrases – trauma-informed, for example – are quite popular in mental health spaces. If you follow any social media accounts that focus on mental health, you’ve likely heard some of these phrases. Maybe you’ve found certain phrases listed on therapists’ websites or directory profiles.
But what do they mean?
Now, I can’t tell you what every therapist who uses a particular phrase means when they say/write it. And I certainly can’t tell you if they actually live and/or practice in a way that demonstrates what the phrase is generally understood to mean.
I can share with you some common phrases that I use to describe my work and my approach to the world, including what these phrases mean to me.
Defining Some Common Phrases
Trauma-Informed
This describes a way of working with and supporting people that holds an awareness of the pervasive ways that trauma impacts individuals and communities. I believe that being “trauma-informed” is a minimum expectation for anyone who is providing mental or physical healthcare to folks, as well as for those who hold any type of leadership roles among people (for example, employers, work supervisors, clergy, etc.)
I often use the terms “trauma-sensitive” and “trauma-responsive”, which I came across while reading the work of Janyne McConnaughey, PhD. Being trauma-sensitive means that I approach my work with awareness that most of the people I work with have experienced some type of trauma in their lives. I’m sensitive to how I listen for their experiences and the related impacts. I’m also sensitive in considering how I respond to those impacts. That’s where being trauma-responsive comes into the picture. The response includes both things I put into place prior to meeting with someone, as well as willingness to adjust approaches in ways that best respond to the needs of a specific individual or community.
Neuro-Affirming / Neurodivergent-Affirming
The term “neurodiversity” refers to the natural variation amongst humans in areas such as communication, sensory experiences, and social interactions. The term “neurodivergent” is used to describe someone whose brain functions differently than what is considered typical within that person’s social context. For me, being neuro-affirming / neurodivergent-affirming means that I am aware that people experience the world differently and that our brains play a large part in the ways we prefer / need to interact with the world.
A great thing about telehealth is that the folks I work with have more ability to control their environment than if we were meeting in an office. This allows clients to consider their own sensory needs in making choices about things such as temperature, lighting, smells, or the types of soothing items they have available. Folks are able to have their pet nearby for comfort during difficult discussions, if desired. They also have more freedom to slowly transition into and out of therapy sessions without the confines of arriving and leaving an office.
Other ways that I am able to accommodate varying preferences and needs include, but are not limited to: discussing things at a speed that feels okay for the individual client, options for speaking verbally or using chat features to communicate, freedom to take extra time to process before answering a question, using visuals or concrete tasks to assist with therapy.
Weight-Inclusive
I work with many folks who have body image concerns and/or who feel disconnected from their body. I approach this work from a weight-inclusive lens. This means that I do not focus on the size or shape of someone’s body, nor am I going to focus on doing things solely for the purpose of changing the size or shape of a body. I believe in bodily autonomy and informed consent.
It’s important to me that the folks I work with are aware that my focus is not going to be on a particular number on a scale (or on a clothing tag), but on their overall health, which includes far more components than only body size. Ultimately, bodily autonomy means that the folks I work with get to choose how they live in their body, and be informed about my approach to body-related concerns.
Queer-Affirming
Many members of the LGBTQ+ community have reclaimed the word “queer” as a way to proclaim their identity. For me, being queer-affirming means that I value and respect the various ways that folks experience and express their gender and sexuality. My work with clients has included both individuals who are secure and open about their queerness, as well as those who are questioning or exploring aspects of their identity for the first time.
Spiritually-Inclusive
My work includes supporting a wide variety of folks who have experienced religious / spiritual harm. I recognize that spiritual beliefs and practices can be a source of meaning, purpose, and connection in someone’s life. I also acknowledge that spiritual beliefs, practices, and groups can include harm, rejection, and abuse. Being spiritually-inclusive means that I listen as folks share where they are and what they desire in regards to spirituality, and am committed to helping them navigate the path to find the beliefs, practices, and communities that best meet their needs, when that is something they want to do. My goal in all my work related to spiritual / religious concerns, whether that is therapy, continuing education, or workshops for faith leaders, is to bring awareness to religious harm and to support folks in finding healthy spirituality (if they desire to do so).
Anti-Racist
I navigate the world as a white person. There are aspects of racism that I am constantly learning about, things that challenge my thinking and cause me to reflect on my own beliefs and behaviors. For me, being anti-racist means that I recognize my experience in the world has been impacted by being white. It means that I make efforts to listen to the voices of Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color. I work to not assume that something is not true simply because it is not my experience. I work to show up with clients and in other spaces with an awareness of the identities I’m bringing to the space. I try to be intentional about being the one who takes the burden of bringing up racial differences in therapy, allowing clients to discuss this as much or as little as they want/need.
Person-Centered / Client-Centered
Person-Centered Therapy is a term coined by Carl Rogers that describes an approach to therapy that emphasizes a person’s capacity for growth and healing when provided a non-judgmental, supportive relationship with their therapist. I believe person-centered (or client-centered) therapy encompasses all of the things I’ve described above. I’m able to focus on the person in front of me because I have a foundation of being trauma-sensitive, neuro-affirming, weight-inclusive, queer-affirming, spiritually-inclusive, and anti-racist. The person I am working with is the central focus. The therapeutic relationship is based on who they are, the ways they are struggling, and what is most helpful to them.
Interested in Working Together?
I am currently taking new adult (18+) clients in North Carolina. If anything in this blog post piques your curiosity, feel free to take a look around my website and complete this contact form if you’d like to schedule a free, 15-minute, virtual consultation to see if we might be a good fit for working together.
Michelle F. Moseley is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC. She believes ALL people deserve respect, compassion, and access to mental and physical healthcare. Michelle specializes in working with survivors of religious trauma, and with those who have body image concerns, finding there is frequent overlap in these areas. She also frequently supports late-identified neurodivergent individuals as they navigate the grief and relief of a new understanding of self. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website at MichelleFMoseley.com or following her on Instagram – @therapy_with_michelle
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