There’s strength in numbers
Community has always been more than background to my work — it’s the ground I stand on. The experiences I’ve had in peer support, advocacy, and digital networks continue to shape how I see people, how I hold space, and how I practice as a therapist today.
My Roots in Community
Before I trained as a counsellor, my path was grounded in community.
From HIV peer support and LGBTQ+ advocacy to nightlife spaces and informal networks, I saw first-hand how people come together in times of need, and how belonging itself can be a form of survival.
These experiences taught me that community is more than shared identity — it’s the structures, trust, and resilience that keep us going when life is at its hardest.
What Community Work Taught Me
Holding space for communities is rarely simple. It involves balancing many voices, navigating conflict, and building safety in real time.
From leading digital groups to engaging in professional networks, I learned:
- Boundaries protect, not exclude.
- Inclusion must be intentional.
- Ethics live in actions, not just policies.
- Accountability is what sustains trust.
- Connection can be transformative.
These lessons are now at the core of how I practise counselling
Why this matters in therapy
Community work shaped my ethics long before I called them “professional standards.” It showed me how to hold safe, respectful space — even when emotions run high or perspectives differ.
For you, this means:
- Your voice is heard, not absorbed into a system.
- Therapy here is grounded in respect and inclusion.
- Boundaries are clear, but never cold.
- Difference is welcomed, not smoothed over.
- Individuality is honoured, even within the group. And because I’ve seen both the power and challenges of online connection, I trained harder to make therapy a safe, grounded space despite them
Community work isn’t separate from counselling — it’s the foundation. Every time we create a space where someone feels safe, respected, and heard, we’re already doing therapeutic work.
And that principle runs through Safe Spaces Therapy Online.
Community as Foundation
Community isn’t an add-on to my therapy practice — it’s the foundation that shaped how I work. Whether through peer support, digital advocacy, or professional groups, these experiences continue to influence the values I bring into every session.
If this side of my work sparks your interest, you can explore more under Beyond the Therapy Room — where I share how these values shape consultancy, advocacy, and collaborative projects.
