The Journey of Therapy: A Decolonized, Psychodynamic, and Feminist Approach
Starting therapy can be a powerful and transformative decision. But it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure what to expect, what the process looks like, or how therapy might honor your whole, complex self — including your histories, identities, and the systems you live within.
At Olive Branch Wellness, we approach therapy through a decolonized, intersectional-feminist, psychodynamic lens. We believe in a therapy approach sensitive to the impact of historical and current power dynamics and political systems on mental health. Healing moves beyond treating symptoms. It involves a process of investigation that reaches the deepest roots of your struggles, reclaims your narrative, and honors your pain and those who came before you. Therapy here is not only personal but political as well.
Therapy, not a Quick Fix
Therapy is not linear — it is a layered, unfolding journey. In our work together, we won't solely focus on "fixing" behaviors or coping skills (although those are important too). We also explore:
The unconscious patterns and internalized narratives you may carry
The impact of systemic oppression (racism, colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy, White supremacy, etc.) on your mental health
The protective strategies you've developed to survive when they may no longer serve you and explore their substitutes. For instance, a protective strategy might be avoiding conflict, and a substitute could be learning healthy communication skills. The intergenerational wounds and ancestral wisdom that live within you. This concept acknowledges that the trauma and wisdom of your ancestors can influence your mental health. We aim to help you heal from the wounds and tap into the wisdom. This deeper work allows for lasting, sustainable growth — not just short-term relief.
What to Expect in Therapy
Every therapeutic relationship is unique, but here are some common themes you can expect:
A Collaborative Space: Therapy is not something "done to you." It is a mutual, relational process. Your voice, questions, and needs are welcome and central to the work.
A Slower, Respectful Pace: In a decolonized framework, we honor the wisdom of moving at the pace of trust. There's no rush to "fix" or "dissect" everything. We respect your nervous system's capacity and the need for safety and choice.
Bringing Systems into the Room: We will explore how systems of power and oppression — past and present — have impacted your sense of self, relationships, and possibilities for thriving.
Exploration of Emotions and Body: A psychodynamic approach invites curiosity about your emotions, your bodily sensations, your dreams, and even the "small" things you may initially dismiss. These often hold profound meaning.
Tending to the Therapeutic Relationship: In a feminist therapy frame, we also recognize that the relationship between therapist and client is part of healing. We may openly explore trust building, identify ruptures, and repair them between us.
Navigating Barriers and Difficult Conversations
Resistance, fear, and discomfort are standard parts of therapy, especially when unlearning survival patterns or confronting painful truths.
Some common barriers you might encounter in therapy include feeling vulnerable or exposed, fear of 'burdening' the therapist, conflicting feelings about change, and bringing up frustrations or hurts. These are all standard parts of the therapeutic process, especially when unlearning survival patterns or confronting painful truths.
Feeling Vulnerable or Exposed: Sharing your inner world can feel risky. We will work together to build a container that feels as safe and empowering as possible.
Fear of "Burdening" the Therapist: Many clients — especially those socialized in marginalized identities — worry about taking up too much space. Therapy is your space. Your whole self is welcome here.
Conflicting Feelings about Change: Growth often stirs grief, guilt, or fear. We will honor these emotions, not push past them.
Bringing Up Frustrations or Hurts: It's completely okay (and necessary) to talk about moments when you feel misunderstood, hurt, or uncertain in therapy. Repairing these moments can be one of the most healing aspects of the work.
If something feels hard to name, you might start with:
"There's something I'm hesitant to say, but I want to talk about it."
"I'm feeling stuck, and I'm not sure why."
"Can we slow down? I need a little more time here."
Your feelings are not a disruption — they are the heart of the work.
How to Get the Most Out of Therapy
While therapy is a collaborative process, there are a few things that can help you get the most out of it:
Bring your whole self. You don't have to edit, perform, or get it "right." Your contradictions, uncertainties, and messy parts are welcome.
Allow space for emotions and questions. You are allowed not to know how you feel yet, to cry, laugh, be angry, or be confused.
Be patient with yourself. Healing deep patterns takes time. Often, insights emerge slowly — sometimes only after many seed-planting sessions.
Name and explore resistance. Rather than judging yourself for feeling avoidant or guarded, get curious: "What feels protective about this? What might I be protecting myself from?"
Attend to the relationship. Therapy is relational. Notice how you feel in the room with your therapist — connected, distant, empowered, frustrated — and bring those feelings into the work.
Remember: You are the expert of your own experience. The goal of therapy is not to "fix" you but to walk alongside you as you reclaim your agency, rewrite your narratives, and move toward the life you want to live.
A Final Note
Therapy from a decolonized, psychodynamic, and feminist framework is ultimately about liberation — not just symptom management. It invites you to reclaim your story, reimagine your possibilities, and heal in ways that honor the fullness of who you are. You carry stories that deserve to be heard, felt, and transformed. And we are honored to walk with you on this journey.
