therapy
rooted in relationship & social change
I am a current student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work studying interpersonal practice (i.e. therapy, case management). I will obtain limited licensure in January 2025.
I practice anti-oppressive approaches to therapy, using Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Compassionate Inquiry, and ACT. From January 2024 - December 2024, I see clients for free therapy through my internship, with limited open hours (see info here).
My goal is to provide individual and relationship therapy related to:
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Repairing or sustaining relationships impacted by social change work and/or oppressive systems (e.g. roles in movements, social services, advocacy, or experiences with disconnection, incarceration, or suppression),
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Creating the relationship you want with yourself and your social change work (e.g. understanding how your traumas, lived experiences, identities, and other factors impact how you show up);
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Recovering from experiences in high control environments (e.g. abusive relationships, prisons, parole conditions, or coercive social change spaces, religions, and cults).
I am uniquely qualified to provide therapy with people who have these goals after 20 years of community organizing alongside formerly incarcerated and systems impacted folks, seeing clients with experience in high control relationships and environments, and six years working in conflict facilitation in social change environments. ​
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I am motivated to do this work after witnessing social change efforts and important relationships disrupted over and over by wounds caused by oppression and controlling abuse. If we are going to create a better world for this and future generations, we must deeply understand the impacts of control and oppression on us and our relationships, and work to engage in repair, healing, and compassionate coping strategies that allow for sustainable change.
Individual Therapy​
Individual therapy involves weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly sessions between a client and therapist.
I practice relationship and environment assisted therapy, because who we are and how we are is determined by our environments and relations. We will meet in an environment therapeutic to you and assistive to specific goals, for example in your own home, in the woods, on a walk, etc. Clients can invite support people (friends, animals, and family) into sessions as needed, with agreements for how they will be involved in sessions (as participants, silent observers, or outside perspective for consultation).
Relationship Therapy
Relationship therapy is not exclusive to romantic relationships; sessions can be with friends or small friend groups, romantic or sexual partners, chosen family, or whoever is an important figure in your life with whom you would like to repair or strengthen a relationship. Western societies hold relationship hierarchies that have caused most therapy to be with individuals, couples, or family (parents - children). However, for many people - especially queer, fostered, or politically disconnected folks - our most important relationships are not with our family of origin. Not all romantic or sexual relationships fit into the "couple" category, and can include polyamorous or other nontraditional arrangements. All relationship types and configurations are welcome and affirmed.
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How to Access Therapy
​​​If you are interested in free, short-term therapy through Thrive (FedUp Ministries) please email me at luna@fedupministries.org (this is not a faith-based program). This program is available to Washtenaw County, MI residents only, particularly those who are poor, transitionally housed, or low-income.
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If you would like to be on a waiting list to potentially be a client in January 2025, please email me at luna@lunanh.com. I will likely be limited to seeing clients within the state of Michigan due to licensing regulations, unless I relocate. When I have identified a therapy home and supervisor, I will reach out with details about pay scale, location options, and insurance.