Darlene Belen

Your identity and your history have shaped you to be unique and compassionate. However, living in a world that is neurotypical and steeped in systemic oppression has taken its toll on you. For those of us with marginalized identities, we have to expend so much energy to navigate a world that wasn't built for us. You are caught in the conflict of loving your identity while also trying to conform to an external environment for survival. You want to navigate your time in school sucessfully in a way that feels authentic to you. My approach to therapy can help with a variety of issues linked to living in an unstable and oppressive world as a marginalized individual. We can consider practical skills to address stress and challenges to daily functioning. We can engage in healing work to address past wounds, to resolve internal conflict, and to change beliefs about yourself. You are not alone in your struggles, and there is no shame in seeking out help. It only makes sense to feel burnt out, discouraged, and anxious when you've been living with your burdens for so long. I would be honored to witness your story and to provide you with tools to thrive.