In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, Renae Johnson (they/them) and therapist Ernesto Martinez (he/they) dive deep into the many ways mainstream therapy often falls short when working with marginalized clients — and what we can do to create more inclusive, affirming care.

Ernesto shares powerful insights on the power dynamics in therapy, the definition of marginalized clients, and the importance of meeting people where they are by recognizing the intersectionality of identities and the impact of societal norms on mental health. They explore how mainstream therapy’s identity-blind approach can lead to harm, including the dangers of pathologizing clients and ignoring the systemic factors affecting their well-being.

This conversation also sheds light on the complexities of mental health — particularly how identity shapes diagnosis and treatment. Renae and Ernesto discuss the need for accessible, community-centered care and non-traditional therapeutic approaches, like those focused on sensory experiences rather than solely verbal communication.

At the heart of this dialogue is a call for therapists to empower clients to define their own health and wellness, creating spaces that truly honor individual experiences and collective healing.

🎧 Tune in now and join us as we reimagine what mental health care can look like.

Takeaways

• Mainstream therapy often fails to address the needs of marginalized clients.

• The power dynamic in therapy often positions the therapist as the expert.

• Health and wellness should be defined by the individual, not by societal standards.

• Marginalized clients may feel unseen or unheard in traditional therapy settings.

• Therapists should use language that resonates with the client's experience.

• Overgeneralizations in therapy can lead to misunderstandings and reinforce negative feelings.

• The importance of intersectionality in understanding client experiences.

• Pathologizing clients can lead to internalized shame and stigma.

• Therapy should focus on empowering clients to define their own goals and values.

• The societal standards of normality often exclude marginalized identities. Mainstream therapy often overlooks the impact of identity factors.

• Diagnosis can lead to criminalization based on societal biases.

• Therapy should be inclusive and adaptable to individual needs.

• Accessibility checks can enhance the therapeutic experience.

• Non-verbal therapy can be effective for many individuals.

• Community support is crucial for mental health and wellness.

• Therapists should focus on the whole person, not just symptoms.

• Person-first language helps destigmatize mental health issues.

• Therapy can include sensory experiences, not just talk.

• Building community connections enhances individual growth.

Queer Moment of Joy Guest: Cadence J Larrozza (they/he) with Rainbow Hill Sober Living @consciouscadence

Guest Bio :

Ernesto Martinez APCC, AMFT (they/elle/he/el) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Ernesto specializes in working with Adults, Teens, & Parents of Gender Expansive Children, Adult Children of (im)Migrants to transform challenges into stepping stones towards self-compassion, fulfillment, and confidence.

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies. Renae is a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

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Keywords: mainstream therapy, marginalized clients, mental health, therapy dynamics, cultural competence, intersectionality, client experiences, empowerment, pathologizing, therapy standards, mental health, therapy, inclusivity, accessibility, community, identity, wellness, non-traditional therapy, healing, support