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On Why I’m Going to Bring up Roe v. Wade Being Overturned During Therapy Sessions

Kindman & Co.

The other Friday morning, I saw the news—just as we all did. The historical news of the U.S. Supreme Court deciding to overturn Roe v. Wade, the constitutional right to abortion. A court ruling that has been upheld for over fifty years. I was met mostly with numbness. It didn’t feel surprising, it felt in alignment with how the system continually acts to uphold White Supremacy and White Christian Nationalism under the guise of constitutional rights.

I took a breath, got in my car to go to work, played my Angsty Girl SummerTM playlist, and screamed and hit my dashboard to let out some emotions. My first client of the day met me there. I honestly can’t remember which one of us brought up the overturning first—it was more of a mutual look as we began the session. We talked about the mutual grief, difficulty to access anger, and the big feeling of hopelessness. It was a safe space in which we were able to share and validate all of these complexities. We were two women who were able to mutually benefit from this space.

Yes, I was holding more power in this dynamic, yes, she was still paying me, yes, I was taking a position of facilitating and active listening, and yes, I was also benefiting from this session.

Because if you hear therapists tell you that they don’t get anything from their sessions, they’re lying. Because  the times that I get to say, “I see you. Your anger is valid,” is also a time that I’m holding the truth and validation for myself.

Sessions this week have continued in similar ways. The majority of my caseload are folx who are able to get pregnant, so of course this overturning felt personal. Of course, it brought up emotions of fear, shock, hopelessness, anger, and numbness. (Side note—even if you cannot become pregnant, this overturning obviously impacts you too. Also, we need you all in this fight.) I’m grateful that there has been therapy and I’m grateful that I have been able to be a part of people’s processing.

It was after I posted a reel on Instagram about the importance of maintaining the stance that therapy is political, I was met with a few comments on how others believe it is ethically wrong to even bring up “politics” in therapy. I’m putting politics in quotes here because I don’t believe basic human rights should be a political issue, but here we are.

therapy is political

In saying that therapy is political, I mean that we as people are impacted by the many systems and institutions within our ecosystem. Systems of oppression that result in racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, White Supremacy, colorism, and more. If therapists are not explicitly naming these systems, it creates obstacles for clients when they are unable to utilize that systemic language to describe and validate why they are feeling anxious, depressed, or angry.

So, I’m here to tell you that I feel it’s important for me as a therapist to plainly make space for how this overturning might have impacted my clients. Because some may not know that therapy is a place where you can talk about “politics.”Because some may not be in a place where they have been able to acknowledge how this is impacting them, and need an invitation to begin to process. Because some come from backgrounds and institutions that did not allow the right to your own thought process.

Yes, I am still maintaining the ethical code by taking this stance. 

“Marriage and family therapists are defined by an enduring dedication to professional and ethical excellence, as well as the commitment to service, advocacy, and public participation.” 

- AMFT Ethical Code

“Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients.”

- NASW Code of Ethics

Clients have a right to whatever their opinion, view, or questions are. And, I believe this is in alignment with culturally competent care. Anti-choice impacts the culture. So, let’s talk about how it impacts you!

And another note before leaving you with some resources for putting your anger into action, I recognize the helplessness I am feeling is largely due to my lack of stamina in the social justice game. I am a privileged White, cisgendered, heterosexual, physically able woman who is new to the world of activism. I know that the Brown and Black and Queer folx have been fighting without much reward for hundreds of years before me. I have a way to go and I write this as a small part in my efforts towards accountability.

action items for taking a stand for pro-choice:

Donating Money:

  • Donating to Planned Parenthood 

  • Indigenous Women Rising is committed to honoring Native & Indigenous People’s inherent right to equitable and culturally safe health options through accessible health education, resources, and advocacy. Donate to their abortion fund to help out.

  • To find abortion funds that are needing assistance.

  • To support independent clinics providing abortions: 

  • Invest in keeping Red State Abortion Clinics open; here is a link to the Paypal for West Alabama Women’s Center 

Protesting:

Voting:

  • Register and vote for candidates who support reproductive rights (in primary, local, and state elections). Pro Choice America endorses candidates that are pro choice.

Classes and Trainings:

On Reproductive Justice:

Caitlin Harrison is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, social justice advocate, and a feminist.  She works with individuals, intimate relationships, and families. Caitlin is a sex positive therapist with a special interest in the integration of sexuality and spirituality, women’s empowerment, and eradicating narratives of guilt and shame. She is passionate about working with couples because every partnership can be deepened, stretched, and more pleasure-forward.

Utilizing the relationship between client and therapist, Caitlin embodies hospitality and humor in her work which allows an inclusive and collaborative space to share all of life’s ups, downs, and in betweens. Overall, her work is focused on ensuring that you feel safe coming home to yourself. Caitlin feels at home with a cup of coffee in her hand, a bouquet of flowers nearby, and music at the ready to dance to.

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