Seeing the Whole Person

We humans have physical, psychological, sexual, social, and spiritual dimensions that interact and change over time. I refuse to treat people as nothing more than their diagnoses or problematic behavior. Instead, I seek to understand them within the context of their experiences, environment, culture, and relationships.

Multiculturalism & Diversity

I am committed to the vision of a world in which all people are respected and have opportunities for success. Because of this, I actively seek to better understand people whose experiences and points of view are different from my own. Still, I know that many people still face bigotry, discrimination, and persecution because of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, physical condition, disability, socioeconomic status, or belief system. I believe in promoting healing where I can.

Mental Health & Mental Illness

Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. People who have mental health thrive. Those who aren’t mentally healthy tend to lack happiness, life satisfaction, and intimacy. Even people who experience serious, chronic mental illness can experience mental health if they have the right supports in place. I firmly believe that promoting mental health is as important as treating mental illness.

Disability

By definition, physical and cognitive disabilities make some activities very difficult, if not impossible. Having a disability can profoundly affect a person’s self-image, lifestyle, activities, relationships, mental health, sexuality, and beliefs. Still, a person with a disability is more than just their disability. I believe in providing people with disabilities — as well as their caregivers and loved ones — with information and support that helps them cope with the realities of disability AND helps them live lives in which they find pleasure, satisfaction, and meaning.

Autonomy & Responsibility

Freedom and autonomy are balanced by responsibility and the acceptance of consequences for one’s behavior. I believe that many individuals who have cognitive disabilities or experience severe mental illness may need to be supported in ways that necessarily limit their autonomy. However, I also believe that individuals have the right to make decisions that go against social conventions and/or increase their risk of them experiencing negative consequences. I see myself as someone who can help individuals and agencies think through complex issues related to autonomy, responsibility, and decision-making. I do not see myself as the ultimate expert who tells people and agencies what they “should” or “must” do.

Child Abuse & Neglect

Child abuse and neglect are real. Experiences of child maltreatment cut across race, ethnicity, culture, religion, and socioeconomic status. Child abuse often causes significant physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds that can last a lifetime. In some cases, the welfare and legal institutions charged with child protection, family preservation, and administering justice end up causing further injury or failing children and families outright. Nonetheless, I believe that healing is possible and that even those who have been highly traumatized by their experience are more than “victims.” I believe in helping individuals come to terms with their experiences even as they move forward with their lives. I also believe in strengthening the multidisciplinary response to child abuse and in promoting child abuse prevention efforts.

Sexual Offending & Family/Intimate Partner Violence

Perpetrators of sex crimes, child abuse, elder abuse, or intimate partner abuse should be held responsible for their behavior. Still, they are more than just their violent behavior and should be treated as individuals. How much they are likely to benefit from treatment varies — and is not always easy to determine. Their risk for offending again in the future also varies. In part, that risk depends on what supports are available to them. I believe in addressing concerns related to violent behavior in a way that is holistic, practical, and carefully balances individual rights with the interests of society.