It’s hard to navigate a world that was built against your needs. My experiences as a queer, nonbinary, neurodivergent adoptee of color have informed my abolitionist practice in solidarity with those affected by interlocking systems of oppression: queer- and transphobia, ableism, racism, White supremacy, fatphobia, xenophobia, capitalism, classism, adoption, etc. I aim to help members of my community deconstruct the complex trauma inherent to such oppression, and explore what constitutes wellbeing amidst difficult material conditions.
With an anti-carceral, non-pathologizing, nuanced approach, I can support the development of a compassionate sense of self and authentic way of being in the world beyond normative Western ideals. This could include exploring discrepancies between intrinsic values and conditioned/learned patterns – while acknowledging the fact that these patterns may have once helped you to survive. I am also proud to provide surgery letters to trans folks, with no one turned away for lack of funds.
Collaboration, consent, transparency, autonomy, and humanity are the cornerstones of my relational work. You are the expert of your life; I’m just a comrade, listening, witnessing, grateful for the opportunity to know you.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” – Rumi
Fai Knudson
Licensed Professional Counselor