R. Toran Ailisheva
As a therapist, my approach is informed by a liberatory framework and radical mental health approaches. We care for ourselves in order to get free and channel our energies into building a better world and a life aligned to our values.
I incorporate an anti-oppression-focused Narrative Therapy lens, recognizing that we can shape the stories that shape our understanding of ourselves.
This involves finding creative and courageous ways to heal our personal, ancestral, and collective trauma and to hold the infinite contradictions we face daily.
First session
In our first session, if we have not already completed an intro call, we will meet each other, and you can ask any relevant questions you have. We will then begin to review your intake assessment forms and start to map out the goals of the journey we will be taking together.
Strengths
Through every type of work I do, I strive to be a part of bringing greater equity, access, and understanding to my communities, to reducing stigma and barriers, and to providing quality care. I look forward to working together!
Ideal clients
The focus of my work is with queer, trans, and gender expansive individuals and couples/polycules, as well as those who are involved in activism and social change, and who struggle to balance integrity and values alignment with surviving and thriving in this messy world. I am BDSM and kink-affirming, sex-worker and plural allied, and also work with clients exploring ethical non-monogamy and earth-based and alternative spiritualities. I am an out and proud member of the queer, trans, kink, ethical non-monogamy, and Reclaiming witchcraft communities.
Treatment methods
Somatic
I am a trained yoga teacher, have completed a Somatic Parts Work certificate, and have experience integrating movement and somatic awareness into clinical work. In addition to leading gentle yoga and movement groups in the past, I was part of a 9-month trial in the SF Department of Health to demonstrate the efficacy of alternative modalities in the treatment of chronic pain.
Integrative
In our sessions together, we will integrate evidence-based practices with our respective wisdom and intuition. We may also bring in art, music, movement, tarot/divination, or other practices to support our work together. I am trained in a number of treatment modalities and frameworks, including Expressive Arts Therapy, Seeking Safety, Stages of Change, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing, and have begun training in Internal Family Systems. We will weave together what makes sense in each session and each moment.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions2744 E 11th St, Oakland, CA 94601