Our decision to list our pronouns is the result of a reflective and deliberate process. We see their inclusion as a sign of respect, as well as a declaration of our values.
We don’t simply welcome diverse individuals for therapy, we strive to practice therapy in ways that are responsive to their realities. We understand that trauma and violence—physical, verbal, and sexual—is done to trans and gender-nonconforming people at a troublingly higher rate than cisgender people. We also understand that feeling welcome isn’t just about being included; it’s about being safe.
Read more below about our decision to list our pronouns, as well as our active commitment to inclusive practice.
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We arrived at this decision to list our pronouns as a part and representative of a broader process of constant reflection and dedicated work in our practice. Importantly, we appreciate just how unwelcome trans and gender-nonconforming people often are, even in a seemingly progressive city like New York, even among a profession of seemingly progressive people (therapists), and even in environments that have a declaration of inclusivity.
To that end, we believe strongly that merely voicing a commitment to inclusion isn’t enough. We see listing our pronouns as just one part of an active, rather than a declarative, commitment.
While the acceptance of diverse individuals as they are is a meaningful start, we believe it is essential to go further by working to develop in our capacity to meet our patients’ mental health needs. We understand that part of why seemingly progressive environments don’t always feel safe to diverse individuals is that the progressive label often feeds complacency and a belief that one’s own assumptions, biases, and values don’t need examination and work.
At Tribeca Therapy, part of our commitment to inclusion seeks to begin to address that reality through active, ongoing work in looking at our own ways of operating in the world. This includes reflecting on our use of language and our taken-for-granted assumptions. While we’re fluent in much of the language and realities of trans and gender-nonconforming folks so the onus isn’t on them to educate, we also aren’t afraid to ask questions, be challenged, or accept that sometimes we might just get it wrong.
We also recognize that our genders and how we see ourselves are present in our relationships with our patients. We list our pronouns in part to make plain that we are not merely neutral bodies in the room. Our gender identity matters and plays a role in the therapeutic relationship—and we aren’t afraid to talk about that and what it means.
One thing we’re sure of: just listing our pronouns is not enough; what matters is what else we do. What matters is our ongoing work to continue to grow as providers of therapy in ways that don't assume conformity. And we are committed to that goal.
