Why Create an Inclusive Provider Directory?
I've been sharing my approach to working with mothers on my social media page, Feminist Mom Therapist, for a few years now. In therapy, I believe it's crucial to use not only a psychological lens but also a systemic one. Our thoughts and feelings are shaped not only by our personalities, life experiences, and family of origin but also by the broader political and societal context. This perspective is particularly important when working with mothers because of how undersupported mothers are in our society.
For years, the framing of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders has emphasized the impact of significant hormonal shifts that perinatal individuals experience. While I acknowledge the substantial influence of biological factors on perinatal mental health, a decade of working with pregnant and postpartum mothers has made it clear that societal forces, especially the patriarchy, play a significant role in maternal suffering.
There is potential harm when providers lack a systemic lens. For instance, couples counselors can inadvertently reinforce harmful gender roles if they are unaware of the disproportionate mental load and domestic labor often borne by mothers. Couples facing fertility challenges or those experiencing an unwanted pregnancy are particularly vulnerable, especially as states roll back reproductive rights and attempt to criminalize abortion and IVF. The LGBTQIA community and Black and Indigenous families are also navigating a political climate that has emboldened bigotry. Providers who are not attuned to the impact of systemic oppression are likely to miss critical information necessary for effectively treating these marginalized populations and can even do further harm.
Screenshot from the Inclusive Provider Directory
This directory is my attempt to help new mothers and families find providers who have identified themselves as inclusive and anti-oppression. Allied groups that are represented in the directory include the following:
Anti-racism allied
Disability Affirming
Feminist
Health At Every Size (HAES) Affirming
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Neurodivergent Affirming
Poly/Kink Affirming
Pro-Choice
It is my hope that all families will be able to find a team of supportive and identity-affirming providers and that this directory will help them do that. I also hope to help connect providers with education, community and other resources to help them create more inclusive practices.
If you are a provider who is interested in becoming a member, learn more about membership benefits here.
If you are looking for a provider, whether that be a mental health therapist, a doula, physical therapist, or countless other specialties search the directory here.
