I first connected with Annabeth and Inner Choice after reading her thoughts on being a Jewish therapist in the wake of October 7th. Despite not being Jewish myself, her words resonated with me as I considered how I could continue to grow as a culturally-sensitive therapist. Since I joined Inner Choice Psychotherapy almost one year ago, I have enjoyed Annabeth’s mentorship on how to be a Jewish ally and I’ve felt honored and privileged to walk alongside my Jewish clients as they explore their identities. The foundation of my work has been built on creating a place of safety in an unsafe world — how can I, as a therapist, create a safe place to explore meaning, identity, and marginalization? 

To me, being an ally means creating a space where clients trust that no topic is too heavy or subject to judgement. I recognize that many Jewish clients have experienced double standards; generational trauma; antisemitism, whether overt or subtle; and silence when support was needed the most. My goal is to approach dialogue with curiosity instead of assumptions, knowing that each client brings their own experiences and beliefs into the therapy space. My role as a therapist is to challenge the thought processes and behaviors that cause friction in our lives, but to do so from the lens of cultural sensitivity. 

While being a mental health therapist often means exploring vulnerabilities, traumas, and struggles, another core tenant of my practice is helping clients find joy. Even in the midst of the hardest times, I believe in celebrating wins both big and small, leaning into the traditions that bring comfort, and finding joy in identities that make each person unique. It is my hope and my goal that every Jewish client that I have the privilege to work with knows that I honor them and the richness of their culture.

– Holly Tyler