T-Shirt Wearing Therapist
Therapists wearing T-shirts: Yes or No?
In the last few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of therapist I am. I mean, not only am I a psychologist versus another kind of psychotherapist, but I’m also a special, me kind of therapist. Today, I wanted to share a bit about how my clothes make me a different kind of therapist than others.
When I was in my post-doctoral placement at a university counseling, the director did not want us to wear jeans. I remember a colleague having to change in one of our offices as she thought that wearing “nice jeans” would be okay and it turned out not to be. We were told not to be casual which if I remember correctly meant closed toed office shoes instead of sneakers. I had to be more dressed up than what really felt like something I’d wear on an every day basis. I felt like I was at a corporate temp job. She seemed to feel that if we dressed up, we would be taken seriously by our clients or perhaps, that we would be more professional and competent therapists.
I do not believe that competence has anything to do with what someone is wearing. I feel that I can be a knowledgeable and competent therapist and wear clothes that help me feel like my best self. Therefore, I wear jeans or stretchy yoga pants when I work as a clinical psychologist. I wear crocs or sneakers. I tend to wear T-shirts with political or otherwise statements that match my values. I wear them because when I see someone else wearing one out in the big world outside my office, I feel so hopeful, like someone gets me. I usually say thanks for wearing the shirt and we chat for a bit. I feel more connected to other humans and hopeful than I did before I saw their T-shirt.
When I wear my T-shirts, they remind me that there is still some good in the world and that I can be one of the kind ones out there. I feel proud of myself for showing my support for the causes I believe in.
My T-shirt choices of late have been those that speak to the importance of using someone’s pronouns, LGBTQIQAP+ rights; disability activism; and about the importance of vaccines or about science. Sometimes I wear shirts about San Diego, CA or San Francisco, CA or Boston, MA, places that are near and dear to my heart.
I also try to wear something that flags that I am a queer therapist. Currently, I wear bright rainbow glasses. Sometimes I switch that pair out for black glasses with a little swish of rainbow with the sides. At other times, I wear my rainbow crocs, mostly wearing things that represent who I am or things that I believe in.
What about you? What kind of things do you wear out in the world? What brings you hope in the world that sometimes feels like it’s conspiring against you, especially here in the United States? I look forward to hearing more about you and what clothes you wear that make you happy.
If you are ready to make an appointment with me, a T-shirt-wearing, rainbow croc having, knowledgeable and competent LGBTQIQAP2+ centerering psychologist, please click here or on the button and set up a free 15 minute consultation with me, Dr. Abi Weissman. If the links aren’t working because sometimes tech is like that, please feel free to text us at 619-403-5578 or email us at office @ wavepsych dot com .
We have availability and would love to fill our caseloads with LGBTQI+ people who need our specialized mental health care. Please set up a free 15-minute consultation appointment today to see if we would be a good fit for you.
About Our 15 Minute Free Consultation Time
Please note that this is not a first appointment, as you have not signed consent forms stating that we are your therapists and you, our clients. This consultation time is a way for you to ask any questions about how we work or who we are, and for us to see if we can be of help to you. If you decide to work with us and sign the consent forms allowing us to work with you, the next appointment will be our first official clinical appointment.
Other Services Offered With Waves, A Psych Co
We at Waves are happy to support Californians with LGBTQI+ centered therapy services. We listen closely and we don’t shy away from the tough topics. We are kink and polyamory - affirming. We have appointments and can’t wait to fill them with people interested in making their lives better, however that looks like for each person. We provide individualized care as each person has different needs. We have LGBTQI+ - centered mental health care and provide EMDR, talk therapy, and somatic therapy (Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy). Our team of therapists also offers Grief Therapy, Couples and Chosen Family Therapy, Therapy for ADHD, Therapy for Students, Transgender Support, and more! Be sure to check out our FAQs and Blog for more about us and our services!
