As a mother of three school- and university-aged children and in an interracial marriage, I often reflect on the themes of origin, identity, culture, and belonging.

My lived experience as an immigrant informs my therapy practice.

Growing up in rural Germany, I was not exposed to much visible diversity. In fact, for many decades, I was quite unaware of the systemic and intersectional nature of discrimination, even though I have experienced sexism during my education and career. I acknowledge my privilege as a white, heterosexual, able-bodied woman from an educated family. I have been nurtured to do well at school and at university, and have won many scholarships. My career has been championed by many influential people I met along the way and who helped me succeed. My path was not without obstacles, but it was easier and smoother than what many immigrants experience. I have also worked incredibly hard (too hard!), and the more other people have done to help me along the way, the more indebted I have felt and the harder I’ve worked.

I acknowledge that we all come from different places and have different stories and experiences. I believe that hard work helps, but it should not be everything. I believe that my classroom and therapy space are places where we meet and learn from each other.

In my free time, I love to relax by reading fiction, practicing yoga, gardening (I have a small obsession with plants and visiting plant nurseries is one of my favourite things), and spending time with my family.