Healing Beyond the Surface: Trauma, Attachment, and Anti-Oppressive Therapy with Sakinaa Rock

This episode focuses on trauma-informed therapy and working with survivors of abuse. We explore how to build trust, address denial, and apply attachment theory in clinical practice. The conversation also highlights the role of supervision, therapeutic alliances, and navigating power dynamics. Special attention is given to supporting trans and gender non-conforming clients through anti-oppressive, empathetic, and empowering approaches.

Each week we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session.

Connect with Sakinaa Rock: 

Sakinaa Rock Therapy

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

TikTok: @boymeetstherapy

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:08 Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work

05:58 Understanding Client Populations

08:58 Building Trust and Safety in Therapy

11:55 Working with Survivors of Abuse

14:57 Navigating Denial and Confrontation

17:59 The Role of Supervision in Therapy

20:49 Attachment Theory and Its Impact

23:59 Unlearning Harmful Relational Patterns

31:03 Navigating Client Emotions and Healthy Responses

32:03 Confronting Disagreements in Therapy

32:51 The Role of Power and Oppression in Therapy

33:51 Addressing Misogyny in Client Interactions

36:14 Challenging Heteronormative Dynamics in Queer Relationships

37:00 Exploring Power Dynamics in Kink Relationships

41:02 Understanding Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Experiences

49:57 The Therapist's Responsibility in Anti-Oppressive Practice

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver