Why OTI?

Not long ago, there was a consensus in the mental health field that therapy should be client-centered. It was seen as unethical for therapists to impose political ideologies on sessions or to judge or reject clients for their political views. Therapists were encouraged to think empathically toward all of their clients, whatever their beliefs. Sadly, this consensus is now being replaced by approaches that prioritize political ideology over quality care. This change is leaving many people without good options.

As therapy becomes more politicized, many people are reasonably concerned about therapists’ biases interfering with their treatment. More and more people feel stifled, including centrists, moderates, libertarians, and many liberals, as well as people who are just open-minded. Now, many of these people are having a harder time finding a therapist who is truly open to their values and experiences. Below are profiles of clients that OTI aims to serve.

  • Profile text: I’m open-minded and have mixed political beliefs, but I like asking difficult questions. Now that feels forbidden. How can I be myself without losing my connections with others?
  • Profile text: I’m a cop. Since 2020, work has been unbearable. I feel hated by the community I serve. It would be nice to get help with these stresses.
  • Profile text: I’m proud to be gay, but I’ve recently felt alienated by cultural changes in my community. How can I find a way through this?
  • Profile text: I’m black and oppose racism, but I think some of the ‘anti-racism’ movement goes about it the wrong way. How can I be open about my beliefs without losing the people I care about?
  • Profile text: I’m a religious person, but I feel like most therapists can’t relate. I would like to find a therapist who understands spirituality, so I don’t have to avoid the topic.
  • Profile text: Political issues are changing fast, but it doesn’t always feel safe to ask questions. I just want a confidential space where I can figure out what I believe without worrying about hurting my career or losing friends.
  • Profile text: I voted for Trump, but when I told my therapist, she reacted judgmentally. I need to be able to work with someone more open-minded.
  • Profile text: My daughter recently told me she was trans, and it seemed abrupt. I don’t want her to make rash decisions she might later regret. It would be nice to talk this through with someone.
  • Patient profile: In my marriage, I’m feeling increasingly emasculated. How can I find a way to be a man that feels like who I am, without just causing conflict with my wife?
  • Profile text: I was bullied in high school for being white. My friends and even past therapists didn’t understand. It would be nice to process what happened.
  • Profile text: Family stress is making homelife feel volatile. Where can we find a family therapist who won’t blame us for every problem, and who will respect our roles as mother and father?

Profiles of potential clients were developed by experienced clinicians to highlight some of the populations that OTI aims to serve. Interested in more? Download the full PDF here.