You might wonder what it means to be an anti-capitalist therapist, which is a very valid thing to wonder! This may be an unfamiliar concept to you or two words you don’t usually see combined. It doesn’t seem common for therapists or other professionals to describe themselves this way in respect to their work. Maybe more of us would if we had a better understanding of these concepts, so I’m happy to share my own knowledge and experience.

What does it mean to be anti-capitalist?

To me, being anti-capitalist means that I recognize capitalism is a system founded in colonialism and that it causes great harm on an individual, community, and global level. It means that I oppose this system, the enactors of this system, and that I know for a fact that a better world is possible and attainable. Did you know capitalism is only about 400 years old? Compared to the 300,000 years modern humans have existed, that is a tiny amount of time. But it’s created a huge amount of damage. 

So why is it important to me to describe myself this way?

My approach to therapy is informed by various theories, perspectives, skills, training, and experiences. Being an “anti-capitalist therapist” describes the values I show up with in my work,  and how I go about implementing theories and interventions.

Being anti-capitalist was an important part of my own values and worldview before I became a therapist and before I began describing myself as an anti-capitalist therapist. Once I began my professional journey of growth as a therapist, I began noticing some things about my work. Because I primarily work with people who are especially vulnerable to systems of oppression, I realized it would be impossible- and harmful- not to acknowledge the impact of capitalism on our lives. 

And then I noticed that when we name the impacts of capitalism- on our self-perception, mental and physical health, relationships, sense of safety, etc.- we experience less shame and guilt. When we are able to identify and talk about the very real effects of systemic harm, we are able to release ourselves from misplaced shame and blame. This may seem obvious, right? But part of living in a capitalist, colonial system means that many of us exist in a highly individualistic culture. What that means for our psyches is that we are far more likely to fault ourselves when something in our lives isn’t working or isn’t feeling good. And of course, sometimes the thing that isn’t working or feeling good IS something we can change and this is an important element of my work with folks as well. But it is also part of my work to help people unlearn individualistic mentalities and harmful beliefs all of us living in this culture are exposed to. 

I’m anti-capitalist as a human being because I know for a fact that a different, better world can and will exist. I’m anti-capitalist as a therapist because I recognize the systemic harm we are experiencing in the present, and I understand that part of the path to creating a better world is unlearning what capitalism has taught us. 

Okay, so how do I know if this approach to therapy would help me?

It’s my belief that everyone can benefit from working with a therapist who is anti-capitalist, regardless of whether that’s how you would describe yourself. If you have any interest in learning about and unpacking how you and your communities have been impacted by this system, then this could be a helpful approach for you. 

If you are someone who experiences shame related to productivity, disability, neurodivergence, identity, or self-worth, this may be an especially helpful addition to your therapeutic experience. An anti-capitalist therapist may be especially equipped to support you with recognizing systemic impacts and helping you to shift the shame and blame, and away from harmful beliefs that you “just need to try harder” or that something is wrong with you for struggling in this system. 

In my opinion, if your values align with anti-capitalism- or you just recognize the system we live in is harmful and not working- you may be more likely to have a better therapeutic relationship with a therapist who has similar values. Additionally, it is my hope that folks who describe themselves as anti-capitalist understand that capitalism is rooted in colonialism and racism, and that their work engages in anti-racism which can result in a therapeutic space that is safer or more challenging depending on your identity and the needs you bring into the space. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this! I hope it was helpful or interesting to you. Please feel free to contact me if this spoke to you and you’re interested in learning more about therapy with me.

-Drew