Anti-oppressive practice (AOP) is an approach that originated in social work but has since made its way into therapy and other mental health spaces. At its heart, AOP is about social justice. It looks at how systems of oppression—like racism, colonialism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and classism—show up in people’s lives and even in the therapy room itself.

This perspective draws from movements like anti-racism, Indigenous rights, feminist theory, queer liberation, decolonization, disability justice, and others. In a country as diverse as Canada, with a complex colonial history and wide social disparities, this kind of lens is essential in supporting people’s mental health in a meaningful and respectful way.

Many people come to therapy feeling confused about their own reactions.

Part of you wants to set boundaries. Another part feels guilty the moment you try.
One part of you wants to rest, while another insists you should push through and keep going.

It can feel like you’re constantly being pulled in different directions.