We Stand for Diversity: A Letter to Those We Serve

At The Barefoot Therapists, diversity isn’t just a value. It’s the heartbeat of everything we do. It shapes how we care, how we listen, and how we learn from the people who trust us. We believe that every person’s story matters, and our goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen and supported for exactly who you are.

The truth is, changes in our field have been disheartening, but they’ve reinforced how important these values are to us. We’ve seen diversity-focused continuing education requirements for counselors removed, and there is talk of eliminating its requirements from degree plans as well (American Counseling Association, 2023). These aren’t just abstract policies. They affect real lives, including the lives of the clients we serve and the people who show up every day to make a difference. As a team, we’ve had some deeply personal conversations about what this means for us and the communities we care about. It’s been tough, but it’s also strengthened our resolve. No matter what, our commitment to diversity and inclusion remains unwavering.

Living in Mexico for several years gave me firsthand insight into what it feels like to be a minority, navigating a world that wasn’t built for me. I struggled to learn the language, adapt to the culture, and figure out how to keep going despite the hurdles I faced. There were also moments when I felt nervous about the risks involved in helping people escape the cartel. Even though I was working to make a difference, the policies and actions of those in power created an environment of fear and uncertainty. That experience left a lasting impression on me—it showed how systemic decisions, even those far removed, can shape people’s lives in profound ways. It’s a reality we’re also seeing here in the U.S., where decisions at the systemic level impact access to equity and inclusion in meaningful ways.

Cultural awareness plays an essential role in therapy. My training taught me that effective care requires understanding how a person’s identity and experiences shape their perspective. This understanding has guided me in creating spaces where clients feel safe, valued, and respected for who they are (Sue, 2021).

The idea of removing diversity coursework from counseling programs concerns me deeply. These classes give future therapists the tools to understand systemic inequalities and advocate for their clients in meaningful ways (American Psychological Association, 2022). For many of us, these lessons transformed how we approach care and advocacy. Without that foundation, we risk leaving therapists unprepared to truly see and support the people they work with.

That’s why at The Barefoot Therapists, cultural competence isn’t optional for us. Whether the rules require it or not, we’re always looking for ways to grow, learn, and serve better. We have team conversations, dive into new resources, and push ourselves to be more thoughtful and aware. Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued—and that will never change.

Even though this moment feels heavy, it’s also driving us forward. We’re committed to advocating for equity in mental health care because we know it matters. And we’ll keep creating a space where every person feels safe, valued, and seen.

If you’re looking for a therapist who cares about your whole story—your culture, your identity, your faith system, your unique journey-we’re here for you. At The Barefoot Therapists, you’ll always find an open door, a listening ear, and a space where you’re celebrated for being exactly who you are.

References
American Counseling Association. (2023). Addressing changes in diversity education for counselors. Retrieved from Counseling Today

Hill, L., Artiga, S., Pillai, A., & Rao, A. (2025). Elimination of federal diversity initiatives: Implications for racial health equity. Retrieved from KFF

Sue, D. W. (2021). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (8th ed.). Wiley.

American Psychological Association. (2022). Why diversity training for therapists matters. Retrieved from APA