Therapy Isn’t Neutral: Why Clients Deserve to Know Where You Stand

Therapist Values Transparency Is Informed Consent

We expect informed consent to be a basic part of therapy: clients should understand how their therapist works, what they can expect from treatment, and any factors that could meaningfully impact their care. But one aspect of informed consent that often goes unspoken—especially in today’s social and political climate—is therapist values.

As a psychologist, I believe that being clear about where I stand on key issues isn’t just good practice—it’s a matter of ethics, safety, and trust. This is especially important for clients who are part of marginalized communities, many of whom are seeking therapy in direct response to ongoing political harm.

Therapy Doesn’t Happen in a Vacuum

For many people, therapy is not just about processing stress or learning coping skills—it’s about navigating a world that feels unsafe. Clients are showing up in therapy heartbroken, exhausted, and afraid because their identities, rights, or loved ones are under attack. They may be queer, trans, people of color, immigrants, or part of another community disproportionately affected by structural violence.

In that context, it matters whether their therapist thinks their marriage is valid, their gender is real, or their fear is justified. It matters whether their therapist supports policies that directly threaten their safety and well-being. If a client only finds out long into the relationship that their therapist holds socially conservative views that undermine their identity, it can feel like a betrayal. And depending on the context, it can be deeply traumatizing.

Silence Is Not Neutral

A common refrain from therapists is “I don’t talk about politics in the therapy room.” While that may sound neutral on the surface, it often functions to protect privilege more than people. When someone’s rights, relationships, or bodily autonomy are on the line, that is political—and pretending otherwise can create confusion or even harm.

The reality is that silence on social issues often implies consent with the status quo. And the status quo is not neutral. It’s already harming many of the people who walk through our (virtual) doors.

Transparency Builds Safety and Trust

Therapists have many ways to communicate their values without turning their website into a political soapbox. A therapist doesn’t need to state their entire voting record—but things like inclusive language, specific population focus, blog content, or visible support for marginalized communities are all signals that can help clients make informed choices.

Therapists are often taught to stay out of the conversation around politics. But when social issues are deeply intertwined with mental health—and they are—clients deserve to know where we stand. Not so they can agree with everything we believe, but so they can make an informed decision about who is safe to open up to.

This Isn’t About Financial Conservatism

To be clear, I’m speaking specifically about socially conservative beliefs here. You could absolutely make a case that certain fiscally conservative policies also do harm, but that’s beyond the scope of this particular post. The point is that when a therapist supports or remains silent on policies that delegitimize or endanger someone’s identity, the client has a right to know that. Because it will affect the therapy.

Transparency Is an Act of Care

I’m not writing this to say that every therapist has to disclose everything about themselves online. But I do believe that when our views could impact someone’s safety, we have a responsibility to be clear. If a client would feel less safe or supported knowing something about your values—and that value is central to your worldview—it’s unethical to obscure it.

This is why my website and writing are explicit about my commitment to inclusion, LGBTQ+ affirmation, and social justice. Not because I want to alienate people who think differently, but because I want to make sure that the people I work with know that they are safe, affirmed, and seen here. That’s the foundation of trust. That’s the foundation of good therapy.

Final Thoughts: This Isn’t About Division—It’s About Safety

Therapist values transparency isn’t about drawing political lines in the sand—it’s about honoring the reality that therapy is an intimate space, and clients deserve to know whether they’re sitting across from someone who sees their full humanity. When someone’s life, rights, or relationships are up for debate in public discourse, knowing whether their therapist stands with them is not a small detail—it’s the difference between healing and harm.

If we care about creating safe and ethical therapeutic spaces, we need to be honest about what’s at stake.

Looking for a Therapist Who Leads With Clarity?

You deserve to know who you’re working with. Therapy isn’t just about skill or training—it’s about trust, safety, and alignment. That’s why I believe in naming my values clearly and upfront. If you’re wondering whether we might be a good fit, I invite you to learn more about what I stand for and how I approach this work.

If what you see resonates with you, I’d be honored to connect.