Lu Lu, LPC, CCTP-II
In the study of how social justice shows up in counseling spaces—not only in theory, but in daily interactions, systems, and the lived experiences of the people we serve, we realize how deeply aligned these lessons are with what we do here every day.
Oppression shows up in subtle ways, especially through ageism, ableism, and sizeism, and is often normalized in systems of care. Here at NCC, our trauma-informed mission is built with the pillars of community and directly pushes against these forces.
Social Justice and NCC’s Mission and Values
At NCC, our values include:
- Justice – receiving health care as a basic right
- Compassion – nurturing hope and healing
- Collaboration – partnering with clients, the community, and each other
- Excellence – assuring the highest level of care for all
Our Commitment to Equity states that NCC “does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, social economic status, or military status.”
What I love about this statement is that it does not just tell us what not to do—it calls us into who we must become as a counseling center.
It asks us to practice justice in small interactions, in our language, in how we conceptualize clients, and in how we create safe, welcoming spaces.
Oppression is often so quiet, normalized, and embedded in our culture that clients internalize its messages long before they enter our counseling rooms.
Sometimes unconsciously, we adopt and integrate beliefs or prejudices that impact our self-perceptions and how we believe others experience us.
Over time, society’s stereotypes can begin to cloud a person’s lived truth—shaping how they view their identity, their worth, and what they believe they deserve in relationships, healthcare, and therapy.
Below, we’ve outlined some examples of how these prejudices directly impact the delivery of care.
Ageism + Ableism
Older adults are often treated as “less capable,” “less relevant,” or even a burden—both in media and in healthcare.
- Age-related changes are often misinterpreted as “not taking care of yourself.”
- Older clients are talked over, dismissed, or assumed to be technologically incapable.
- Many internalize the message that they should stay quiet or avoid asking for help.
In therapy, this can show up as shame, withdrawal, or reluctance to advocate for their own needs.
Sizeism / Weight Bias
This one is extremely common and often invisible. Research shows:
- Larger-bodied clients receive less compassionate medical care.
- Their symptoms are dismissed as “just weight-related.”
- Many clients avoid healthcare entirely because of stigma.
- Even thin clients internalize fear and shame due to cultural pressure.
We learned that body size is not a character trait, and yet society treats it as moral worth.
Intersectionality
- Oppression rarely shows up alone.
- Clients experiencing ageism may also experience racism.
- Clients experiencing sizeism may also experience sexism.
- Clients experiencing disability-related stigma may also face classism.
Their healing cannot be separated from the impacts of these realities and are a significant barrier to starting and staying in counseling. Oppression causes mental health symptoms and can be a source of trauma for those experiencing care that lacks social justice.
Social Justice in NCC’s Daily Work
What struck me is that our mission calls us to be countercultural. When the world says some bodies, ages, identities, or abilities are less worthy, NCC says:
“All people, regardless of circumstances, deserve compassionate, professional mental health care.”
When systems make access to care difficult—especially for older adults, immigrants, women, people living in poverty—NCC steps in with sliding scale services, community partnerships, and a fierce commitment to equity.
In other words, we are actively undoing the effects of oppression. And sometimes that work is as simple and profound as:
- Slowing down and giving an older adult space to speak
- Using weight-neutral and ability-affirming language
- Not assuming limitations
- Naming internalized shame with compassion
- Advocating for clients who are not treated fairly in medical or social service systems
- Making our environment accessible, welcoming, and non-judgmental
These actions may seem small, but they are deeply transformative.
At NCC, our mission is not something printed on the wall—it is something we embody every time a client enters our room. NCC’s mission is alive in our values, our relationships, and in the unwavering belief that every person—regardless of circumstance—deserves healing, respect, and access to care.
Social justice is not abstract. In the healing space we provide, it is how we sit with clients, it is how we speak about their bodies, age, cultural identities. It is how we fight against invisibility and shame by offering presence and dignity.
Our community is stronger, safer, and more compassionate because of it.
If you are in need of compassionate, professional therapy, please reach out. Learn how we can help here.
Lu Lu is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling at Oregon State University. She received her BS from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from George Fox University. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II, and an EMDR therapist.
In her spare time Lu Lu likes to play with her children, go on dates with her husband, enjoy healthy food, visit museums, and read books.
Lu Lu offers therapy in English and Mandarin.
