Ben Pruitt

While our sessions will focus primarily on you – I find that sharing about myself in the beginning of our relationship can help create a better sense of the lenses through which I approach the world and therapy. I believe my training is only one of the lenses that helps me understand and work with problems and clients. My personal experiences also inform my vision – what I see and what I do not see. It is possible that my personal identities may be helpful or a limitation in our work together – so I think it is helpful to learn your thoughts about this too. I think it is important to be able to discuss this now and throughout our journey together if either of us perceives we may have hit an obstacle related to this. With of this in mind, I identify as a white, queer, single, middle-class person with no children. I am deeply informed by a spirituality that draws from sources ranging from Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism to Indigenous spirituality. I am from North Carolina, with ancestors from across Europe and the United States. My practice is informed by a focus in trauma, the wisdom of the body, and spirituality. Much of my education has centered on queer communities and communities of color. I am a student of womanism and employ a feminist pedagogical framework aimed to dismantle sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. My identities and particularities may present as differences or similarities with you. While differences tend to be the primary concern, I contend that similarity can also pose limitations. Holistically speaking, it is my hope that we can work together, however, should any of this become a barrier – my genuine hope for you is that you find greater wellness and if that is with another person, I support you. - Ben