Meet Dr. Perri

What's Dr. Perri all about?

Dr. Perri's practice is informed by their lived experience as a white, neuroqueer, disabled, middle class person who was raised on Paumanok (so-called Long Island on the unceded lands of The 13 Tribes). Their education from pre-school to doctorate included public, private, and religious schools, colleges, and universities that varied in their racial diversity and inclusivity, financial accessibility, and elitism. The education they received perpetuated and reinforced white supremacist, euro-centric, capitalistic, and oppressive ideologies and practices. Dr. Perri's supervisors during undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education included mostly white women.

Through the years, Dr. Perri has lost track of the whos and whats that shaped their practice. However, learning about Black feminist standpoint theory remains the pivotal moment of pulling back the curtain on their unexamined whiteness. Dr. Perri sought teachers, mentors, elders, peers, and friends who were saying "fuck you" to the exploitative, violent, racist, ableist, sexist, all the -ists systems and perspectives. They intentionally partnered with people of color, disabled people, and trans and queer people who could challenge them on their bullshit beliefs and biases. Sometimes these guides were gentle and sometimes they weren't. A swift kick the ass is sometimes necessary.

Through this shaping, Dr. Perri has conscientiously blended many critical theories and practices into what they call relationship-centered practice. This isn't some peer reviewed, empirically supported theory or practice, though there is much empirical evidence supporting the varying theories and practices within it, including Black feminist standpoint theory, intersectionality, harm reduction, anarchy, psychodynamic theory, anti-racist practice, anti-oppressive practice, decolonization, culturally-affirming care, neuro-affirming care, disability justice, and healing centered engagement. They reject the status quo of productivity, objectivity, fast-paced, non-disclosing clinical practice. They value and prioritize slowness, connection, wonder, change, challenge, curiosity, and liberation.

Therefore, by engaging their offerings, you agree that you are at least up to the challenge to view the world and people through this blend called relationship-centered practice.

That's great, Dr. Perri. But wtf does this have to do with supervision and consultation?

They're so glad you asked! During session, you can expect Dr. Perri to support, nudge, poke, challenge, and affirm you. Sometimes, they ask lots of questions and offer lots of reflections. Sometimes, they are direct and clear. Sometimes, they forget what time it is and lose track of session. Sometimes, they might say something that's off, messy, confusing, agitating, or fucked up. Move towards these moments and bring them into the room.

Dr. Perri asks for your grace towards their disabilities. Their ADHD can show up as hyperfocus on one topic/client, losing track of time and going over session, losing track of time and being late for session or completely missing session. If a chronic condition flares, they might have to cancel session at the last minute. They are terrible at responding to emails. They live with cats who are distracting because they're so adorable.

They will offer you the same grace.

Further, they will support you, care for you, and call you out when you're being messy. They will be completely focused on you during session (except when the cats do something) and will look out for your well-being, even when you might not think your well-being is needing attention. They will give you honesty above all else, especially when they notice you are overworking, burning out, or overdoing it. They will seldom give directives, though the most frequent directive is "You are taking time off work as soon as possible. Let's figure this out right now."

My Fancypants Resume

If you'd like to know more about my education, work experience, and areas of interest, click here.

Media (symbolizations of how I think about/experience the world)