What if the traits we pathologize in our clients—hyper-independence, control, perfectionism—aren’t just personal adaptations, but reflections of a much larger cultural story?

In this Clinical Conversation, trauma therapist and educator Linda Thai invites us to explore the intersection of colonialism, narcissism, and clinical practice. Through a trauma-informed, somatic, and decolonizing lens, we’ll examine how colonial systems shape not only our clients’ inner worlds—but our therapeutic frameworks, our training, and our very presence in the room.

This isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness.
And from awareness, repair.

In this conversation, we’ll explore:

• How colonialism and white supremacy culture fuel narcissistic defenses—individually and systemically

• Ways these dynamics show up in the therapy room, often unspoken

• What it means to practice therapy that honors historical, ancestral, and cultural trauma

• How clinicians can begin to decolonize their own nervous systems, practices, and presence

Linda Thai brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, somatic wisdom, and lived experience as a refugee and healer. Her work is deep, disarming, and—most of all—liberatory.

This is a space to unlearn, listen, and reflect—so we can show up more fully and ethically in our work.