Anti-oppressive therapy (AOP) is an approach to psychotherapy that actively recognizes, challenges, and seeks to dismantle the ways in which systems of power, privilege, and oppression affect mental health. It emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and social justice as core elements of the therapeutic process.

Rather than viewing struggles as something “wrong” within you, this approach looks at the bigger picture. It considers how your emotional pain might be a response to living in a world that hasn’t always been safe, inclusive, or fair.

Traditional therapy as a whole has often been criticized for being rooted in Eurocentric, individualistic models that overlook the systemic causes of distress. Anti-oppressive therapy seeks to bridge this gap, making therapy more relevant, affirming, and accessible—especially for people from marginalized communities.