I am thrilled to announce the publication of the new Routledge collection, Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diverse Therapy: Theory and Practice. edited by Dominic Davies, Silva Neves, and Antonio Prunas, this book represents a vital step forward in evolving therapeutic practice for the modern world.

I am honored to have contributed a chapter to this volume that explores the complex intersections of internalized prejudice and the limitations of the traditional Person-Centered Approach .

While the core conditions, including Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR)—remain fundamental to our work, my chapter argues that UPR cannot be truly achieved in a vacuum. We live and work within a society built on structural inequalities and systemic biases. If we, as therapists, do not actively work to see beyond these “structural shadows,” our attempts at unconditional acceptance will remain at best superficial and at worst missing from our practice.

In my chapter using the metaphor of Plato’s cave I explore

• The Myth of Neutrality: How “blindness” to systemic oppression can inadvertently reinforce internalized prejudice in clients.
• The Limits of PCA: Why a purely individualistic focus can fail those navigating GSRD identities.
• Active UPR: Moving toward a practice where seeing the client’s full humanity requires a conscious deconstruction of the societal hierarchies that shape us all.

Working on this piece was a journey of both professional and personal reflection, and I am so grateful to the editors for providing a space for these critical conversations.

Whether you are a trainee, an experienced practitioner, or simply interested in the intersection of social justice and psychology, I hope this book serves as a valuable resource and a catalyst for deeper reflection in your own practice.

You can find the book on the Routledge website here: Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity Therapy: Theory and Practice

And It would be wonderful to see all of you at the online book launch on January 9th. As the world turns more hostile towards none cis-het identities 2026 must be a year of visibility, resistance and one where allies speak out and show up. Get your free tickets for the launch here.