How Attachment, Trauma, and Anti-Oppressive Therapy Shape Healing: A Conversation with Sakinaa Rock
What does it take to help someone feel truly safe in therapy? In this episode, I sit down with therapist and social worker Sakinaa Rock to explore what healing looks like for survivors of abuse — especially when layered with identity, attachment wounds, and power dynamics.
Sakinaa brings a deep background in Africana Studies, social justice work, and clinical social work, and together we dive into how therapy can honor complexity while creating room for real change. Whether you're a clinician, a student, or someone who's experienced relational harm, this conversation offers a lot to reflect on.
What We Talk About
Attachment theory and trauma recovery
Sakinaa shares how early relationships shape our ability to trust and connect in adulthood — especially after trauma. They explain why safety is the foundation of effective therapy and how attachment theory can help make sense of emotional patterns in and outside the therapy room.
Understanding denial in trauma survivors
Not all clients name abuse right away — and that doesn’t mean it’s not there. We talk about how therapists can approach denial with curiosity and compassion, helping clients process their stories at their own pace.
The role of supervision in therapist well-being
We’re not just talking about client care — Sakinaa also speaks to the emotional toll this work can take on therapists and why consistent, reflective supervision is essential for providing ethical, grounded care.
Affirming queer, trans, and kink communities in therapy
Sakinaa offers insight into how queer, trans, and non-monogamous clients often navigate unique power dynamics and societal pressure in relationships. We discuss how to provide affirming, nonjudgmental care — especially when those dynamics show up in the therapy room.
Power, misogyny, and client dynamics
The conversation doesn’t shy away from hard truths. Sakinaa talks about how misogyny, heteronormativity, and other oppressive behaviors can surface in sessions — and how therapists can address them while maintaining trust and safety.
Who This Episode Is For
Therapists, counselors, and social workers supporting survivors of abuse
Clinicians interested in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approaches
Students training in mental health fields who want real-world insight
Anyone curious about healing, relational dynamics, and what therapy looks like when it’s rooted in care and accountability
