In dominant Western culture, boundaries are often taught as rigid walls: "No means no," "Cut them off," or "Protect your peace at all costs." While protective strategies are sometimes necessary, this framework often leans into control and individualism rather than mutual care and relationship.
Decolonizing boundaries means shifting the conversation from control to connection. It means asking: How do we create boundaries that honor our needs and the humanity of others? How do we practice consent, communication, and collective safety, especially in relationships where harm has occurred?
In many Indigenous and communal cultures, boundaries are not only about the self—they’re about the village. The goal isn’t separation but balance. Boundaries, then, become about relational integrity, not emotional cutoff. They help us stay in connection without abandoning ourselves.
This approach requires nuance. Not all harm can be repaired in relationship. But when possible, boundaries can become bridges rather than walls—inviting clarity, conversation, and healing.
In the therapy room, we explore how your boundaries were shaped—by trauma, by survival, by culture. Then, we reimagine what boundaries rooted in values like interdependence, care, and equity might look like for you.
Decolonized boundaries say: I deserve care, and so do you. Let’s find a way to honor both.
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