You may notice a small image of Medusa displayed in the window of my office. I want you to understand why she is there and what her presence means within this space. Today, many survivors have reclaimed Medusa as a symbol of strength, protection, resilience, justified anger, and survival after sexual violence. Her image has become especially meaningful to some survivors of rape, sexual assault, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking.

Over the years, I’ve occasionally received calls from people who are in the middle of a mental health crisis and hoping to get an emergency massage appointment. I truly understand the desire for relief in those moments. I’m a helper by nature, and I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people who reach out to me.