In Practice
what we do
Majlis is more than a practice — it’s an invitation to be.
A gathering place. A breathing space. A room rooted in Indigenous traditions of collective care and radical healing, Majlis exists at the meeting point of reflection, resistance, and renewal. We offer therapeutic practice that honours living experiences, centring bodies and spirits who have been marginalised, silenced, or displaced. It is a space where therapy is not confined to individual coping, but extends outward—toward community, toward justice, toward a future we can shape together.
Majlis was born out of a need for accessible spaces that that do not ask you to fragment yourself to fit within them. Spaces that allow us to sit down and rest, without the constant need to perform or produce. Therapy that does not extract but nourishes, that does not pathologise but recognises, that does not isolate but reconnects. Whether through one-on-one sessions, group gatherings, or collaborative workshops, Majlis is an offering: to arrive, to be, and to imagine.
Modalities: Art Therapy & Expressive Practices
Art therapy (art psychotherapy) is an integrative mental health practice in which therapeutic space is facilitated for processing, containment, and exploration using art making as the primary means of expression. At Majlis, we utilise the creative process and product, non-verbal communication, as well as applied psychological theory and counselling interventions, to address the needs and goals of participants.
With art therapy and counselling at the core, our approach is an integrative and holistic one, pulling from various creative and expressive practices, somatic movements, mindfulness techniques, and cultural and spiritual rituals where appropriate, calling on indigenous knowledge and connection to guide us throughout.
While 'art therapy' is seen as a western field, our ancestors have long used art and creativity in radical ways to express themselves, resist and revolt, and heal with their communities. We are committed to decolonising therapy, depathologising mental health practices, and challenging the systems of oppression that have shaped this historically violent and inaccessible field as we know it under capitalism and white supremacy.
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Body-centred approach. Acknowledges that trauma, stress, and emotional experiences are stored in the body, often shaped by systemic oppression and lived experiences. Through practices like grounding, body scanning, and system regulation through movement, participants are guided to reconnect with their bodies in a way that fosters agency and self-determination.
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Encourages present-moment awareness, fostering emotional regulation and self-compassion understanding. Based in Buddhist traditions, mindfulness helps individuals tune into their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment, guilt, or shame. Includes practices such as visualisation, meditation, and bringing awareness to the breath and body.
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Sacred traditional healing methods rooted in indigenous practices, spiritual rituals, and ancestral wisdom can make space for the exploration of beliefs, processing of intergenerational trauma, and embodying belonging. It can be whatever relevant to the individual; decolonising spirituality, reclaiming cultural symbols and rituals, and connecting with ancestral lands through poetry, prayer, folklore, remembrance, and more.
Philosophy & Approach
Decolonial & Anti-Oppressive Practices
We acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonisation and systemic oppression on our lives, including how race, gender, sexuality, class, and other identities shape our experiences. Grounded in Black queer feminism and disability justice, we centre intersecting oppressions and work toward liberation. This is a judgment-free space that honours your unique and collective history, including experiences of systemic violence or trauma.
Abolitionist & Social Justice Commitment
This is a PREVENT-free and anti-zionist space. We are committed to the principles of abolition and social justice, which challenge the harm caused by capitalist systems and institutions. In our work together, we will focus on building healing practices that resist systems of incarceration, surveillance, and punishment. Instead, we will focus on restorative and transformative practices and community care that center your well-being and liberation.
Community-Centered Healing
Healing isn’t just about the individual; it’s a collective process. While therapy will focus on your personal experiences, we will also explore how your relationships with your community shape your journey. We’ll recognise the role of community, connection, and support, and how strengthening these ties can foster a sense of belonging and togetherness for yourself and others.