Vileti ‘Akolo (she/they) LMSW is a first-generation Tongan trauma-informed clinician, circle practitioner, consultant, and facilitator. Based in NYC (licensed in NY), Vileti is skilled at integrating psychotherapy with social and transformative justice praxis. She dedicates her personal and professional work to upending oppressive systems and centering the lives of Black, Indigenous, and people of color relegated to living on society’s margins. Vileti is deeply committed to creating and holding intentional space and expanding capacities for profound, collective healing. “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” — Aboriginal activist- Lilla Watson
MY APPROACH
The bedrock of Vileti’s overall approach to clinical and communal work is informed by Critical Race and Black Feminist theories and embodied through an anti-oppressive, intersectional lens. For over a decade, she has developed curriculum, training and provided workshop facilitation for a multitude of clients and organizations on topics including social-racial-transformative justice pedagogy, youth development, professional development, trauma-informed care, mental health awareness, community care & community healing. Vileti’s consultant work is holistic and rooted in collaborative and liberatory praxis where ultimately, the hope is deeper awareness and radical change. Vileti prioritizes research and attending training on cutting edge topics in order to stay abreast of the latest innovative approaches to healing.