‘Safe space’: Psychologist starts Inquirer column

“Safe Space,” a new weekly column by psychologist Anna Cristina Tuazon, starts today in the Inquirer’s Opinion section.

Tuazon is a registered psychologist who topped the 2017 Psychologist Board Exam.

She earned her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California, and is currently an associate professor at the University of the Philippines’ psychology department. She’s a member of the department’s wellness committee where, among others, she organized and conducted psychosocial interventions for survivors and responders in the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

She has also contributed as trainer and facilitator to various disaster risk reduction and management training programs for UP Padayon, the Philippine Pediatric Society, and the UP National Institutes of Health. She oversees individual referrals for psychological services within the university.

Relatable perspective

In addition to these university duties, Tuazon is also the resident psychologist and host of GMA News and Public Affairs digital program “Share Ko Lang,” which tackles contemporary topics and concerns that affect people, including bullying, long-distance relationships, self-love and stress.

Inquirer readers can expect Tuazon to write about these and other topics — family, education, mental health — in what she refers to as “a more practical, relatable perspective on current events.”

“I named my column ‘Safe Space’ because in psychotherapy, we strive to create a safe space for people so that they can explore and reflect without pressure or judgment. In the realm of social justice, we also strive to create safe spaces for marginalized groups where they have no fear of discrimination,” she said.

“How do current events impact our day-to-day lives? What really happens when families are together 24/7?

How is love and dating in the time of pandemic? Is it possible to pursue our dreams within a seemingly endless quarantine?

Is losing friends over politics really worth it? These are just some of the things I’d like to explore in my column.”

“When I was offered to write a column for the Inquirer, I felt incredible honor and pressure at the same time. I know I follow in the footsteps of great minds and brave souls. I only hope I can contribute to the discourse in some meaningful way,” said Tuazon.

“I hope that my column can be a safe space for readers to reflect on issues and concerns that they may not otherwise feel free to openly talk about.”