Alex Leslie - Understory Counselling

Do you collect and use preferred names (rather than legal names) for all communications?

—Yes

Are the forms used in your practice inclusive of various sexual orientations and gender identities (e.g., opportunities to fill in pronouns, etc.)?

—Yes

Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for trans individuals accessing your services?

—Yes

Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for Two-Spirit individuals accessing your services?

—Yes

Do you offer Indigenous 2S/LGBTQ+ specific resources, for example Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers?

—Yes, to some extent

I am familiar with resources and access points and am happy to bridge you there.

Are you and your colleagues comfortable asking relevant questions about gender identity and sexual orientation?

—Yes

Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for LGBQ individuals accessing your services?

—Yes

Do you and your colleagues ask clients about pronouns and use them appropriately?

—Yes

Do you and your colleagues have experience working with people who identify as living with a disability or chronic illness? Please tell us more about your experience and any training you have received. (For example, do you have experience working with people with diverse physical or cognitive abilities, or those who are living with specific chronic illness(es)?)

—Yes

My practice focuses on working with people who have ADHD or/and are autistic.

I worked in the public health system for a long time, including working as a clinical social worker on inpatient medical and surgery units, primarily with people marginalized due to poverty and systemic discrimination.

Can you and your colleagues distinguish gender/identity dysphoria/distress from mental health conditions?

—Yes

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

—Yes

Are there clear anti-discrimination policies that include gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in your organization or practice?

—Yes

Are all individuals involved in service provision actively engaged in decolonizing their practices and/or organization? If yes, please type below what actions you and/or your organization are taking.

—Yes

I am transparent about my heritage as a white Jewish settler with clients when asked. I am registered with the FNHA service providers program as I believe strongly in the importance of access to mental health service for Indigenous people who often feel unsafe or unwelcome in public mental health services. I completed Sanyas Indigenous safety training.

Are all individuals involved in service provision actively engaged in anti-racist practices, policies, and systems in their care model?

—Yes