Breathing Space Counselling

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

—Yes

We do not ask for your legal name.

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

—Yes

We ask for new clients to share their gender and pronouns (optional) in the intake form, so we can address you appropriately.

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

—Yes, to some extent

All our therapists are committed to ongoing learning about how to address barriers to services for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming clients. Some of our therapists have more knowledge and experience in this area than others. You can read our therapists' bios on our website to see which ones have more experience in this area.

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

—Yes, to some extent

We do have some relationships with local community organizations who offer Indigenous 2S/LGBTQ+ specific resources, which we are happy to share when appropriate.

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, to some extent

Some of our therapists have lived experience in this area.

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

—Yes

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

—Yes, to some extent

Some of our therapists have more experience than others in this area. Please see our therapists' bios for more information.

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.

—Yes, to some extent

Some of our therapists have lived experience in this area.

Can you and your colleagues distinguish gender/identity dysphoria/distress from other mental health conditions that are unrelated to gender dysphoria or distress?

—Yes, to some extent

Some of our therapists have more experience than others in this area. Please see our therapists' bios for more information.

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

We work to ensure that no one is discriminated against due to race, Indigenous status, ethnicity, sex, marital status, gender identity or expression, family status, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, place of origin, body size or appearance, economic status, physical disability, religion, or mental disability. This commitment is embedded in our policies and is an ongoing area of development.

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, to some extent

This is an ongoing area of learning and development. Our practice was founded by racialized therapists who are settlers on this land and who have their own lived experience of colonialism, racism and white supremacy. Our therapists have differing levels of knowledge in this area and we are in the early stages of developing decolonizing practices within our organization.

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

—Yes, to some extent

This is an ongoing area of learning and development. Our practice was founded by racialized therapists who are settlers on this land and who have their own lived experience of colonialism, racism and white supremacy. Our therapists have differing levels of knowledge in this area and we are in the early stages of developing decolonizing practices within our organization.