Cicada Counselling

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

—Yes

I ask for folks to fill in their pronouns but not their sexual orientations as part of the intake form. I leave the pronouns section open-ended (as opposed to creating sometimes rigid options that are not always representative of folks' identities).

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

—Yes

Though on my intake forms, there is an option to put in your name and preferred name, I don't require folks to fill out their legal names. Whatever names they want to provide me with is the name I use and check in with them with :) I also set aside time in the first session to make sure that I am using the correct name and pronoun(s) the client uses.

Do you and your colleagues have experience providing services that support clients with navigating gender dysphoria*? *TransCareBC describes gender dysphoria as a term "intended to describe the distress some trans people experience with relation to their gender identity, particularly if they would like to transition but have not yet done so".

—Yes, to some extent

I went through the required foundational training and am waiting for the next workshop/training opportunity from TransCare BC to provide Hormone Readiness Assessments for folks who are seeking such services.

Please tell us how equipped you feel to support a client in determining if/when their mental health symptoms are related to their gender-related experiences or other factors? Please describe your response choice below.

—Very confident

Do you/your colleagues understand the difference between gender dysphoria and mental health conditions/symptoms that are unrelated to gender dysphoria or distress?

—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.

—Yes, to some extent

I have supported clients living with a disability throughout my practice but I recognize the limitation of my competency as I am not trained to specifically support folks with a disability or chronic illness.

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

I try to collect and synthesize 2S/LGBTQ+ resources so I can readily send them to clients if they need additional support outside of sessions.

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

As a settler, I wanted to acknowledge and recognize the inherent power dynamic in the counselling settings. I recognize the ways I partake in the harm inflicted on the Indigenous population. I do not have the lived experience of an Indigenous person, and I try to learn and listen to ensure that I do not bring the colonial system and ways of thinking into the counselling settings.

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

—No

Unfortunately, neither of the locations/buildings I work in have gender-neutral washrooms. I encourage folks to use the washroom they are most comfortable with.

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

—No

I do not have a clear anti-discrimination policy as part of my consent form. As the sole owner of a queer-owned small business/practice, I strive to be equitable in all parts of my practice and will continue to find ways to be affirming of folks' gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

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

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

—Yes

We cannot address the issues that folks bring to sessions in isolation from the oppressive system that we exist in. I strive to incorporate systematic perspectives into my practice and learn to confront colonial lenses/biases through both clinical supervision and continued learning.