Claire Benson-Mandl

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

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

—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?

—No

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

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

—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

I trained as a health psychologist in Australia so while I can’t practice as such today in Canada due to licensing requirements, my entire career has been about working with folks with chronic physical and/or mental health conditions. I have extensive experience working with those for whom chronic pain, anxiety, depression and PTSD are daily realities.

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

—No

I work exclusively online so this doesn’t apply

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

—No

It’s just me working independently so I haven’t created a formal policy to apply to myself! But I live this!

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

Again, it’s just me here. With the individuals I work with, we intentionally review their past experiences with work to identify moments when systemic racism has occurred and it’s historical and current impact.

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

—Yes, to some extent