Coastal Compassion Counselling and Wellness

1) Are the forms used in your practice inclusive of various sexual orientations and gender identities (e.g. opportunities to fill in different pronouns etc.)?
Yes. Clients are also asked how they would like to be addressed in the initial consultation, and this is respected through the course of the work together.

2) Do you collect and use preferred names (rather than legal names) for all
communications?
Kyla will respect and use your preferred name for all communication, reminders, your file, and for your receipts and invoices unless requested otherwise. However, with youth it is important for Kyla to have a legal name on file- though, that is where it will stay, on file and not in session.

3) 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, Kyla has experience navigating and supporting the ebbs and flows of gender dysphoria with clients.

4) 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?
When a client is experiencing mental health symptoms, it is always Kyla’s goal to help the client navigate specifically what that symptom is, what provoked it, and what helps or does not help the symptom.

5) Do you/your colleagues understand the difference between gender dysphoria and mental health conditions/symptoms that are unrelated to gender dysphoria or distress?
Yes. Gender dysphoria and the distress that can come with it can absolutely be unrelated to mental health conditions or symptoms. The purpose of our work is not to minimize a client’s experience by medicalizing it, but rather to walk alongside the client through their journey with patience, acceptance and understanding.

6) 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. Kyla works with those who come from all walks of life, working with
individuals ages 9 and up who present with both neurological and physical (dis)abilities and chronic illnesses. Kyla has covered more specific training on working with autism, FASD, neurodiversity, ADHD, and general (dis)ability work.

7) Are you and your colleagues comfortable asking relevant questions about gender identity and sexual orientation?
Yes, if it is important and respectful to the client’s journey, there is no discomfort on the therapist's side in discussing or asking relevant questions about gender identity and sexual orientation. Such questions may be asked to gain a better understanding of the client’s experience and how they would like to present themselves.

8) Do you offer Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ specific resources, for example Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers?
While Kyla does not have direct, specific Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ resources, Kyla is always open to advocating for client needs outside of the office and is happy to help the client search for additional resources and support.

9) Do you and your colleagues ask clients about pronouns and use them appropriately?
Yes. It is important in Kyla’s practice to share pronouns, specifically asking the client how they would like to be addressed and referred to in the counselling setting. Kyla does not believe that the client needs to fit their pronouns, gender, or sexuality into a designated title. Rather, Kyla aims to gain an appreciation for the way that the client chooses to present themselves in a way that feels most authentic and safe, thereby holding a conversation around the language that the client chooses to use.

10) Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for Two-Spirit, queer, or trans Indigenous individuals accessing your services?
Yes. A large part of the Counselling education, as well as Kyla’s additional
Indigenous First Nations trainings challenge the Counsellor to remain constantly aware of the barriers which come up for clients in accessing these services. It is important to Kyla to hold an open awareness and communication around these barriers so that Kyla can work to provide safety for all clients.

11) Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals accessing your services?
Yes. Kyla has been trained in gender and sexuality specific counselling from a 2SLGBTQIA+ Lens, taught by Dr. Meera Dhebar who focuses her research on Queer Mental Health and Worldview. This training covered the many barriers which may exist for 2 SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Kyla is open to communicating about these barriers and working with clients to navigate how to minimize any present barriers to accessing mental health support.

12) Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for trans individuals accessing your services?
Yes. Please see above.

13) Are there clear anti-discrimination policies that include gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in your organization or practice?
Kyla’s practice is built on the foundation of offering compassionate, supportive care to help individuals find positive mental health, and a happier lifestyle. In this practice, individuals are welcomed as they are, for who they are, without discrimination. If the client feels as though the fit is not what they are looking for, Kyla will offer support in helping refer the client to other practitioners and has connections with other 2SLGBTQIA+ therapists.

14) 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.
Kyla has been trained in First-Nations and cultural Counselling from a
decolonization lens, and continued to advance this learning and awareness by accessing the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. In order to actively engage in decolonizing their practice, Kyla continues to access cultural training and education; participates in ongoing supervision to practice ongoing reflection; works to learn about the client’s cultural interests and practices; is open to incorporating culture into practice as requested by the client; continues to advocate for social justice and equality in the community; focuses on creating a safe space and environment; and works to empower the client and their voice within the Counselling relationship.

15) Are all individuals involved in service provision actively engaged in anti-racist practices, policies, and systems in their care model?
Yes, there is no place for racism, or any form of hate, bias, or judgement within Counselling practice.