Marly McAstocker Counselling

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, there is an option to fill in preferred pronoun/names and we ensure that we use those when meeting with individuals.

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

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, limited to experience gained from education and meeting with trans people; we do not have personal experience

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? I feel fairly equipped for this. Practicing from a critical feminist lens as well as Narrative Therapy lens, we locate an individual based on their experiences within a heteronormative world. We are always looking for counter-culture/ counter-stories that support a life that goes against hegemonic beliefs. We see problems as the effects of
harmful systems, and these are often gender related.

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

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. I was the director of a Community Living Services for Adults for a couple of years. As such, many of my undergraduate courses were focused on critical disability theory. As a counsellor, I use the critical disability theory in my work to deconstruct ableism and highlight the negative ways it views bodies, difference, and similarities.

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

8) Do you offer Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ specific resources, for example Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers? I am connected to our local Indigenous Friendship Society, and I sit on the Indigenous Education Committee as an Indigenous parent. I am Metis, and have some understanding on the subject.

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

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, these may include racism, discrimination, lack of knowledge or understanding of perspective and experience, systemic marginalization.

11) Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals accessing your services? Similar to above.

12) Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for trans individuals accessing your services? Similar to above, including trans hate, lack of competency in helpful support, and further stigma

13) Are there clear anti-discrimination policies that include gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in your organization or practice? As I am a sole proprietor, I do not have a particular policy, but it is included on my website

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. I am involved in decolonizing my practice. As a FNHA approved counsellor, I take relevant courses and education to ensure that I am up to date. Narrative therapy itself is aligned with Indigenous practice. I attend many local and regional events as a Metis woman to connect to my own culture, with the mission of decolonizing my practice and my life.

15) Are all individuals involved in service provision actively engaged in anti-racist practices, policies, and systems in their care model? Just me, and yes most definitely.