Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services - Kelowna

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

—Yes

We always want to honour our clients to the best of our abilities. During every intake we ask for preferred given name and pronouns to attach to their file so that our team knows how to best address them how they would like.

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

—Yes

As mentioned before, we always want to honour our clients to the best of our abilities. During every intake we ask for preferred given name and pronouns to attach to their file so that our team knows how to best address them how they would like.

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

—Yes

OCCS is proud to employ trans counsellors as well as counsellors of various sexual orientations and gender identities. All of our staff are required to complete programs and workshops pertaining to trans-care and we have an ongoing dedicated research channel to discuss the latest developments around trans rights to keep everyone informed.

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

—Yes

We have several indigenous counsellors currently contracted in our clinic. All of our counsellors also complete a cultural sensitivity course and have regular meetings with the Elders in the Okanagan area.

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

—Yes

Our dedicated admin and intake team is trained to exemplify empathy and compassion when receiving inquiries or calls. We will always be open to speaking with prospective and current clients and aim to make them feel comfortable.

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

—Yes

As mentioned before, OCCS is proud to employ trans counsellors as well as counsellors of various sexual orientations and gender identities. All of our staff are required to complete programs and workshops pertaining to trans-care and we have an ongoing dedicated research channel to discuss the latest developments around trans rights to keep everyone informed.

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

—Yes

Yes, this is a regular part of our intake process and has a dedicated information section of our intake forms to ensure we use correct pronouns.

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

—Yes

Yes, as mentioned before, we proudly employ trans, queer, and indigenous counsellors all with lived experience. On top of that, all of our staff is required to complete courses in cultural sensitivity, and on-going education in the LGBTQ2S+ community.

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

Our clinic has been a pillar in the Okanagan community for over 10 years and with nearly 30 members of our team, regular group supervision, community engagement, and training, our team has worked with a wide multitude of individuals from all walks of life; including those with a disability or chronic illness.

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

Yes, our trans and queer counsellors have not only a masters level counselling degree but also lived experience with such. Our entire team is also informed and trained in navigating such topics and does so with clients often.

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

—Yes

Our staff have all completed specific training regarding this topic and specifically the stereotypes surrounding categorizing gender dysphoria and mental health conditions. We also are taking part in regular training events and have dedicated channels to keeping up-to-date in Trans care and trans related topics such as this.

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

This is a situation that our counsellors navigate with our clients quite regularly.

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

—Yes

All of our in-person locations have a gender-neutral washroom.

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

—Yes

Any such behaviour would not be tolerated in our clinic... We want our space to be not only warm and welcoming, but also safe and healing to all of those who come through our doors.

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

Our team is required to complete a course in cultural sensitivity as well as complete on-going training and workshops related to decolonization and the relationship between mental health practices and the cultural implications it has had and continues to have in the life of minorites. We also participate regularly in group supervision with Elders in our local community.

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

—Yes

Yes, this is part of their initial onboarding and a requirement to maintain job status in our clinic.