Prospect 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

Our forms ask folx to share pronouns and names that they use/prefer.

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

—Yes, to some extent

In some instances, folx require receipts using their legal name. So we provide those as requested. Otherwise, all other communication is using preferred names and pronouns.

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".

—Not applicable (please explain why this is not applicable)

One supervisor has experience; however, since the counselling will be provided by practicum students, the students generally won't have this experience.

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.

—Somewhat confident

At Prospect, we are providing detailed training and supervision to all our counselling students on anti-oppressive framework where we examine how mental health struggles are connected to the systems folx navigate including, patriarchy and cisnormativity. I would rate this more than somewhat confident but struggle to name it as very confident (just a personal thing where I feel I don't want to create a sense of safety for folx as being very confident on this and that can't be guaranteed).

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

—Yes, to some extent

Both supervisors have a strong understanding; however, similar to the above comment, we can't guarantee that all students providing counselling students will have a strong understanding. As part of our training and supervision process, this is something we specifically explore and support students to learn and grow, but I am weary of saying that will be guaranteed by saying a '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

Similar to above comment.

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

—Yes, to some extent

Similar to above comment.

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

—No

Some of our community trainers who are providing training to the students are indigenous with lived experiences of the topics they speak about. We are also using training material created/written by Indigenous scholars throughout the training process for our students. We are not able to provide any services to the community that is led by the Indigenous community at this time.

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

—Yes

This is a practice embedded in ways we connect with each other as a team and with clients.

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

—Yes, to some extent

These services are geared towards racialised communities, including Indigenous folx (and specifically Two-Spirit, queer or trans Indigenous folx); however, we realise that there is a lot to learn and we will not know everything we need to know to remove all barriers. We are aware that we have more work to do as well including but not limited to ensuring we have more folx with lived experiences in relation to those providing counselling services, training, and supervision.

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

—Yes, to some extent

Similar to above, we realise that we need more LGBQ+ folx in our organisation as well. We do have some representation but more is preferred.

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

—Yes, to some extent

Similar to above; however, we don't have anyone identifying as trans in our organisation. We do have folx who are non-binary. Again, I feel like we need more folx within the organisation.

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

—Not applicable (please explain why this is not applicable)

We work and provide services remotely.

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

—Yes, to some extent

All of our students and community trainers/supervisors are part of prospect due to their desire to create a more liberatory space for all including around gender and sexuality. We are in the process of finalising policies in general as we are newer though.

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

We are engaging in training provided by Indigenous people and engaging in materials created by Indigenous folx. Since we are new, we don't have a lot of funds; however, we hope to continue to grow and be able to take proceeds and support Indigenous organising efforts and mutual aid efforts. We are also looking at how we can take the learnings we are receiving from our trainings not only to shift how we engage in our work together but also our personal relationships.

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

—Yes

Similar to above.