Seawolf 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

All forms used have the option for clients to fill in their pronouns

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

—Yes

The name clients use is used throughout services and can be updated at any time. Clients share the name they would like used in their services even if this is different than legal name. Legal name is only required if clients need billing under this name.

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

I have experience supporting clients with their experiences with gender dysphoria and supporting clients through their decisions to access gender-affirming health care (such as HRT, surgery, etc.)

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

My education and experience working with individuals with diverse gender experiences as well as my education in counselling and research related to trans and gender-diverse people's experience with mental health have supported me to feel well-positioned to support a client to determine if and when their mental health symptoms are related to their gender experience or other factors. I work with my clients to determine how they make sense of their experience to find supports and strategies that best fit their needs.

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

—Yes

I am aware of the symptoms of gender dysphoria as well as experiences related to gender dysphoria and how these can differ or be similar to other mental symptoms, including exacerbating other mental health needs. I continue to seek out education on best practices regarding supporting individuals experience gender dysphoria and work with my clients to determine how they understand their symptoms, distress, and experiences of dysphoria or gender-related distress.

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

I have experience working with people who identify as living with a disability. I have not received specific training working with individuals who identify as living with a disability. The modalities and approaches to my practices are grounded in social justice frameworks which are well-suited to working with individuals with a diverse range of experiences including disability and chronic illness.

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

—Yes

As a white settler offering services on unceded territories, I am aware that my identity as a white settler could be a potential barrier for Indigenous individuals. Additionally, I offer my services in a private practice, while this does not require a referral from an outside source it is a paid service which can be a barrier for some individuals. To mitigate this, I offer sliding scale options and am registered as a service provider through the FNHA.

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

—Yes

I am aware of how cis/heternormative standards for health and mental health care cause barriers to access for LGBTQ people. I have first-hand experience hearing stories from clients about how difficult their experiences have been locating safe and accessible mental health care and how important it is for them to access supports that understand LGBTQ experiences and identities. I work to address these barriers by indicating on my website that my services are by and for LGBTQ community. I, myself, am queer and nonbinary and do disclose these identities to clients. I hope that by positioning myself in the work that I reduce barriers that clients have experienced in other services before.
Additionally, I offer my services in a private practice, while this does not require a referral from an outside source it is a paid service which can be a barrier for some individuals. To mitigate this, I offer sliding scale options and am registered as a service provider through programs such as CVAP and FNHA.

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

—Yes

In my practice, I follow the client's lead with what they want to share and when; however, I am comfortable asking relevant questions about gender identity and sexual orientation that fit with the clients needs and goals.

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

—No

I am not Indigenous and therefore do not offer Indigenous-specific supports. I do know other community organizations that offer Indigenous supports and will refer clients to these as needed or wanted.

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

—Yes

I always ask for client's pronouns and use these appropriately throughout our work together. I continue to check-in with clients about what pronouns are a good fit for them if they change their pronouns during the course of service.

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

—Yes

I am aware of how cis/heternormative standards for health and mental health care cause barriers to access for LGBTQ people. I have first-hand experience hearing stories from clients about how difficult their experiences have been locating safe and accessible mental health care and how important it is for them to access supports that understand LGBTQ experiences and identities. I work to address these barriers by indicating on my website that my services are by and for LGBTQ community. I, myself, am queer and nonbinary and do disclose these identities to clients. I hope that by positioning myself in the work that I reduce barriers that clients have experienced in other services before.
Additionally, I offer my services in a private practice, while this does not require a referral from an outside source it is a paid service which can be a barrier for some individuals. To mitigate this, I offer sliding scale options and am registered as a service provider through programs such as CVAP and FNHA.

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

—Yes

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

—Yes, to some extent

I work in a private practice that currently only include me as a practitioner. While I do not have specific policies in place, my values and approach to my work centres anti-discrimination and social justice at the centre. I continue to access educational opportunities that continue to build my own knowledge of how to uphold these values in my practice in real and tangible ways.

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

Decolonizing my work continues to be an important process and an ongoing process. I continue to access educational opportunities that continue to build my own knowledge of how to uphold these values in my practice in real and tangible ways. For example, I have completed the San'yas Indigenous Cultural Training program.

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

—Yes

I continue to access educational opportunities that continue to build my own knowledge of how to uphold these values in my practice in real and tangible ways. Addressing how racism effects clients and using an anti-racism approach has been crucial to support clients understand their experiences and find ways to support their mental health.