Stillwaters 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

As a queer and non-binary person, it is of the utmost importance to me to provide counselling that is accessible to all gender identities and sexual orientations. This is reflected in my forms and in my practice.

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

—Yes

Preferred names are collected during my intake process and used consistently during counselling and other communications - unless a client requests a legal name being used for a specific reason (ie. receipts for insurance).

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, I have specialized training in supporting those experiencing gender dysphoria, and this is one of the main areas of focus in my practice.

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

I have advanced training in mental health diagnosis and assessment, and at the same time, I trust my client's wisdom about their mental health.

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

—Yes

Yes, I have advanced training in working with gender dysphoria as well as advanced training in mental health diagnosis and assessment. I am careful not to assume that all mental health symptoms gender diverse people experience are related to their gender, and at the same time, I always consider the impact of transphobia and cisnormativity on my client's mental health.

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

My practice is specialized in supporting neurodivergent people. I strive to find a balance between enhancing self-acceptance (particularly after the ongoing experiences of rejection many neurodivergent people experience in a neurotypical world) and offering skills to help improve quality of life within that world and to help meet my client's personal goals.

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

—Yes

I understand that mental healthcare has been part of a history of colonization, and that this presents specific barriers to Indigenous clients. Furthermore, as a white queer clinician, my experiences do not necessary reflect the experiences of gender, sexuality, or exclusion my clients have faced.

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

—Yes

As a queer and non-binary person, I am very aware of these barriers.

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

—Yes

These questions are regularly part of my intake process.

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

—Yes, to some extent

I accept FNHA funding and can offer referrals to relevant community services for my Indigenous clients.

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

—Yes

Yes, always.

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

—Yes

Yes, as a non-binary person myself I am very aware of this.

Does your practice have gender-neutral washrooms?

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

Online only service

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

—Yes

As a queer and trans affirming counselling practice, this is at the foundation of my practice.

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

I am engaged in ongoing professional development in the area of decolonization and anti-racism and I offer a sliding scale rate to BIPOC people.

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

—Yes

Yes, both myself and my other counselling associate are actively engaged in this work.