Wandering Willow Counselling Solutions

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

2) Do you collect and use preferred names (rather than legal names) for all
communications? Yes, although for billing purposes, legal names are needed, and this is explained.

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

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 equipped, although the services in my community don’t seem acceptable or safe enough to send clients to.

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. Yes. I received training from a non-profit organization where I used to work. I have ASD, wheelchair loading and unloading procedures, and Chronic pain training. However, since there is limited formal training in these areas, there is still a significant need, and my approaches are always tailored to those of the client.

7) Are you and your colleagues comfortable asking relevant questions about gender identity and sexual orientation? Yes, but having more safe spaces or connections in my community is needed.

8) Do you offer Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ specific resources, for example Indigenous Elders or Knowledge Keepers? Not directly through my services at this time, but I am open to exploration and can direct you to other potential support within this nation.

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, most definitely.

11) Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals accessing your services? Yes, most definitely.

12) Are you and your colleagues aware of what specific barriers may exist for trans individuals accessing your services? Yes, most definitely.

13) Are there clear anti-discrimination policies that include gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in your organization or practice?
Not yet, as I am the sole proprietor and haven’t yet hired anyone else.

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. Not yet, as I am the sole proprietor and haven’t yet hired anyone else. As an owner, I am trying to do this. I am a 2s practitioner who utilizes nature-based therapy when necessary, and I have established several connections to the community where I live. We are also committed to keeping the land clean by avoiding paper and single-use items.

15) Are all individuals involved in service provision actively engaged in anti-racist practices, policies, and systems in their care model? So far, it's just me, so yes. I also specialize in racial trauma.