Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services - Penticton

Summary

At Okanagan Clinical Counselling Services (OCCS), we are dedicated to providing compassionate and affirming mental health support to the LGBTQ+ community and creating a safe space for individuals to explore their unique experiences. Our team of skilled Clinical Counsellors and Registered Social Workers understands the diverse challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and is committed to tailoring therapy to address their specific needs.

At OCCS, we offer a wide range of inclusive services, including individual, couples, family, and group therapy, designed to empower LGBTQ+ individuals in their mental health journey. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches and utilize techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and other LGBTQ+ affirming modalities. We strive to create an environment of acceptance, where individuals can openly discuss their experiences with coming out, gender identity, relationships, and navigating the complexities of LGBTQ+ life.

We recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Our goal is to provide personalized, non-judgmental support that promotes self-acceptance, resilience, and well-being. Whether you are seeking assistance with mental health concerns, relationship challenges, or exploring your identity, OCCS is here to support you on your path towards personal growth and healing. You deserve a space where you can be your authentic self, and we are honoured to be a part of your journey.

This organization offers reduced counselling rates. Please inquire directly for more information.

Want to learn more about this service’s work with Two-Spirit, trans, LGBQ+ people?

We invite all service providers listed on MindMapBC to answer the following questions. These questions were developed in collaboration with community members, researchers, and mental health and other service providers. They're intended to help us understand what a service provider or organization is doing to affirm and support sexual and gender diverse service users.

See below for responses for this listing.

Want to learn more about our screening questions and filters?

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

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

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

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

—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

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

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

—Yes

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

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

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

—Yes

Address

101 - 304 Martin Street
Penticton, BC
V2A 5K4

Languages

Services available in these languages

Last updated: June 26, 2023
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