Online Counselling at The Woods Counselling Co

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

—Yes

Every form gives you the opportunity to add your preferred pronouns, counsellors are affirming and have experience with transitions.

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

—Yes

We always ask clients and note preferences on files.

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

We have experience working with families and clients on the topics of gender transitions and gender dysphoria.

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

As Registered Clinical Counsellor, I have been trained in understanding if/when a clients mental health symptoms are related to their gender-related experiences or other factors. And at The Woods Counselling we take a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to all these factors as we investigate with client through curiosity in sessions and collaborate with clients as to how they want to proceed with their treatment.

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

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, I use my combined expertise in mental health and my lived experience of having chronic illnesses to help my clients. My passion for working with trauma cases comes from my lived experience working on scene for many years with victim services at our local police station before going on to get my masters. And my passion for working with chronic patients comes from living with a rare disorder which has caused me to have a significant understanding of medical procedures. These experiences make it easier for clients to feel heard without having to spend half the session explaining the disorder or treatment, and to feel understood by someone who’s been through these things before and isn’t shaken by their stories but empathizes. I know how challenging it can be to navigate the medical system, the justice system, and how difficult it can be finding the right mental health support under challenging circumstances. I was often frustrated in police work to see my clients put on long wait lists or passed off to under qualified workers. This is what’s propels me to continually pursue extra education like my certifications in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As both are found to increase the quality of life of patients and their families. And they give an approach that’s helpful for ages 5 and up when coping with trauma’s and skills to adapt to living with conditions. Through my experience in treating chronic illness patients and designing mental health programs for chronic illnesses, I am excited to now offer my services to a wider range of patients and families. As we have opened our doors in the last year we are available for clients from all over BC and support many in further regions of Canada that don’t have access to a qualified therapist.
We get that taking care of sick kids, and taking care of themselves can be difficult enough and we don’t want getting to the counselling office to add to that. That’s why the Woods Counselling Co. is a fully online mental health service, so that we could create a safe supportive and compassionate environment where clients can safely share their experiences and emotions from the comfort of their own home or hospital bed. Or in their car at work on their lunch break if need be. It doesn’t matter where they are, or how busy their lives are counselling can come to them.

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 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 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