Diversity Friendly
We're all unique. In my counselling office, you will be welcomed regardless of age, race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, shape, size, color, and however your mind works.
Gender-variant Friendly
What do I mean by that? Gender-variant is a term that describes a wide range of people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differ from their assigned sex and/or the societal and cultural expectations of their assigned sex. For many people, gender is no longer perceived as a set of boxes (his & hers), or even a continuum between those two binary definitions, but instead as a palette of many colors and unique blends. This is the attitude of acceptance I bring to gender-variant counselling. I've received small-group training from Dr. Gail Knudsen, head of TransHealth and BC's expert on gender variant psychology, and I'm available to provide assessments and consent forms for adults (over 18) wanting to begin hormone reassignment therapy. However, mostly what I do for the transgender and non-binary community is provide a safe space in which to explore issues in greater depth.
If you're looking for a place to explore the gender-creative palette
If you want to be connected to other trans*-friendly professionals
If you want more information in order to better support a loved one who is transgender, non-binary, or exploring
If you simply want support around an unrelated issue without having to deal with confusion and stigma
Then this is a safe and friendly place to talk!
Here's some links that might be of interest to you:
Neurodiversity Friendly
Neuro-what??! Neurodiversity is a big word that describes a simple idea: Our brains and minds all function just a little differently. Neurodiversity makes space for people who live with autism or ASD, ADHD, FASD, acquired brain injuries, developmental delays, and any number of other factors that can affect how their brains work.
For many decades, I have provided services to the community of adults with special needs and developmental delays, through Courtenay's Adaptive Programs and other organizations. When VIHA offered counselling services through the Developmental Delay Mental Health Team, I was the Creative Arts Therapist and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist for the Central and North Island.
I'm well-acquainted with many of the factors that impact a brain's function, and I've got lots of tools and approaches to choose from. I will find strategies and a way to communicate that works with each individual!
