This non-discrimination policy was revised on December 23, 2024, as part of our inclusive and affirming online therapy practice’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression practices.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we believe that therapy should be a sanctuary—a space where all individuals feel empowered to show up as their authentic selves, without fear of judgement or exclusion. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is not a mere declaration but a practice rooted in decolonizing and intersectional frameworks. These guiding principles allow us to challenge systemic barriers and nurture a therapeutic environment that uplifts trans+, queer, and neurodiverse clients while honouring the rich tapestry of human experiences (Crenshaw et al., 1995; Mullan, 2023).
As a practice specialising in online therapy, we understand that accessibility is about more than convenience. It requires a nuanced approach to meeting clients where they are—both literally and figuratively. By embracing universal design principles, addressing systemic inequities, and continuously engaging in self-reflection, we ensure that our therapeutic services align with the diverse needs of the communities we serve (Rossetti, 2006).
Decolonizing Mental Health Care
The colonial roots of mental health care have long perpetuated harm by prioritising Eurocentric models of healing and marginalising non-Western and Indigenous perspectives (Bhatia, 2018; Mullan, 2023). At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we actively resist this legacy by integrating approaches that honour collective and community-oriented healing. For example, our practice values storytelling, creative expression, and relational frameworks that align with many cultural traditions while resisting the pathologisation of difference.
Recognising ADHD as a neurotype rather than a disorder is one example of how we challenge oppressive narratives in mental health. This perspective acknowledges the strengths and unique ways of being inherent to neurodiversity, reframing behaviours often pathologised in dominant paradigms (Mullan, 2023). By adopting this lens, we create space for our clients to explore their identities free from the stigma rooted in medicalised frameworks.
Intersectionality in Action
Intersectionality informs every facet of our work. Trans+, queer, and racialised individuals navigating the ADHD neurotype often experience compounded barriers that are invisible in siloed approaches to mental health (Crenshaw et al., 1995). For instance, a Black trans+ individual exploring their ADHD neurotype may encounter biases rooted in racism, transphobia, and ableism simultaneously. These layered experiences of oppression require an intersectional approach to therapy—one that validates these realities while fostering resilience and self-advocacy.
Through this lens, our practice seeks to amplify the voices of those most marginalised, ensuring that therapy is not just a place of healing but also a platform for liberation. As Martín-Baró (1994) advocates in Writings for a Liberation Psychology, mental health care must actively confront the systemic inequities that create and perpetuate harm.
Building an Online Space of Trust and Affirmation
In the digital age, online therapy offers unparalleled opportunities to reach individuals who might otherwise face barriers to accessing affirming care. However, the virtual space requires intentional design to ensure it is inclusive, accessible, and secure. At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we have taken proactive measures to foster a digital environment where clients feel valued and seen, including:
•Ensuring accessibility for clients using assistive technologies (Rossetti, 2006).
•Offering culturally responsive care that respects diverse linguistic and cultural needs (Venet, 2024).
•Prioritising data security and privacy, recognising the heightened risks faced by marginalised communities.
By cultivating a space where trans+, queer, and neurodiverse clients can explore their identities with authenticity and safety, we hope to contribute to a broader movement of equity and justice in mental health care. This policy, like the work it supports, is a living document, continuously shaped by the evolving needs of our communities and our dedication to learning and growth.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we are steadfast in our commitment to creating a therapeutic space where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Discrimination or harassment—whether based on race, ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital or family status, citizenship, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic—has no place in our practice (CRPO, 2024; Canadian Human Rights Act, 1985).
We believe that true equity in mental health care involves more than adherence to legal standards; it requires an intentional dismantling of systemic inequities that perpetuate harm. As an online therapy practice serving trans+, queer, and neurodiverse communities, we are committed to examining how intersecting oppressions impact access to care and implementing strategies to address these barriers (Crenshaw et al., 1995; Mullan, 2023).
Beyond Compliance: Embracing a Decolonising Framework
While non-discrimination policies often focus on compliance with human rights laws, our approach goes further by integrating decolonising principles into our practice. This means critically examining how colonial structures have shaped mental health paradigms and working to disrupt these patterns. For example, we challenge the over-pathologisation of behaviours associated with ADHD, recognising it as a neurotype rather than a disorder—a perspective that honours neurodiverse experiences and strengths (Mullan, 2023; Martín-Baró, 1994).
Our policy also reflects a commitment to equity in digital spaces. Online therapy, while accessible in many ways, can inadvertently exclude clients with limited internet access, disabilities, or language barriers. By adopting universal design principles and proactively addressing these challenges, we ensure that our virtual practice remains as inclusive as our in-person engagements (Rossetti, 2006).
Intersectionality in Practice
Understanding that identities and oppressions intersect is critical to creating an inclusive therapeutic environment. For trans+ and queer individuals exploring the ADHD neurotype, these intersections may include navigating ableism alongside systemic racism or transphobia. Our policy acknowledges the unique challenges posed by these overlapping experiences and commits to tailoring care to meet diverse needs.
For instance, a racialised trans+ client with ADHD may encounter compounded barriers, such as difficulty accessing culturally competent care or navigating systems that fail to affirm their gender identity. By prioritising intersectional frameworks in our policy and practice, we aim to mitigate these barriers and create a space where every client feels validated and supported (Crenshaw et al., 1995; Bhatia, 2018).
Policy in Action
This policy applies to all aspects of our work, including:
•Therapeutic Sessions: Providing affirming, equitable care for clients of all backgrounds, informed by intersectional and anti-oppressive practices.
•Consultations: Ensuring that potential clients feel welcomed and understood, with clear communication about the accessibility and inclusivity of our services.
•Professional Interactions: Holding ourselves and our collaborators accountable to uphold the values of this policy in every interaction.
•Digital Engagements: Designing online therapy spaces that are secure, accessible, and reflective of diverse needs.
Our commitment to non-discrimination extends beyond words; it is embedded in the fabric of our practice. This policy is not static but a living document, evolving in response to feedback, emerging best practices, and the shifting needs of the communities we serve (Mullan, 2023; Venet, 2024).
A Commitment to Accountability
We understand that policies alone cannot eliminate discrimination or systemic inequities. To truly embody the values outlined here, we actively seek feedback from clients, colleagues, and community members to identify blind spots and areas for growth. This feedback informs the ongoing refinement of our policy and practice, ensuring they remain relevant and impactful.
Through these efforts, Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC strives to set a standard for equity and inclusion in mental health care—one that honours the dignity, complexity, and resilience of all who seek our support.
•Ableism: The systemic discrimination and marginalisation of individuals with disabilities, perpetuated through attitudes, policies, and practices that privilege able-bodied individuals (Bhatia, 2018).
•Ageism: Prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their age, often targeting older adults or younger individuals, depending on societal biases.
•Allyship: A practice of actively supporting marginalised individuals or groups through advocacy, self-education, and the amplification of their voices without overshadowing their lived experiences (Mullan, 2023).
•Anti-Oppression: The active process of challenging and dismantling systemic inequalities and power imbalances that perpetuate discrimination against marginalised groups (Venet, 2024).
•Anti-Racism: An active process of identifying, challenging, and dismantling individual, systemic, and institutional racism while promoting equity and justice for racialised communities (Crenshaw et al., 1995).
•Cisnormativity: The assumption that all individuals identify with the sex they were assigned at birth, often marginalising transgender and non-binary individuals.
•Cultural Competence: The ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one’s own.
•Cultural Humility: A lifelong process of self-reflection and self-critique that encourages health professionals to recognise and address power imbalances, prioritising clients’ cultural identities and experiences (Venet, 2024).
•Decolonization: The active process of dismantling colonial frameworks and prioritizing Indigenous and non-Western approaches to healing (Mullan, 2023).
•Disability Justice: A framework that goes beyond accessibility to address the intersecting systems of oppression impacting disabled individuals, particularly those who are racialised, queer, or trans+ (Bhatia, 2018).
•Gender-Affirming Care: Medical, psychological, and social support provided to individuals to help them align their gender expression with their gender identity.
•Health Equity: The pursuit of eliminating disparities in health outcomes and access to care by addressing systemic inequities and social determinants of health (Bhatia, 2018).
•Heteronormativity: The belief or assumption that heterosexuality is the norm or default sexual orientation, often leading to the marginalisation of LGBTQ+ individuals.
•Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence perceptions, decisions, and actions, often perpetuating discrimination unknowingly (Venet, 2024).
•Intersectionality: A framework recognizing the interconnected nature of social identities and how overlapping systems of oppression uniquely impact individuals (Crenshaw et al., 1995).
•Microaggressions: Everyday verbal, nonverbal, or environmental slights, snubs, or insults that communicate hostile or derogatory messages to marginalised individuals, often unconsciously (Mullan, 2023).
•Misgendering: Referring to or addressing someone using language, pronouns, or terms that do not align with their affirmed gender identity.
•Neurodiversity: A paradigm that embraces variations in cognitive functioning, such as ADHD and autism, as natural and valuable aspects of human diversity rather than disorders to be “fixed” (Mullan, 2023).
•Oppression: Systemic, institutional, or interpersonal practices that marginalize or disenfranchise individuals based on their identities (Crenshaw et al., 1995).
•Privilege: Unearned advantages or benefits granted to individuals based on societal hierarchies, such as race, gender, or ability, often at the expense of marginalised groups.
•Restorative Justice: A process-focused framework that seeks to address harm, repair relationships, and centre the needs of those impacted through dialogue, accountability, and mutual respect (Mullan, 2023).
•Sexism: Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex or gender.
•Social Determinants of Health: The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence their health outcomes, often shaped by the distribution of resources, power, and privilege (Venet, 2024).
•Systemic Discrimination: Discrimination entrenched in laws, policies, and institutional practices, creating barriers to equity for marginalised groups.
•Trauma-Informed Care: An approach to mental health that recognises the pervasive impact of trauma and emphasises safety, empowerment, and healing in all interactions (Martín-Baró, 1994; Venet, 2024).
•Universal Design: A framework for ensuring that physical and digital environments are accessible to the widest range of individuals without requiring adaptations (Rossetti, 2006).
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, accessibility is not just a logistical consideration—it is a core value. Rooted in the principles of universal design and equity-centred care, our commitment to accessibility reflects our dedication to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has equitable access to mental health support (Rossetti, 2006; Venet, 2024).
We recognise that barriers to access are multifaceted, often shaped by intersecting factors such as socioeconomic status, disability, geography, and systemic oppression. To address these barriers meaningfully, we commit to the following actions:
•Sliding-Scale Fees:
•To address financial barriers, we offer sliding-scale fees that align with clients’ financial circumstances. This approach ensures that therapy remains within reach for those who might otherwise be excluded due to economic constraints.
•Accessible Digital Platforms:
•Recognising that our work as an online therapy practice relies on digital tools, we ensure that our platforms are designed to accommodate a wide range of needs. This includes compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard navigation tools, as well as the provision of captions and transcription for video sessions when requested.
•Accommodations for Disabilities and Sensory Differences:
•We proactively adapt our practices to meet the unique needs of clients with disabilities or sensory sensitivities. This includes providing alternative formats for therapy materials, creating flexible scheduling options to accommodate energy levels and accessibility needs, and ensuring that therapy approaches are customised to honour each client’s sensory and communication preferences.
•Eliminating Technological Barriers:
•For clients in remote or underserved areas, we provide support to navigate technological challenges, such as offering guidance on using digital tools or connecting via low-bandwidth-friendly platforms.
•Commitment to Language Access:
•We strive to provide services in the preferred languages of our clients wherever possible, including access to interpretation or translated materials for clients whose primary language is not English.
•Feedback-Driven Improvements:
•Accessibility is a dynamic and evolving commitment. We actively seek feedback from clients and community members about barriers they encounter and use this input to continually improve the inclusivity of our services.
By grounding our practice in these principles, we ensure that accessibility is not an afterthought but an integral part of how we deliver care. These commitments align with our broader mission to dismantle systemic barriers in mental health and foster a therapeutic environment where every individual feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to heal.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, cultural competence and humility are foundational to our practice. We recognise that cultural identities, lived experiences, and systemic inequities profoundly shape mental health journeys. As practitioners, we are committed to the continuous development of skills, knowledge, and self-awareness to provide care that is culturally affirming and anti-oppressive (CRPO, 2024; CCPA, 2007).
Cultural humility goes beyond acquiring knowledge about different cultures—it involves a lifelong process of self-reflection, recognising the limits of our understanding, and committing to address biases and power dynamics in our work. To uphold this commitment, we engage in the following practices:
Ongoing Education and Training
•Regular Anti-Oppression Training:
•All team members participate in regular training sessions focused on cultural humility, anti-racism, and decolonising mental health care. These trainings incorporate insights from foundational frameworks like intersectionality and equity-centred approaches (Crenshaw et al., 1995; Mullan, 2023).
•Lived Experience as Expertise:
•We value and prioritise the perspectives of individuals and communities with lived experience of marginalisation, integrating their voices into our learning processes and therapeutic approaches (Martín-Baró, 1994).
Reflective Practice
•Critical Self-Examination:
•We regularly examine how our own cultural identities, privileges, and biases influence our therapeutic relationships and decision-making processes.
•Client-Centred Feedback:
•We actively seek and integrate feedback from clients, particularly those from marginalised communities, to identify areas for growth and improvement.
Collaboration with Marginalised Communities
•Partnerships and Consultation:
•We build relationships with organisations and advocates from marginalised groups to ensure our practice is informed by and responsive to community needs.
•Culturally Responsive Approaches:
•Our therapeutic practices are tailored to honour the cultural values and identities of our clients, recognising that mental health is deeply connected to culture, community, and context (Bhatia, 2018).
Addressing Power Dynamics in Therapy
•Equitable Therapeutic Relationships:
•We strive to minimise power imbalances between therapist and client by fostering collaboration, transparency, and shared decision-making in every aspect of the therapeutic process (Venet, 2024).
•Acknowledging Structural Inequities:
•We actively consider the broader systems of oppression that shape our clients’ experiences and work to dismantle these inequities within our practice and advocacy efforts.
By embedding cultural humility and anti-oppression practices into every layer of our work, we create a therapeutic space that respects and affirms the unique identities and experiences of our clients. This commitment to growth and accountability ensures that our care remains relevant, inclusive, and transformative.
As an online therapy practice, Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC recognises the critical importance of creating a virtual environment that is inclusive, accessible, and secure for all clients. Our commitment to digital accessibility and online therapy standards ensures that the therapeutic space remains welcoming and effective for individuals with diverse needs, including those from marginalised communities who may face heightened risks in digital environments.
Commitment to Digital Accessibility
Our approach to accessibility in online therapy is rooted in universal design principles, ensuring equitable access for all clients (Rossetti, 2006). This includes:
•Assistive Technology Compatibility:
•Ensuring that all platforms used for therapy sessions are fully compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnification software, and alternative input devices.
•Captioning and Transcription Services:
•Providing captions for video calls and audio content upon request, as well as transcripts for sessions or materials when needed, to support clients with hearing impairments or auditory processing challenges.
•Compliance with Accessibility Standards:
•Conducting regular audits and updates of our digital tools to maintain compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1), which outline best practices for creating accessible online environments.
Data Privacy and Security
Digital accessibility also requires a commitment to protecting clients’ sensitive information, particularly for those from marginalised communities who may face additional risks related to privacy breaches. We address these concerns through the following measures:
•Encrypted Communication Platforms:
•Using secure, end-to-end encrypted platforms for all online therapy sessions to safeguard client data from unauthorised access.
•Anonymity Options:
•Offering clients the choice to use pseudonyms or other measures to protect their identities in documentation and online interactions, particularly for individuals in vulnerable circumstances.
•Secure Data Storage:
•Storing all client records and session notes in encrypted databases that comply with provincial, federal, and international privacy regulations, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
•Education on Digital Safety:
•Providing clients with resources and guidance on how to maintain their own digital safety, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs), secure passwords, and other privacy-enhancing tools.
Continuous Improvement and Feedback
We recognise that digital accessibility is an evolving practice that requires ongoing reflection and adaptation. To ensure our online therapy standards remain inclusive and effective, we:
•Regularly seek feedback from clients about their experiences with our digital platforms.
•Engage with accessibility experts to identify areas for improvement.
•Stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices in digital accessibility.
By prioritising accessibility and data security in the digital space, we aim to create an online therapy environment that honours the dignity and safety of all clients. These efforts reflect our broader commitment to equity and inclusion in mental health care, ensuring that no client is left behind in the virtual realm.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we believe that addressing harm requires more than acknowledgment—it demands action rooted in restorative justice principles. Restorative justice focuses on repairing relationships, rebuilding trust, and prioritizing the needs of those impacted by discrimination, harassment, or other forms of harm. Our commitment to this approach ensures that our practice remains a safe, accountable, and equitable space for all clients and colleagues.
Centring the Experiences of Those Impacted
We acknowledge that the impact of harm is often shaped by intersecting systems of oppression. Therefore, we are committed to:
•Active Listening and Empathy:
•Creating a safe environment where individuals feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment, minimisation, or retaliation.
•Personalised Support:
•Tailoring our response to meet the unique needs of those impacted, recognising that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process.
Clear Avenues for Reporting and Addressing Grievances
Transparency is a cornerstone of accountability. To ensure that all individuals feel supported in raising concerns, we have established:
•Accessible Reporting Channels:
•Multiple avenues for reporting, including confidential email, phone consultations, and an ombudsperson, to accommodate diverse needs and preferences (NSCCT, 2023).
•Timely and Thorough Responses:
•A commitment to responding promptly to all grievances, providing clear communication about the process and expected timelines.
•Support During the Process:
•Offering guidance and resources to individuals navigating the reporting process, including referrals to advocacy or counselling services if needed.
Corrective Actions that Promote Healing and Accountability
Rather than adopting punitive approaches, we focus on solutions that prioritise learning, accountability, and relationship repair. These may include:
•Facilitated Dialogue:
•Creating opportunities for open communication between the affected parties, guided by restorative justice principles.
•Educational Interventions:
•Providing education and training to address the behaviours or biases that contributed to harm, ensuring that lessons learned lead to meaningful change.
•Restitution and Repair:
•Exploring ways to make amends that align with the needs and preferences of those impacted, fostering a sense of justice and resolution.
Accountability Beyond the Immediate Practice
We also recognise the importance of addressing systemic issues that contribute to harm. To this end, we:
•Engage in Reflexive Practice:
•Regularly assess our policies, procedures, and interactions to identify and address potential blind spots or inequities.
•Commit to Systemic Advocacy:
•Actively participate in broader efforts to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate harm within mental health care and society at large (Martín-Baró, 1994; Mullan, 2023).
By embedding restorative justice into our practice, we create a culture where accountability is not feared but embraced as a pathway to growth, healing, and transformation. This approach aligns with our broader mission to foster an inclusive and equitable therapeutic space for all.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we understand that the work of dismantling systemic oppression and fostering equity in mental health care cannot be done in isolation. True progress requires collaboration with communities and organisations working on the frontlines of social justice. Through meaningful partnerships and open channels for feedback, we aim to ensure that our practice evolves in alignment with the needs and experiences of those we serve.
Partnerships with Marginalised Communities
We are committed to building relationships with organisations, networks, and individuals who advocate for marginalised populations. These partnerships help us:
•Understand Systemic Barriers:
•Gain deeper insights into the challenges faced by trans+, queer, racialised, and neurodiverse individuals in accessing mental health care.
•Amplify Community Voices:
•Support and elevate the work of grassroots organisations that drive systemic change in mental health and beyond.
•Enhance Service Relevance:
•Incorporate the expertise and lived experiences of marginalised communities into our therapeutic approaches to ensure they are culturally responsive and intersectional (Crenshaw et al., 1995; Mullan, 2023).
For example, we actively seek collaborations with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, disability justice organisations, and community health networks to share resources, develop best practices, and co-create initiatives that address systemic inequities in mental health care.
Feedback Mechanisms
Engaging with feedback is a vital part of creating a responsive and accountable practice. We prioritise:
•Client Input:
•Inviting clients to share their experiences and suggestions through anonymous surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one consultations. This feedback informs improvements to our services, accessibility, and inclusivity.
•Colleague and Partner Feedback:
•Regularly soliciting input from colleagues, collaborators, and community partners to identify blind spots, refine policies, and strengthen our approaches to anti-oppression and equity.
•Open-Dialogue Sessions:
•Hosting periodic listening sessions with clients and community members to discuss their needs and experiences, ensuring that our practice remains aligned with the evolving realities of marginalised populations.
Commitment to Collective Growth
By engaging with communities and fostering open communication, we strive to create a practice that is not only inclusive but also transformative. These efforts reflect our belief that mental health care must be a collaborative endeavour—one that draws strength from the wisdom, resilience, and advocacy of the communities it serves.
Through partnerships and feedback mechanisms, we ensure that our work is shaped by those most impacted by systemic inequities, fostering a culture of shared learning and collective progress.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we are committed to creating a therapeutic environment where all clients and collaborators feel safe, respected, and supported. To uphold this commitment, we provide clear, accessible, and transparent processes for reporting concerns related to discrimination, harassment, or other forms of harm.
Accessible Reporting Channels
Individuals who experience or witness discrimination are encouraged to raise their concerns through one or more of the following channels:
•Email: Contact us confidentially at info@clayresessoms.com.
•Phone: Reach out directly by calling 778-302-3187 to discuss your concerns.
•Ombudsperson Consultation: Request a confidential meeting with our practice’s ombudsperson to address your concerns in a safe and supportive setting.
These options ensure that individuals can choose the reporting method that feels most comfortable and secure for them.
Complaint Process
All complaints will be handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and care, following the regulatory guidelines provided by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) (CRPO, 2024; NSCCT, 2023). The steps include:
1.Acknowledgment of Complaint:
•Upon receipt of a complaint, we will confirm its receipt within 48 hours and outline the next steps in the process.
2.Confidential Review:
•The complaint will be reviewed confidentially, and relevant parties may be contacted to gather additional information.
•All efforts will be made to protect the privacy of those involved while ensuring a thorough and impartial review.
3.Resolution and Follow-Up:
•Depending on the nature of the complaint, resolutions may include facilitated dialogue, adjustments to policies or practices, or other restorative actions.
•A final response will be provided to the complainant, outlining the findings and steps taken to address the issue.
Commitment to Fairness and Accountability
•Confidentiality:
•All complaints will be treated with the utmost discretion to protect the privacy and safety of all parties involved.
•Non-Retaliation:
•Individuals who report concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation or adverse consequences.
•Timeliness:
•While the resolution timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the issue, we are committed to addressing all complaints promptly and efficiently.
Escalation and External Reporting
If an individual feels their complaint has not been adequately addressed, they may escalate the matter to the relevant regulatory body. For example:
•CRPO Complaint Process: Individuals may submit a formal complaint to the CRPO using their complaint form or contact them directly for guidance.
•NSCCT Complaint Process: Similar steps may be taken through the NSCCT. Additional details are available on the respective websites of these organisations.
Feedback on the Complaint Process
We are committed to continuously improving our complaint handling procedures. Feedback about the process itself can be submitted anonymously or directly to info@clayresessoms.com.
By ensuring that concerns are addressed fairly, transparently, and with a focus on restoration, we aim to uphold the trust and safety of everyone who engages with our practice.
Education is central to the mission of Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC. We are committed to fostering continuous growth and learning within our practice while contributing to the broader community’s understanding of equity and mental health. Through professional development and public education, we ensure that our approach remains informed, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs of those we serve.
Professional Development
To uphold the principles of equity and anti-oppression in our work, we require all therapists and staff to engage in ongoing education that builds their capacity to address systemic inequities and support marginalised communities effectively. This includes:
•Annual Anti-Oppression Training:
•All team members participate in mandatory training sessions at least once a year, focusing on topics such as cultural humility, intersectionality, implicit bias, and decolonising mental health care (Crenshaw et al., 1995; Mullan, 2023).
•Specialised Workshops:
•Staff are encouraged to attend specialised workshops addressing issues like disability justice, gender-affirming care, and trauma-informed practices.
•Lived Experience Panels:
•We invite individuals from marginalised communities to share their lived experiences and expertise, ensuring that our learning is rooted in real-world perspectives.
•Reflective Practice:
•Regular reflective sessions are held for staff to examine how their own identities, biases, and privileges impact their therapeutic work and client relationships (Venet, 2024).
Public Education
Our commitment to equity extends beyond our practice to the wider community. We actively contribute to public understanding of mental health, inclusion, and social justice through:
•Free Educational Resources:
•We develop and share resources such as blog posts, videos, and downloadable guides that explore topics like mental health equity, the ADHD neurotype, and intersectionality in therapy.
•Workshops and Webinars:
•Free or low-cost workshops and webinars are offered to educate community members, advocacy groups, and allied professionals on anti-oppressive mental health practices.
•Collaboration with Schools and Organisations:
•We partner with educational institutions, advocacy groups, and community organisations to create customised presentations and training sessions tailored to their specific needs.
•Amplifying Marginalised Voices:
•Through our public education initiatives, we prioritise the voices of marginalised individuals, highlighting their resilience, expertise, and leadership in mental health and social justice.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Recognising that equity and inclusion work is an ongoing process, we are dedicated to:
•Staying Current with Research:
•Regularly reviewing emerging literature and best practices in anti-oppression and mental health care (Mullan, 2023; Bhatia, 2018).
•Engaging with Feedback:
•Incorporating feedback from clients, colleagues, and the community into our educational initiatives to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.
•Accountability to Standards:
•Aligning all professional development and public education efforts with the ethical and regulatory standards set by CRPO, NSCCT, and other governing bodies.
Through these educational commitments, we aim to create a ripple effect that not only enhances our practice but also empowers individuals and communities to advocate for equity and justice in mental health and beyond.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, our commitment to equity and inclusion extends beyond the therapy room. We recognise that systemic inequities in mental health care and broader social injustices require active advocacy and a willingness to take a public stand. Through meaningful engagement with campaigns, initiatives, and public discourse, we aim to contribute to the dismantling of oppressive systems and the creation of a more just and compassionate society.
Advocacy Commitments
As a practice dedicated to social justice, we actively engage in initiatives that address systemic barriers and promote equity in mental health care. This includes:
•Collaborating with Advocacy Groups:
•Partnering with local, national, and international organisations that advocate for mental health equity, LGBTQ+ rights, disability justice, and racial justice.
•Supporting Legislative Change:
•Endorsing and participating in campaigns that advocate for policies ensuring accessible and affirming mental health care for all, particularly for trans+, queer, racialised, and neurodiverse communities.
•Engaging in Research and Policy Development:
•Contributing to studies, white papers, and policy proposals aimed at addressing disparities in mental health care and advancing systemic solutions.
For example, we may join efforts to increase funding for mental health services in underserved areas or support campaigns challenging discriminatory practices in the mental health profession.
Public Statements on Discrimination
We believe that silence in the face of injustice perpetuates harm. As a practice, we commit to taking clear and public stances against systemic inequities and forms of oppression, including but not limited to:
•Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation:
•Denouncing laws and policies that undermine the rights, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as those restricting gender-affirming care or marriage equality.
•Racial Violence and Injustice:
•Speaking out against acts of racial violence, systemic racism, and policies that perpetuate racial inequities.
When appropriate, we amplify the voices of affected communities, ensuring that their perspectives and leadership are centred in our advocacy efforts. Public statements are shared through our website, social media platforms, and collaborations with advocacy networks to reach diverse audiences and inspire collective action.
Promoting Community-Led Change
In addition to addressing systemic issues, we prioritise initiatives that empower communities to lead their own advocacy efforts. This includes:
•Providing Education and Resources:
•Offering workshops, toolkits, and support to community members interested in mental health advocacy.
•Elevating Marginalised Voices:
•Using our platform to highlight the stories and expertise of individuals from marginalised communities, ensuring their leadership is recognised and valued.
Commitment to Accountability in Advocacy
Our advocacy work is guided by the principle of accountability. We regularly reflect on the impact of our efforts, seeking feedback from clients, colleagues, and community partners to ensure our actions align with the needs and priorities of those we serve.
By integrating advocacy and social responsibility into our practice, we hope to contribute to a broader movement for equity and justice—not only in mental health care but across all facets of society.
At Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy ULC, we recognise that equity and inclusion are dynamic, requiring continuous growth and adaptation. This non-discrimination policy is a living document, designed to evolve alongside emerging insights, best practices, and the shifting needs of the communities we serve. By committing to regular reflection and revision, we ensure that this policy remains impactful, relevant, and aligned with our values of social justice and accountability (Mullan, 2023; Venet, 2024).
Annual Policy Review
We commit to reviewing and updating this policy annually, incorporating:
•Community Feedback:
•Actively seeking input from clients, colleagues, and community members about how this policy impacts their experiences and where improvements can be made.
•Emerging Best Practices:
•Integrating new research, guidelines, and frameworks for anti-oppression and equity-centred care as they develop (Venet, 2024).
•Reflections on Practice:
•Assessing how this policy is applied in our daily work and identifying areas where further training, resources, or changes are needed.
Invitation for Collaboration
To foster inclusivity and shared ownership of this policy, we encourage contributions from diverse perspectives. This includes:
•Clients:
•Offering a safe, confidential space for clients to share their thoughts on how our policies and practices can better meet their needs.
•Colleagues:
•Engaging our team in reflective dialogues and collaborative decision-making processes to ensure everyone is aligned with the policy’s goals.
•Community Partners:
•Consulting with advocacy groups, networks, and marginalised communities to ensure our policy reflects their expertise and lived experiences.
Commitment to Continuous Growth
As mental health professionals, we acknowledge that our understanding of equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression will never be complete. To honour this, we commit to:
•Lifelong Learning:
•Continuously educating ourselves about systemic inequities, cultural humility, and intersectional frameworks to deepen our practice.
•Adapting to Change:
•Remaining flexible and responsive to new challenges, opportunities, and insights that shape the landscape of mental health care.
By embracing ongoing reflection and policy evolution, we affirm our dedication to creating a practice that not only serves but also empowers and uplifts the communities we are privileged to work with.
Canadian Human Rights Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. H-6. Retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-6/
CCPA. (2007). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/
CRPO. (2024). Professional Practice Standards for Registered Psychotherapists. Retrieved from https://crpo.ca/
Crenshaw, K., Gotanda, N., Peller, G., & Thomas, K. (1995). Critical race theory: The key writings that formed the movement. The New Press.
Mullan, J. (2023). Decolonizing therapy: Oppression, historical trauma, and politicizing your practice. Rowman & Littlefield.
NSCCT. (2023). Complaint Process. Retrieved from https://nscct.ca/
Rossetti, R. (2006). The Seven Principles of Universal Design. Action Magazine.
Venet, A. S. (2024). Equity-centered trauma-informed education. Norton.