The Center for Creative Counseling upholds the values of antiracism and anti-discrimination with this antiracism policy.
“Counselors play a role in helping change an unjust and racist system that carries negative effects on the mental health of those impacted by racism. By actively being anti-racists, counselors can help write a new narrative for human rights that is centered on diversity, identity, equity, inclusion and justice.”
– American Counseling Association[1]
The Center for Creative Counseling stands firmly against racism and discrimination of all kinds.
The Center for Creative Counseling recognizes that barriers to services exist for members of diverse communities, particularly for equity seeking groups[2], and we are committed to acting as a positive force in eliminating these barriers.
Additionally, the Center for Creative Counseling recognizes and acknowledges the following:
- That all clients deserve therapy that honors their intersectionality, diversity, and cultural identity.
- That systemic barriers have historically prevented BIPOC communities from having equitable access to services and supports.
- That the problematic nature of the predominant models of psychotherapy coming from White, upper-class, cis gendered, heterosexual men has done harm to marginalized communities and change is needed.
- That models of psychotherapy that take into consideration cultural and societal implications of mental illness and health are long overdue.
- That it is the duty of clinicians to be culturally competent and maintain a stance of cultural humility to best serve a diverse community of clients.
- That it is the duty of clinicians to use any unearned privilege as allies to impact social justice and reform.
- That it is the duty of client-serving organizations to be nondiscriminatory and promote the goals of antiracism, access and equity; and take reasonable steps to ensure its services, programs and decision-making reflect the community it serves.
Antiracism and Anti-Discrimination Policy
The Center for Creative Counseling upholds the values of antiracism and anti-discrimination through this antiracism policy.
The Center for Creative Counseling prohibits discrimination or harassment and protects the right to be free from hate activity based on age, ancestry, citizenship, creed (religion), color, disability, ethnic origin, family status, gender identity, level of literacy, marital status, place of origin, membership in a union or staff association, political affiliation, race, receipt of public assistance, record of offences, sex, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic by or within the organization.
Services
The Center for Creative Counseling is committed to ensuring that its services and programs are accessible to diverse communities. In addition, the Center for Creative Counseling will take into consideration provision of services to disadvantaged individuals, low-income persons, and equity seeking communities.
Training and Education
The Center for Creative Counseling is committed to ensuring that those involved in the delivery of services and programs have the knowledge, understanding and skills to work with and provide services to members of diverse communities, particularly equity seeking communities.
Information and Communications
The Center for Creative Counseling is committed to ensuring that all of its communications, including information on its services and programs, are welcoming, affirming, and accessible to diverse communities.
[1] https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/mental-health-resources/racism
[2] For the purposes of this policy, equity-seeking groups include Aboriginal/First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, racial minorities, the socio-economically disadvantaged, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons.
