Diversity and Equality Statement

My commitment

I aim to provide a service that is respectful, inclusive and welcoming. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, and that compassion and fairness are essential to the counselling process. I believe every person should be met as an individual, without judgement about who they are or what their experiences mean to them.

I recognise that each person's identity, experiences and understanding of the world are shaped by many factors and I understand that these will influence how people experience the world, their relationships and their emotional wellbeing.

These factors can include: culture, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, neurodivergence, socioeconomic circumstances and personal life experiences.

It is my aim to offer a space in which clients feel they can explore their experiences, thoughts and feelings at their own pace and in their own way.

My values and approach

I am guided by the

-          Trustworthiness

-          Autonomy

-          Kindness

-           Empathy

-          Respect

-          Fairness

-          Integrity

I recognise the trust clients place in me and take seriously my responsibility to work honestly, conscientiously and within the limits of my competence.

I recognise that clients are the experts in their own lives, and I respect their right to make their own decisions and choices. I work collaboratively, with the aim to support client wellbeing.

I look at difference with curiosity, openness and humility recognising that I cannot fully understand another person's experience simply by listening to them. I remain mindful that my own background, experiences and assumptions may influence my understanding. I am committed to ongoing reflection, learning and professional supervision to help me recognise and address potential bias in my practice.

I believe that equality is not simply about treating everyone the same. It also means recognising that people have different needs and may experience different barriers to accessing and engaging with counselling. I will look to respond fairly and thoughtfully to these differences, considering reasonable adjustments and alternative arrangements wherever possible.

Accessibility and inclusion

I recognise that the physical accessibility of the premises I currently use for face-to-face counselling is limited for some people with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users. I want to be transparent about these limitations so that prospective clients can make informed decisions about access.

The venue I use in Southampton describes itself as wheelchair friendly but advises visitors to contact them in advance to confirm specific access arrangements. As accessibility needs vary from person to person, I encourage potential clients talk to me about their access requirements or concerns. I will do my best to clarify the available facilities and explore appropriate arrangements, including an alternative venue or online counselling where suitable and available.

The venue I use in Winchester is fully wheelchair accessible with counselling room options available on the ground floor with step free access. I am always open to checking any facilities ahead of beginning counselling so if a potential has any questions regarding accessibility arrangements I wills always do my best to answer them promptly.

I recognise that online counselling may offer greater flexibility for some clients, but it will not be appropriate or accessible for everyone. I will always consider individual circumstances and needs when discussing the options available.

I am committed to being open about the limitations of my service and to reflecting on how I can reduce barriers to accessing counselling in the future.

Accountability and ongoing development

I recognise that providing an inclusive service is an ongoing responsibility rather than something that can be achieved through equality and diversity statements and intentions alone.  I am committed to developing my awareness, reflecting on my practice and seeking opportunities to learn both from subject matter experts and continued CPD.

Wherever a client feels misunderstood, experiences something as uncomfortable or harmful, or wants to raise a concern about how they have been treated, I will aim to respond with openness and care. I recognise the importance of listening, acknowledging the impact of my actions where appropriate, and taking responsibility for addressing concerns.

My intention is to offer a counselling relationship in which each person is treated with respect, their individuality is valued, and their right to make choices about their own life and therapeutic journey is upheld.

I recognise my own short comings in this process and will continue to reflect on how best  I can serve clients needs in the therapeutic relationship. I am always open to frank and honest discussion about any topic that concerns a client.

I will continue to review my practice in the light of these commitments, with the aim of providing a service that is as fair, accessible and inclusive as possible.

This statement will be reviewed and updated regularly in light of legislative and government policy changes, my own professional development and client feedback.