Diversity & Inclusion Statement
The Brisbane Centre for Attachment & Relationships embraces diversity in the humans we are privileged to work with and values their relationships in all forms. We believe in the power of attachment and connection for all relationships, whether dyadic (two people), polyamorous, monogomous or consensually non-monogomous and for the unique people who are enriched by them.
We are deeply respectful of human difference, believing that it is our diversity that makes humanity so beautiful. We are honoured to work with people across the sexuality and gender spectrum and of all neurotypes. We respect the cultural and spiritual context in which people live and love. We proritise acceptance and emotional safety in our relationships with others and seek to communicate this clearly in all our interactions.
Our clinicians are embracing of all relationship types (such as dyadic, polyamorous, monogomous or consensually non-monogomous relationships), individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, all sexualities, all genders, all cultures, and all neurotypes.
Embracing Cultural Diversity
Cultural sensitivity means acknowledging, accepting and appreciating other cultures and other cultural identities. It means recognising that differences exist, without judging any one culture or person as better or worse than the other. Cultural sensitivity counterbalances "ethnocentrism" which is when members of the dominant culture view the world through their lens and expect and assume that their experience is representative of others' experiences.
All of our therapists are sensitive to the differences that make a difference to a person's experience. The context in which a person lives and loves is a vital part of their feeling of safety and security in the world and we honor and value this in our services.
All of our therapists are sensitive to the differences that make a difference to a person's experience. The context in which a person lives and loves is a vital part of their feeling of safety and security in the world and we honor and value this in our services.
Embracing Sexuality, Gender, Body & Relationship Diversity
At the Brisbane Centre for Attachment & Relationships, we are welcoming and inclusive of all sexuaities, gender-identities, and relationships. Part of creating safety in close relationships is not making assumptions about people's pronouns, gender, sexuality or relationship style.
We foster safe relationships by bringing a spirit of acceptance to our services. We want everyone to feel safe and respected for the unique human they are. We strive to be aware of our own biases, in order to reduce the risk of our blind spots creating potential hurt for another.
Embracing Neurodiversity
We recognise that there is a growing need to focus on our brain differences, not deficits. This wider view of "normal" is a big part of something called neurodiversity. Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. In this way, there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. Viewed through a neurodiversity lens, all people and all brain styles are accepted and valued. This way of describing brain styles is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities.
In line with a neurodiversity model, we encourage inclusive, nonjudgmental language. While many disability advocacy organizations prefer person-first language ("a person with autism"), some research has found that the majority of the autistic community prefers identity-first language ("an autistic person"). Therefore, rather than making assumptions, it is best to ask directly about a person’s preferred language, and how they want to be addressed.
In line with a neurodiversity model, we encourage inclusive, nonjudgmental language. While many disability advocacy organizations prefer person-first language ("a person with autism"), some research has found that the majority of the autistic community prefers identity-first language ("an autistic person"). Therefore, rather than making assumptions, it is best to ask directly about a person’s preferred language, and how they want to be addressed.
Our Approach to Diversity & Inclusion
At The Brisbane Centre for Attachment & Relationships, it is important to us to be an ally to the communities we support. There are several intentional practical and relational supports we put in place to uphold your safety and inclusion.
Some examples of what to expect at our practice include:
Prioritising Pronouns: We introduce ours and ask yours from intake. We respect if you do or don’t feel comfortable sharing your pronouns. We will not assume or default to gender binary pronouns.
Flexible Invoicing: We can split invoices in group therapy for all relationship structures and organise group sessions according to need and preference.
Non-Judgemental Intake Process: We ensure that our intake forms and therapeutic assessment process is inclusive and non-judgmental. We don’t make assumptions regarding your requirements, needs or preferences. Our forms and questionnaires are designed to include all folks.
Stimulation Support: Fidget toys are accessible in the office and on request while you wait and during sessions to minimise discomfort or over-stimulation. This includes available note paper if you’d like to take notes. Your therapist is also open to other suggestions to increase your comfort, such as minimised or no eye contact.
Environmental Access & Sensory Adaptation: Our therapy space is designed to suit all requirements, needs and preferences. Our group room is fully accessible. We can also adjust seating arrangements, heating, and cooling.
Trained Practitioners: All practitioners at our centre are provided ongoing support, supervision, and training relevant to deepening awareness, acknowledgment, and active support of the communities we service. We are all committed to life-long learning, to inclusivity, and we take an active stance against discrimination.
We are open to feedback!
We are committed to making our practice equal and safe for all. As a part of being an ally, we are open to learning through your feedback. These are just some examples; supporting you is not limited to these examples. We are open to other suggestions from all the communities we are dedicated to supporting.
Recommended Readings
By Benjamin Law, David Marr, Christos Tsiolkas, Kate McCartney & Holly Throsby
Fact Sheets
Retrieved from:
The Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
The American Psychological Association
The Australian Psychological Society
Autism Spectrum Australia
Australian Human Rights Commission