top of page

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy

My Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

I am committed to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental counselling environment where every individual feels respected, valued, heard and accepted.

I believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate and professional mental health support, regardless of their background, identity, beliefs, experiences or personal circumstances.

I recognise that every person is unique and that our differences, experiences and perspectives are an important part of who we are.

My aim is to create a therapeutic space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, without fear of discrimination, prejudice or judgement.

My practice is guided by the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion and respect, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and the ethical frameworks of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
 

1. Equality and Fair Treatment

I am committed to treating all clients fairly, respectfully and with dignity.

I do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, victimisation or unfair treatment based on personal characteristics or circumstances.

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, I recognise the nine protected characteristics:

  • Age

  • Disability

  • Gender reassignment

  • Marriage and civil partnership

  • Pregnancy and maternity

  • Race

  • Religion or belief

  • Sex

  • Sexual orientation

My commitment to inclusion also extends to differences in socioeconomic background, family circumstances, neurodivergence, mental health experiences, cultural identity and other aspects of individual experience.

I aim to ensure that my personal beliefs, assumptions or values do not negatively influence the counselling support I provide.
 

2. Creating an Inclusive Counselling Environment

I understand that seeking counselling can feel vulnerable, particularly for individuals who have experienced discrimination, exclusion, prejudice or misunderstanding.

I aim to provide a therapeutic environment where clients feel emotionally safe and able to explore their thoughts, feelings, experiences and identities openly.

I will:

  • Listen with empathy, compassion and without judgement.

  • Respect each client's identity, values, beliefs and lived experiences.

  • Use respectful and inclusive language.

  • Avoid assumptions or stereotypes.

  • Remain open to feedback and different perspectives.

  • Recognise the impact that discrimination, inequality and social circumstances can have on emotional wellbeing.

  • Support clients in exploring their experiences without imposing my own personal beliefs or opinions.

I recognise that creating an inclusive environment requires ongoing reflection, awareness and a willingness to learn.
 

3. Respecting Individual Identity

I respect each client's right to define and express their own identity.

This includes respecting individual preferences relating to names, pronouns, cultural identity, religious beliefs, personal values and ways of expressing themselves.

I understand that identity can be complex, personal and evolving.

My role as a counsellor is not to judge, direct or impose expectations, but to provide a supportive therapeutic relationship where clients can explore their experiences in a way that feels meaningful to them.
 

4. Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

I recognise that some individuals may experience barriers when accessing counselling.

I am committed to considering reasonable adjustments to support clients with disabilities, neurodivergence, communication differences or other accessibility needs.

Depending on individual circumstances and the services available, adjustments may include:

  • Adapting communication methods.

  • Providing information in accessible formats where reasonably possible.

  • Considering sensory or environmental needs.

  • Offering flexibility within the counselling process where appropriate.

  • Discussing individual preferences and accessibility requirements.

I encourage clients to share any accessibility needs they feel comfortable discussing so that suitable arrangements can be explored together.

Further information can be found in my Accessibility Statement.
 

5. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

I recognise that cultural background, ethnicity, religion, family experiences and community values can influence how individuals understand themselves and their mental health.

I aim to approach cultural differences with curiosity, humility and respect.

I will not assume that individuals from similar backgrounds share the same experiences, beliefs or perspectives.

I recognise the importance of reflecting on my own assumptions and potential biases, and I will seek appropriate professional development and supervision to strengthen my awareness and understanding.
 

6. Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients

I am committed to providing an affirming, respectful and non-discriminatory counselling environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and other LGBTQ+ individuals.

I recognise that experiences of stigma, discrimination, rejection or misunderstanding can affect emotional wellbeing.

I respect each person's sexual orientation, gender identity and individual experiences.

I will not seek to change, suppress or impose beliefs about a client's sexual orientation or gender identity.

My aim is to provide a compassionate therapeutic space where clients can explore their feelings, relationships, experiences and sense of self without judgement.
 

7. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

I am committed to working within the limits of my professional competence and maintaining appropriate ethical standards.

I recognise that providing inclusive counselling requires ongoing learning, self-awareness and reflection.

I will engage in appropriate professional supervision and continuing professional development to support ethical and inclusive practice.

Where a client's needs fall outside my areas of competence, I will discuss this sensitively and, where appropriate, support them in exploring alternative or specialist services.

Any decision about whether I can appropriately provide counselling will be based on professional competence, safety and the client's needs, rather than discriminatory assumptions.
 

8. Confidentiality and Respect

I understand that clients may share deeply personal information about their identity, beliefs, relationships, experiences or circumstances.

I am committed to respecting confidentiality and handling personal information sensitively in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and my Privacy Policy.

Confidentiality will be maintained subject to the legal and ethical limitations explained in my counselling agreement and confidentiality arrangements.
 

9. Feedback and Concerns

I welcome feedback about how inclusive, respectful and accessible my counselling service feels.

If you experience any difficulties, feel misunderstood or have concerns about discrimination or unfair treatment, I encourage you to raise these with me if you feel comfortable doing so.

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled respectfully.

You can also refer to my Complaints Procedure for further information about raising a formal concern.

Contact email: two_chairs_therapy@outlook.com
 

10. Ongoing Commitment and Review

I recognise that equality, diversity and inclusion are ongoing commitments that require reflection, learning and action.

I will continue to review my practice, consider client feedback and develop my professional understanding to support an inclusive counselling environment.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if relevant legislation, professional guidance or practice arrangements change.

Last reviewed: 20th October 2026

Next review: 20th May 2027

Practice name: Two Chairs Therapy

Contact email: two_chairs_therapy@outlook.com

bottom of page