Rainbow Registered For All
Welcoming 2SLGBTQ++ and BIPOC Guests
We have welcomed guests from diverse communities to our retreats at Dimensions Algonquin Highlands. By encouraging and listening to feedback from our first guests, we’ve identified both what we’re getting right and what we can do better.
Firstly, recognizing that guests who identify as 2SLGBT++ have specific and nuanced needs while they are on retreat, we have been doing thorough research and reflection in these areas. And, as a further step towards committing to ongoing learning, training and growth, we engaged in a process to become Rainbow-registered.
To receive this accreditation, we successfully demonstrated that:
- Our policies and practices are non-discriminatory and respectful of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Staff participate in Diversity and Inclusion training, and we contribute to public education in this area.
- We are committed to inclusive leadership and to 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, beyond our day-to-day operations.
- Our organizational culture is 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive and affirmative.
Inclusion remains a priority for us. Here are some of the ways we’re working to make Dimensions a safe and welcoming space for all.
Training our team
Dimensions hospitality and clinical team members receive ongoing training in the following areas, so we can better serve guests from equity-seeking communities:
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Trauma-informed care
- Informed consent
- Professional boundaries
- BIPOC community needs
- 2SLGBTQ++ needs
- Trans- and gender-affirming care
- Anti-oppression best practices
- Cultural competency
Likewise, our clinical team members participate in ongoing training regarding how to provide inclusive care in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. By participating in these trainings, they are acquiring essential skills to meet the particular needs and concerns of members of diverse communities.
These trainings have empowered our team members to create a safe and nurturing environment for all our guests. This supports the therapeutic process while providing feelings of safety and comfort.
Providing a guest-centred experience
We believe in guest-centred care. Part of our work to create a safer, more inclusive environment includes reviewing each guest’s intake information on a case-by-case basis and taking their individual history and lived experiences into account. We also provide guests with the option to select their main therapist, based on gender preference as well as any preference for working with a member of the 2SLGBTQ++ or BIPOC communities.
We recognize that individuals from diverse backgrounds have unique needs and experiences, which require cultural sensitivity. This includes understanding the historical and systemic barriers experienced by BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ++ communities in accessing services.
Nurturing a culture of diversity and inclusion
As providers of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and as an organization, we are committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion every day. We welcome feedback and hone our practices accordingly; we cultivate a growth mindset in our team and out in the world; and we actively learn about diverse communities through educational events and by keeping up with the latest research and articles written by people with lived experience.
