Statement of Reconciliation & Decolonization
At Brave Mind Therapy, we acknowledge that our services take place on the traditional and unceded lands of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve our community on these lands and we are committed to decolonizing the practice of psychotherapy.
A commitment to reconciliation and decolonization does not mean that we will always do everything the right way. This process is about more than “getting it right.” A true commitment to decolonization is humble and ongoing. It is a continuous learning process; that is, the work is never done.
A true commitment to reconciliation and decolonization involves:
Learning the history of the land,
Processing our own emotions, unconscious biases, and beliefs that hinder true reconciliation and decolonization,
Taking active steps to learn about and dismantle systems of white supremacy that were built by colonization,
Accepting that you will not always “get it right,” and accepting feedback and criticism as an opportunity to do better,
Engaging in continuing education workshops to ensure competence when working with diverse populations,
Teaching others what we have learned and bringing them along with us on this journey.
This isn’t Pokémon; we will never arrive at a fully evolved state. Brave Mind Therapy acknowledges that this is a lifelong journey and is committed to doing the work.
People do not grow in isolation. We encourage feedback from our community to help us do better. Please share books, resources, trainings, or personal stories that can support us on our decolonization journey.
Email: alexina@bravemindtherapy.ca