Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Let’s talk about Identity.

We know this is a continued effort, our commitment to you is that we maintain this. Our company culture is about representing the diverse population of Manchester and our online community with our own internal team. Power imbalances happen all the time and instead of having best intentions to balance it, we do one better and we talk to you about it. You have the option of choosing a therapist who represents your own identity as close as they can whether that is ethnicity, religion, gender or part of the LGBTQIA+  community. Irrespective of if they do or don’t, we will talk about this with you in your session. It’s imperative you feel free to talk about anything, in your own language, without fear of how your therapist will respond. Identity can be part of what is bringing you to us and it’s important we get it right. Our unique Feedback Informed Therapy gives you an opportunity to safely tell us what you need to be different from us. It would be impossible to list all the ways people identify, most people understand the concept or “protective characteristics” however this only describes how the law sees identity, the reality of lived experiences are that they are far more complicated and nuanced than that. Our team is regularly trained and upskilled and challenged weekly by our own internal cultures and values, which if you would like to know more about you only need to ask. If you are nervous or unsure about embarking with us because of identity, then you only need to reach out and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are you a person of the global majority?

At City Centre Therapy, we believe that actions speak louder than words when it comes to our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Choosing to work with a white therapist at our centre means entering a space where your safety and your voice are our top priorities. From the very first session, we encourage an open dialogue about race, ethnicity, and identity, ensuring you can use language that feels right to you without the concern of causing discomfort to your therapist.

We may not all have direct experience of your unique life experiences, and nor do we expect you to educate us. Our culture at City Centre Therapy is one that acknowledges and actively welcomes discussions about the effects of microaggressions, unconscious bias, and racism. We recognise the inherent power dynamics that can exist in the therapy room and are dedicated to working collaboratively to address them.

Even if you select a therapist who is also a person of colour, they understand that their experiences may not mirror your own cultural background. As a team, we are committed to continuous education and self-reflection, striving to improve with every session. Above all, it is imperative that our therapy environment is one where you can freely express your thoughts without censorship. We are here to support you in whatever way you need, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout your journey with us.

LGBTQIA+

Manchester boasts one of the most vibrant queer communities in the North of England. At City Centre Therapy, a significant number of our team members are proud participants in this community, ensuring we are uniquely equipped to understand and meet your individual needs.

We acknowledge that sharing an identity isn’t sufficient on its own. Therefore, we are dedicated to regularly updating our knowledge with the latest understandings and addressing the challenges faced within our community. You have the option to work with a therapist who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community by reading their bios. If they disclose an LGBTQIA+ identity, you can be assured that you will be working with someone who appreciates your experiences from the inside.

The advantage of this is significant: you will not find yourself in a heteronormative environment and will feel comfortable using language that is authentic to you. It removes the potential awkwardness of having to ‘come out’ or the concern about a therapist’s personal viewpoints impacting your ability to be open and vulnerable.

If you have any questions or would like to converse before selecting your therapist, we are just an email or call away. At City Centre Therapy, your comfort and confidence are at the heart of our practice.

Neurodivergence Including ADHD and Autism

A growing body of research suggests that between 15-20% of the UK population may be neurodivergent, and the likelihood is that the true figure could be even higher. At City Centre Therapy, we not only understand what it means to be neurodivergent, but some of our therapists identify as such themselves. This insight is crucial because it allows us to truly grasp how your unique mind operates.

In a world where medical diagnoses often focus solely on symptoms, the nuanced experiences of neurodivergent individuals can be overlooked. Symptoms are certainly important, particularly for those seeking a diagnosis which we can support you with, but they only tell part of the story. Neurodivergent experiences are frequently shaped by distinctive data processing patterns, known as ‘bottom-up’ thinking, which can be a source of remarkable talents and skills. However, this can also lead to emotional dysregulation when interacting with a neurotypical world.

We tailor our therapeutic environment to ensure your comfort, drawing on our knowledge to avoid potential triggers. When unavoidable factors arise, such as physical changes or unscheduled external noise, we’ll inform you in advance, allowing time for a smoother transition. Our sessions are conducted in a way that resonates with you, offering a space where you feel comprehensively understood and where everything ‘just works’.

At the forefront of our practice is the understanding that many diagnoses, like those on the anxiety and depression spectrums, may stem from the emotional dysregulation associated with a neurodivergent brain. Traditional therapy may not have worked for you in the past, perhaps because the neurological, rather than psychological, aspects were not addressed. At City Centre Therapy, we’re equipped to help you unravel these complexities, empowering you to navigate the world with increased confidence and a healthier sense of self.