Registered social Worker
Adrian Comeau [they/them] MSW, RSW
What makes working PSC different than other places?
I always felt out of place when working within therapeutic organizations, and Positive Space Consulting showed me why by providing such a uniquely beautiful work environment. At Positive Space Consulting, I feel I can be my authentic self in all the Queer, Neurodiverse ways I show up.
Describe PSC culture with 3 adjectives, and put it in a sentence form.
At PSC, authenticity is a core part of who we are. I always feel able to invite others and to be invited myself to be authentic. Also, we pride ourselves in sincere political engagement, where we can walk and chew gum at the same time. Lastly, queerness is a huge part of our culture here. We live queerness, we support queerness, we hold space for queerness, and love queerness.
Describe your experience working with the Office Manager Ema?
Ema often refers to us as a living ecosystem, and I can’t stress enough how important their role is in the ongoing thriving of PSC. From hands on support with our administrative functioning, to teaching us how to grow as independent therapists, to fostering queer love, Ema is an incredibly warm and awesome person to work alongside.
Describe your experience with supervision and Charlotte?
Charlotte approaches supervision in a dynamic and heartfelt manner. Creating space for us to be vulnerable, Charlotte often calls us in for us to check our own privileges. Doing so has made me grow not only as a therapist but as a queer, neurodiverse person who wants to engage in a radical political therapy. Charlotte also genuinely cares about not only us as therapists, but each person we support at PSC, bringing in a loving energy that is awesome to be within.
How do you feel about the PSC ethical fee split?
In other therapeutic places, the fee splits have felt challenging to navigate. Often there has also felt like there is little transparency regarding where the split goes, how we use our incomes to sustain the practice, and little negotiating for things changing. With PSC, I feel like the opposite is true. We talk often about the fee split, how it is used to support the goals we want to achieve as therapists, the income it provides to our administrative team, and it also provides a real livable income for me, which is so important. So often as therapists we are asked to martyr ourselves due to the type of work that we do, and PSC challenges that idea boldly and with honesty.
REGISTERED PSYCHOTHERAPIST (QUALIFYING)
Steph Cooper [she/her] RP(Q)
I have had the privilege of working as a Psychotherapist in an exceptional environment that has truly transformed my professional journey. At Positive Space Consulting, I have found a safe, friendly, and supportive haven where the essence of collaboration thrives, even in a virtual setting.
What sets PSC apart is the unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere for its team members and PSC continued commitment to social justice. Despite the physical distance that comes with virtual work, I feel connected to my colleagues and the mission of our organization. This connection is a testament to the outstanding leadership provided by our Clinical Director, Charlotte Shipley.
Charlotte, not only guides our professional growth but also actively demonstrates care and support for each team member. Their dedication to our well-being fosters a sense of belonging and reassurance that we are part of something truly special.
Moreover, our administrative staff, Ema, is there for us every step of the way, ready to provide assistance whenever needed! This level of support is invaluable and ensures that we can focus on what matters most – delivering high-quality care to our clients.
In my time at PSC, I have not only grown as a psychotherapist but have also witnessed the positive impact we have on our clients' lives. It is a privilege to be part of such a compassionate and dedicated team. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had and look forward to many more fulfilling years at this remarkable organization.
-Steph
REGISTERED Social WOrker
Karen Hutchinson [she/her] MSW, RSW
Describe PSC culture with 3 adjectives:
Working at PSC is heart-filling!
Working at PSC is soul-fulfilling!
Working at PSC is queer magic!
Describe your experience working with the Office Manager Ema?
Ema is warm, considerate, thoughtful, and organized. They will be your biggest cheerleader and hype-person!
Describe your experience with supervision and Charlotte?
Charlotte is amazingly supportive. Charlotte pushes you to be the best therapist you can be while also surrounding you with so much warmth and celebrating your unique you-ness. By far the best supervisory experience I have ever had!
What makes working PSC different than other places?
What I love about working at PSC is that we are embraced as our truest most authentic selves, and supported to show up this way both with one another and with our clients!
Office Manager
Ema de Lanerolle [they/them] BA
In my life and my career I have worked many places, been a part of many teams, and have built many skills. I can honestly say that I have never felt more comfortable or safe than I do working with the PSC team. I no longer live half in the closet at my day job, I’m no longer using my dead name to appease my “boss,” or have the need to explain pronouns… the list goes on.
This is a queer practice, for queer people, we leave the heternomative at the door!
Charlotte's perspective on what it means to be a business within Capitalism was one of the first things I resonated with. Her business philosophy has each person in mind, through the support all her associates receive (On-call-admin support, online profiles support, customer service, etc.), the compassionate and trauma-informed support all clients receive, and the company's stance on ethical and fair wages. This is a place where you can truly start or continue your career/passion!
Charlotte’s lived experience in her field and as a disabled neurodivergent queer person, should not be overlooked and is some of the most valuable aspects she has to offer. She has not just been an “employer” but a colleague to me. She has not just been considerate but also caring and understanding at times when I needed it.
The most valuable part of working here is that we all share a common goal and passion. I may be the Admin/Everything person and may not get to support our community as our team of therapists do- but I know the work I do makes a difference in people's lives and to feel that from a job is a valuable and enriching experience. From the moment a client sends us an email, to their consult and then to the intake and so on, the client knows we are here to support them, and that I am here to support them!
If you want to be a part of a team, that accepts your neurodivergent/queer/unique/unicorn self this is that team. A team that encourages you to shine and to be your authentic queer self, because our clients and our community need that now more now than ever!
-Ema
U of W Practicum Student
Carson Clarke Bartolo [she/her] BSW
What makes working at PSC different from other places?
I am working as an MSW student for Positive Space Consulting. Although I am acting as a student, I can feel positive vibes and unconditional support from the clinicals and administrative staff at PSC.
PSC is an inclusionary space where you are open to being yourself, authentically and unapologetically. Working with people who are open and accepting helps me perform to my full potential.
My placement has given me the opportunity to use my creative freedom to develop what I feel the community needs (with the collaboration of the team at PSC). It is very important to Charlotte Shipley, that we strive to create information for clients that is accessible and digestible for as many individuals as possible.
REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER
Jenny Rajewski Gouin [she/her] M. Ed., MSW, RSW
Working at Positive Space Consulting is a joy and feels like a privilege as I get the chance to be my authentic self as I work with clients in a way that not only aligns with my professional values as a Social Worker as well as my clinical interests.
Working with Charlotte, Ema, and my team of colleagues has fostered continuous opportunities to challenge outdated, oppressive, ableist, heteronormative mindsets; and, to collaborate in finding realistic and meaningful ways to behave in ethical ways in and outside of the therapy session.
Charlotte as a leader and colleague has been one of my greatest mentors and role models of enacting Social Work values in ways that reflect clients and my own needs where we all get to grow.
Working with Ema, our administrator and office manager, is a joy! Their knowledge and understanding, professionalism, and humour is matched with compassionate energy, and a forward-thinking mindset aimed at uplifting us individually, and collectively as a practice.
I am grateful to be part of a practice that is aligned with my own values, which has included what I think is a respectful and ethical fee split, demonstrating transparency where the money goes, and showing me that I am respected as a clinician.
Working at Positive Space, I get to see and experience people showing up for one another, creating safe containers for important and sometimes uncomfortable dialogue to be had, where we can be accountable to one another, and to grow personally and professionally.
-Jenny
Registered social Worker
Sawyer Johnson [they/them] MSW, RSW
What makes working PSC different than other places?
There are so many things that differentiate PSC from other places. As an example, being a trans person I have always felt that I was looked at as someone who could (and should) educate my coworkers on the struggles of being trans. All while simultaneously being faced with being consistently misgendered and encouraged to hide my identity from clients and other staff. At PSC I am encouraged to share my identity, they see the value that comes from my experience and how that can be used to better support the people I work with. My gender identity is not looked at as something that I need to hide but something that should be celebrated.
Describe PSC culture with 3 adjectives
At PSC we are deeply compassionate, not just for the clients we work with but with each other as well. Compassion encompasses a recognition of suffering, that we all struggle from time to time and make mistakes all while deserving dignity and support. At PSC the culture values this through and through. Our culture also values practicing in a collaborative way. At the end of the day, we are always a team, we may not work in an office together (I’m not even in the same province as everyone else!) but I have never felt this collaborative in my work. The culture at PSC is also flexible! We can adjust our schedule to fit our needs, plus we are able to make our work our own. I know only 3 were requested, but we’re also rule breakers her so I’m including a fourth one. We are QUEER!
Describe your experience working with the Office Manager Ema?
I often refer to Ema as a gay angel. What I mean by this is that I know they are always looking out for our best interests (and they are gay.) I’ll give you a moment to reflect on what you think of when you imagine an office manager…Okay, now erase that from your mind because Ema is likely not what you’re imagining. Their keen ability to advocate for us is what makes Ema who they are. They care so deeply for all of us. They are constantly balancing admin work, thinking through what is best for the business, social media, guiding all of us through what it means to get ourselves out there, and so much more. Ema cares so much about the work they do because at the end of the day they deeply believe that the work we are all doing for the community is worth it, always.
Describe your experience with supervision and Charlotte?
Supervision with Charlotte is always crucial to my continuing development as a therapist. Her guidance and keen ability to allow me the space and time to talk through challenges and joys that occur with my clients fills me with gratitude. Charlotte and I speak a lot about social justice within our supervisions where I can incorporate this invaluable tenant of social work into my individual work with clients and beyond.
How do you feel about the PSC ethical fee split?
Going into private practice money was an anxiety inducing part for me. Ema and Charlotte were able to guide me through the process and increase my comfortability with the financial portion of my work. Regarding the ethical fee split I feel that my efforts and work is recognized and appreciated here at PSC. The split makes me want to work harder for the business so I am able to provide my part to making PSC a reality for our community.