For The First Step Step Therapy Dorset

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1. Core Purpose & Philosophy

At The First Step Therapy Dorset, therapy is rooted in a relational, person-centred approach. A foundational pillar of this practice is client autonomy—the fundamental right of every individual to steer their own therapeutic journey, make their own choices, and be accepted exactly as they are.

This practice is committed to creating a safe, accessible, and non-judgmental space where all natural emotions are welcomed and explored. Discrimination, bias, and prejudice directly undermine psychological safety and autonomy; therefore, this policy ensures that equality, diversity, and human rights are actively woven into daily practice. First Step Therapy Dorset follows the BACP 2018 Ethical Guidelines 

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2. Scope & Legal Framework

This policy aligns with the UK Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. It applies universally to:

All clients accessing or inquiring about therapeutic services.

Any associate practitioners, supervisors, volunteers, or professionals interacting with the practice.

It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone based on the 9 Protected Characteristics:

· Age

· Disability (including physical, mental, and neurodivergent conditions)

· Gender reassignment

· Marriage and civil partnership

· Pregnancy and maternity

· Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin)

· Religion or belief (including a lack of belief)

· Sex

· Sexual orientation

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3. Our Commitments in Practice

Respecting Client Autonomy

Therapeutic goals are collaborative and client-led. No assumptions will be made about what a client "should" want or achieve based on their background or identity.

 

The practice actively avoids clinical jargon and pathologising language, communicating instead with transparency, clarity, and equality.

 

Embracing Neurodiversity Without Masking

This practice views neurodivergence (including ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and Auditory Processing differences) as natural variations of the human brain rather than deficits to be cured.

Therapy at First Step Therapy Dorset explicitly rejects the requirement for neurodivergent individuals to "mask" or suppress their natural traits to fit societal norms.

Pacing, communication style, and the therapeutic environment will be collaboratively adapted to suit individual sensory and processing needs.

 

Cultivating a Mind-Body Connection

Recognising the deep connection between physical and mental well-being, this practice acknowledges that systemic discrimination (such as racism, ableism, or homophobia) impacts the physical nervous system and manifests as somatic distress. The physical safety and comfort of the client are treated with equal importance to their emotional safety.

 

Making Reasonable Adjustments

Proactive steps will always be taken to remove barriers to care. This includes providing flexible session formats (such as online or phone therapy), adjusting lighting or sensory inputs where possible, and adapting communication styles to ensure equity of access.

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4. Forms of Discrimination We Do Not Tolerate

To maintain a safe therapeutic environment, the following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

· Direct Discrimination: Treating a client or professional less favourably explicitly because of a protected characteristic.

· Indirect Discrimination: Implementing blanket rules or practices that inadvertently disadvantage a specific group without a valid, objective reason.

· Harassment: Any unwanted, offensive, or hostile behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates an individual's dignity or creates an intimidating environment.

· Microaggressions & Stereotyping: Subtle, often unintentional statements or assumptions that reinforce harmful stereotypes or minimize a client's lived experience.

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5. Accountability & Concerns

Because human relationships are at the heart of this practice, open communication is valued above all else.

If you ever feel that your autonomy has been compromised, or that your identity has not been met with full dignity and respect, you are warmly encouraged to bring this into the therapeutic space so it can be explored and addressed openly. Alternatively, formal feedback or concerns regarding discrimination can be submitted directly via email at any time.

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Date of Issue: June 2026

 

Review Date: June 2027

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Signed:  

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First Step Therapy Dorset

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