Diversity, Equity, and Equal Opportunity Policy

Purpose

TAO Psychotherapy is committed to fostering a fair, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all individuals. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that clients, prospective clients, contractors, and visitors are treated equitably, with dignity, and without discrimination, harassment, or bias.

Framework & Legal Context

This policy aligns with Australian Commonwealth and State anti-discrimination legislation, including the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Age Discrimination Act 2004, and relevant human rights frameworks.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

TAO Psychotherapy actively supports the right of all individuals to access services and professional spaces free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or vilification.

Unless in the service of the client or prospective client, we do not discriminate on the basis of:

  • Sex, gender identity, gender expression, or intersex status

  • Sexual orientation

  • Race, ethnicity, nationality, or cultural background

  • Disability, neurodivergence, or physical/mental health condition

  • Age

  • Marital, relationship, or family status, including pregnancy and caring responsibilities

  • Religious, philosophical, or political beliefs

  • Socio-economic background or history of contact with systemic institutions

Core Principles & Implementation

1. Cultural Safety & Respect

We recognise the enduring sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians. We are committed to providing culturally safe, responsive, and respectful services for First Nations people and individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

2. Accessibility & Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that access needs vary. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to facilitate full participation in our services. This includes:

  • Accommodating physical, sensory, or communication requirements.

  • Supporting neurodivergent access needs through flexible scheduling, environmental modifications, or modified session structures.

  • Facilitating access for individuals requiring support persons or assistance animals.

3. Trauma-Informed & Anti-Oppressive Practice

Our clinical and administrative operations respect individual bodily autonomy, personal agency, and intersectional lived experiences. We strive to maintain systemic awareness regarding power, privilege, and marginalisation within therapeutic relationships.

Responsibilities & Addressing Concerns

  • Practice Responsibilities: The practice principal is responsible for maintaining equal opportunity standards, upholding anti-discriminatory practices, and ensuring accessibility across all service touchpoints.

  • Resolving Concerns: If you believe you have experienced discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment in your engagement with TAO Psychotherapy, we encourage you to raise the matter with us. All concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and managed in accordance with our Complaint Handling and Dispute Resolution Policy.

Continuous Reflection

We regularly review our administrative practices, clinical spaces, and policies to identify potential barriers to access, address unconscious bias, and promote genuine equity across our operations.

 

Last reviewed: Monday, 7th September 2026