The Centre for Response-Based Practice: Interior Region
a for-dignity organization*
Kamloops, British Columbia
At the Centre for Response-Based Practice, we aim to provide and promote socially just and effective responses to violence and other forms of oppression and adversity, through direct counselling services, education, research, supervision and advocacy.
The Centre for Response-Based Practice guides and co-ordinates research, development, and the application of Response-Based ideas in various settings. We aim to partner with individuals and organizations to promote the development and application of these ideas, to increase awareness, and to empower individuals and organizations in the use of Response-Based practice.
Response-Based Practice is a specialized model for working with individuals and groups experiencing adversity, including violence and injustice. It acknowledges pre-existing competencies evident in everyday living and in the most adverse circumstances. The “problem” resides not in the minds/brains of isolated individuals but in mistreatment and humiliation of those individuals, in the context of violence and injustice, and through negative social responses from social network and institutional actors. (From: Response-Based Practice – Encyclopedia Description)
Check out the work of the founding members of the Centre for Response-Based Practice at www.responsebasedpractice.com.
Dr. Allan Wade, C.M., has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada
Victoria, B.C. – Dr. Allan Wade, C.M., has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada – one of the country’s highest civilian honours – in recognition of his work in developing Response-Based Practice, a specialized approach to addressing violence.
Response-Based Practice evolved from a method of therapy to a framework for improving institutional responses in law enforcement, criminal justice, family law, therapy, child protection, refuges/shelters, victim/survivor and offender treatment, research, and education.
“Thanks to meeting some extraordinary people – colleagues and clients – I became interested in how people respond to and resist violence, directly and indirectly” said Dr. Wade. “Careful exploration of such responses contests the blaming and pathologizing of victims/survivors, reveals the controlled and deliberate nature of violence, and provides a more reliable basis for working with people who have used violence.”
From the outset, Dr. Wade and his Canadian colleagues worked with diverse communities in Canada and abroad – collaborations that were furthered through the Centre for Response-Based Practice, which organized the Dignity Conference series and continues to offer ongoing training for professionals around the world.
The reach of the approach has been illustrated in a number of ways, notably:
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and LGBT2SI+ Persons: Dr. Wade testified at the request of the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society, where he spoke about the power of language and the necessity of honouring the ongoing resistance of Kaska and other Indigenous peoples to colonialism, past and present.
- Stockholm Syndrome: Through conversation with Kristin Enmark, the first person said to have Stockholm Syndrome, Dr. Wade showed that the notion of Stockholm Syndrome – the illusion that became fact – was used to suppress criticism of authorities and conceal the determined and courageous responses of the hostages.
- Youth for Dignity: Developed by the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society (LAWS) and based in Watson Lake, Yukon, Youth for Dignity promotes inclusion, community safety, and violence prevention through culturally-based activities led by Kaska women elders and facilitators who work to address all forms of violence in the colonial context.
Dr. Wade’s appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada acknowledges the core principles of Response-Based Practice as a means of upholding the dignity of diverse individuals and communities.
“Allan, and the ideas behind Response-Based Practice, have irrevocably changed the lives of individuals who experience violence, professionals who have the privilege to join this field and stay in it, organizations with leaders who aim to uphold the dignity of all people, and communities whose members are striving to increase safety,” said Dr. Shelly Dean, RCC, AAMFT, who initiated the nomination Dr. Wade for the Order of Canada and remains one of his closest colleagues.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada has recognized more than 7,600 individuals that have been honoured for inspiring innovation, shaping who we are and enriching Canada’s fabric.
Our work experience is collectively broad, and includes the following:
- Adults, families, couples, children and youth counselling
- Working for victims and offenders of violence
- Specializing in experiences of loss and grief
- Children and youth with special needs (and their families), including an Autism diagnosis
- Youth using substances, and their families
- Eating disorders and body image challenges
- LGBTQIA2S+ (individual, couples, families)
- Views of the child reports
- Clinical supervision and organizational development
Above all else, the Centre for Response Based Practice’s approach is straightforward and considers the full context of people’s lives and circumstances. We understand people of all ages and backgrounds can be faced with violence, oppression and adversity. The dignity of all should be respected and protected.
The logo above, called “Speak”, is an original design by Northwest Coast First Nations artist Maynard Johnny Jr., from the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw tribe. It depicts four faces sharing the same mouth, to signify the importance of communication between a couple, in a family or community, and in society as a whole. Space to “Speak” freely is key to solving any problem, big or small.
Maynard Johnny Jr. (b. 1973) is primarily a self-taught artist who has been studying and working since the age of seventeen. He has been inspired by many NWC artists and particularly admires Robert Davidson, the late great Art Thompson, and Mark Henderson.
To learn more about the art of Maynard Johnny Jr., go to www.facebook.com/salishman.
* A for-dignity organization is committed to all aspects of upholding the dignity of people, animals, the environment, and the lands. We speak of ‘equal dignity’ as possessing inherent worth and dignity, and being treated accordingly. We aim to exhibit our commitment to dignified interactions at every point and in every setting. Any organization can stand for-dignity, within any sector.
We would like to acknowledge that our office is situated on the territory of the Secwepemc Nation, specifically the territory of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc People. We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to all who seek wellness and knowledge here.
As part of our core values, each counsellor reserves 5-10% of our caseloads for pro bono or sliding scale work, in service of our community.
