Ron,

You already know that my job is making kilts. But I also have another job as a Docent at the Royal BC Museum. I regularly speak in the galleriess about the First Peoples of BC. (To Americans, this is what we call Indians up here.)
Quite often there are members of the tribe and family present. And I speak to people from all over the world. From every lifestyle. I have spoken in front of Dignitaries and World Leaders.
Never have I had a problem. In four years, 52 weeks each year, and hundreds of thousands of visitors, no one has ever made a derogatory remark. Nor have there ever been any comment cards filed quoting my kilt as a distraction or causing an inability to develop a rapport with my visitors.

When speaking to members of other cultures I have actually found my kilt to be an ice breaker. Canada prides itself on it's multiculturalism and it is not uncommon for our visitors to attend the museum in many forms of national and ethnic dress. So seeing a kilt, although not common, is not seen as any different than turbans, sari, or dashiki. My standing joke I open my talks with is "Does anyone here, other than me, see it strange for a former American, in a Scottish Kilt, to be talking about the First Peoples of BC? How Canadian is that?"

Some of the most rewarding experiences I have had are speaking to First Peoples. The indigenous peoples of N. America already feel outside the mainstream of society. They take great pride in their different heritage and culture, and they also take pride in wearing symbols of that culture. They see my wearing kilts as similar to what they do.

Some of your clients also see themselves outside of the mainstream due to drug use, alcohol use, or poverty. I can't imagine a worse way to alienate a client than to sit behind a big desk in a 3 piece suit. It screams "I'm from the establishment, I'm here to tell you what you've done wrong."
I'll bet though, that quite a few positive comments have come from the people in the area your clinic serves because they see you as being akin to them and not from outside and official.

You have tats Ron. They have spiritual meaning to you. But what if you were told "You can't work here because someone may mistake your tattoos for you being a Hell's Angel."

What would your answer be to someone telling you that because of your tattoos you can't work there because someone may take offense.

I've met you Ron. I have the highest respect for you, your work and your life. So which image does your boss want you to project? Establishment button-down, regulation spouting, or a caring, helpful, listening, counselor? It would be my contention that you, in a kilt, would be far more effective, form deeper and longer lasting relationships, and garner the trust and respect of your clients and neighbors than you, in a suit.

Just as it is easier for me to speak to First Peoples because I show respect for culture and heritage, your clients, who also respect those things, will find it easier to speak to, and respect you.