LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Bishops Cleeve

Photo of Dr Janette Rankine, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Dr Janette Rankine
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Serves Area
Hi, Are you are looking for someone who will really listen to you without judgement? I am a fully qualified HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist. I provide a safe space to be heard, in a peacfeul haven in central Cheltenham. I offer Intergrative Counselling and Psychological Therapy for all kinds of distress, conflict or confusion. We all go through tough times when we need someone to tell our story to. Oftentimes, just sharing it, without fear of consequencies is all that is required to start a healing journey.
Hi, Are you are looking for someone who will really listen to you without judgement? I am a fully qualified HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist. I provide a safe space to be heard, in a peacfeul haven in central Cheltenham. I offer Intergrative Counselling and Psychological Therapy for all kinds of distress, conflict or confusion. We all go through tough times when we need someone to tell our story to. Oftentimes, just sharing it, without fear of consequencies is all that is required to start a healing journey.
01242 384074 View 01242 384074
Photo of Rachel Power, Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Rachel Power
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.
07961 627500 View 07961 627500
Photo of Saskia Penrose-van Beers
Saskia Penrose-van Beers
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what’s next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m an experienced CBT therapist working with adults and young people (11+), offering a calm, supportive space to help you move forward. I offer a unique blend of counselling and coaching—practical, engaging, never boring, and focused on real results. Together, we'll figure out how to change what matters most, from anxiety and low mood to ADHD, trauma, or life decisions. You’ll gain insight, tools, and confidence—at your pace, in a way that truly works for you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure what’s next, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m an experienced CBT therapist working with adults and young people (11+), offering a calm, supportive space to help you move forward. I offer a unique blend of counselling and coaching—practical, engaging, never boring, and focused on real results. Together, we'll figure out how to change what matters most, from anxiety and low mood to ADHD, trauma, or life decisions. You’ll gain insight, tools, and confidence—at your pace, in a way that truly works for you.
015242 36646 View 015242 36646
Photo of Abi Howells, Counsellor, BACP
Abi Howells
Counsellor, BACP
Serves Area
I am a Cheltenham based individuals counsellor, offering short or long term therapy to adults, and I specialise in working with young adults and those with ADHD and Autism. Starting counselling can be scary but when you choose to work with me, I can guarantee a safe, warm environment where humour is always welcome :) and arguably essential (when appropriate of course!) whilst talking through heavy subjects. You're in control of your sessions, and I am guided by what you feel is important to talk about, but gentle challenges and offerings of different perspectives will also be integrated by me, again, when I see it to be appropriate.
I am a Cheltenham based individuals counsellor, offering short or long term therapy to adults, and I specialise in working with young adults and those with ADHD and Autism. Starting counselling can be scary but when you choose to work with me, I can guarantee a safe, warm environment where humour is always welcome :) and arguably essential (when appropriate of course!) whilst talking through heavy subjects. You're in control of your sessions, and I am guided by what you feel is important to talk about, but gentle challenges and offerings of different perspectives will also be integrated by me, again, when I see it to be appropriate.
01452 229525 View 01452 229525

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nicholas Rose - Nicholas Rose & Associates, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Nicholas Rose & Associates
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Need to find the right person to talk to? If you have only just started to look for help you maybe feeling confused or even overwhelmed by the choice of therapies and therapists available - we understand and are here to help. We offer you a warm and friendly welcome from a selected team of expert therapists who bring an outstanding breadth and depth of experience and knowledge in both the in-person and online private talking therapies. Our team includes counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists and EMDR practitioners to ensure you can find the right therapist for what you need right now.
Need to find the right person to talk to? If you have only just started to look for help you maybe feeling confused or even overwhelmed by the choice of therapies and therapists available - we understand and are here to help. We offer you a warm and friendly welcome from a selected team of expert therapists who bring an outstanding breadth and depth of experience and knowledge in both the in-person and online private talking therapies. Our team includes counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists and EMDR practitioners to ensure you can find the right therapist for what you need right now.
020 7167 2663 View 020 7167 2663
Photo of Richard Ainsworth, Counsellor, MBACP
Richard Ainsworth
Counsellor, MBACP
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
You don’t need to have it all worked out, or even know what’s going on. If life feels like it should be different but you’re not sure how, this is a great starting point. You might feel alone carrying whatever it is - untangible, anxious, ashamed, or stuck in repeating patterns that leave you frustrated or disconnected. Some carry the impact of early life trauma or have learned to hide parts of themselves just to get by. You might be questioning your identity, struggling with intimacy, feeling disconnected from your body, or wanting to explore your relationship style, including non-traditional setups.
You don’t need to have it all worked out, or even know what’s going on. If life feels like it should be different but you’re not sure how, this is a great starting point. You might feel alone carrying whatever it is - untangible, anxious, ashamed, or stuck in repeating patterns that leave you frustrated or disconnected. Some carry the impact of early life trauma or have learned to hide parts of themselves just to get by. You might be questioning your identity, struggling with intimacy, feeling disconnected from your body, or wanting to explore your relationship style, including non-traditional setups.
020 4572 9883 View 020 4572 9883
Photo of Dr Iulian Chear, Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Dr Iulian Chear
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Online Only
My work is informed by existential philosophy, phenomenology, critical thinking (Marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, queer theory, post-colonialism), artistic movements (surrealism, symbolism, dada), and the inspiration they provide for understanding everyday life struggles.
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
My work is informed by existential philosophy, phenomenology, critical thinking (Marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, queer theory, post-colonialism), artistic movements (surrealism, symbolism, dada), and the inspiration they provide for understanding everyday life struggles.
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
0117 463 7137 View 0117 463 7137
Photo of Ron Hammond, Counsellor, BACP
Ron Hammond
Counsellor, BACP
Swindon SN3
My passion for the LGBTQIA community is a large part of what drew me to counselling.
Are you okay? But are you really okay? Have things been hard lately? Do you think speaking about it might help?
My passion for the LGBTQIA community is a large part of what drew me to counselling.
Are you okay? But are you really okay? Have things been hard lately? Do you think speaking about it might help?
01793 569865 View 01793 569865
Photo of Thomas Smithson, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Thomas Smithson
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have particular experience supporting queer communities and neurodivergent individuals.
This work is about helping you move forward, with greater clarity, understanding, and direction. Therapy with me is focused, collaborative, and grounded in real-life experience. Over the past ten years, I’ve provided over 6,300 hours of therapy, to hundreds of clients. My approach draws on a blend of therapeutic models, shaped by what works best for you.
I have particular experience supporting queer communities and neurodivergent individuals.
This work is about helping you move forward, with greater clarity, understanding, and direction. Therapy with me is focused, collaborative, and grounded in real-life experience. Over the past ten years, I’ve provided over 6,300 hours of therapy, to hundreds of clients. My approach draws on a blend of therapeutic models, shaped by what works best for you.
01798 305067 View 01798 305067
Photo of Matthew Handley-Jones, Counsellor, MBABCP
Matthew Handley-Jones
Counsellor, MBABCP
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Whether you are from the LGBT community, a parent with a demanding job, or you’re navigating a recent stressful life experience, therapy with me offers space for honest conversation and guidance.
I offer a dedicated, online therapy space tailored for personalised, one-to-one sessions. At the heart of my approach is a focus on building a genuine therapeutic relationship through trust, empathy, and open dialogue. I specialise in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, OCD, trauma and self-esteem issues through evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR. What sets my practice apart is my ability to draw on my experiences to offer an alternative perspective, using an informal style. I believe that authentic connection built from real insights can transform even the most challenging journeys into meaningful growth.
Whether you are from the LGBT community, a parent with a demanding job, or you’re navigating a recent stressful life experience, therapy with me offers space for honest conversation and guidance.
I offer a dedicated, online therapy space tailored for personalised, one-to-one sessions. At the heart of my approach is a focus on building a genuine therapeutic relationship through trust, empathy, and open dialogue. I specialise in helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, OCD, trauma and self-esteem issues through evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR. What sets my practice apart is my ability to draw on my experiences to offer an alternative perspective, using an informal style. I believe that authentic connection built from real insights can transform even the most challenging journeys into meaningful growth.
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Photo of Heather Phillips, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Heather Phillips
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you looking for a safe space with an experienced trauma-informed therapist? I offer CBT & EMDR to help tackle low self-esteem, anxiety, & trauma/ PTSD. Perhaps you are having strong reactions to things, or maybe you are struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or nightmares. You might be having trouble sleeping or issues with food or body image. Maybe you feel disconnected, irritable, guilty, and not the parent/ partner/ person that you want to be. When things feel tough, working with someone who you feel 'gets it' and knowing the space is safe and free from judgement is really important.
Are you looking for a safe space with an experienced trauma-informed therapist? I offer CBT & EMDR to help tackle low self-esteem, anxiety, & trauma/ PTSD. Perhaps you are having strong reactions to things, or maybe you are struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or nightmares. You might be having trouble sleeping or issues with food or body image. Maybe you feel disconnected, irritable, guilty, and not the parent/ partner/ person that you want to be. When things feel tough, working with someone who you feel 'gets it' and knowing the space is safe and free from judgement is really important.
01865 638457 View 01865 638457
Photo of Mill Watt, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Mill Watt
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and registered member of the BACP. I offer support with making sense of your unique place in the world, and accompanying movement toward resilience and self-acceptance. I understand that this process can be difficult and confusing, and so I can provide a variety of ways in which you may recognise your emotions, or feeling states. This can include talking and thinking, as well as sensing it in your body. I work from a holistic outlook, underpinned by humanistic and relational counselling and psychotherapy.
I am a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and registered member of the BACP. I offer support with making sense of your unique place in the world, and accompanying movement toward resilience and self-acceptance. I understand that this process can be difficult and confusing, and so I can provide a variety of ways in which you may recognise your emotions, or feeling states. This can include talking and thinking, as well as sensing it in your body. I work from a holistic outlook, underpinned by humanistic and relational counselling and psychotherapy.
01299 667112 View 01299 667112
Photo of Rachel Rutherford, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Rachel Rutherford
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
I also love working with LGBT+ clients, young adults, and those with low self-esteem, anxiety, or struggling with motivation.
Whether you're struggling with executive dysfunction, low self esteem, low mood, anxiety disorders, orsimply feeling stuck, I can help by offering practical strategies to help you move forward, as well as giving you the space and time to fully explore your experiences. My role is to support and empower you to build confidence, motivation, and clarity in life. I am a registered CBT therapist with an occupational therapy background. I have been supporting people in social care and mental health roles since 2008. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and focused on real change.
I also love working with LGBT+ clients, young adults, and those with low self-esteem, anxiety, or struggling with motivation.
Whether you're struggling with executive dysfunction, low self esteem, low mood, anxiety disorders, orsimply feeling stuck, I can help by offering practical strategies to help you move forward, as well as giving you the space and time to fully explore your experiences. My role is to support and empower you to build confidence, motivation, and clarity in life. I am a registered CBT therapist with an occupational therapy background. I have been supporting people in social care and mental health roles since 2008. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and focused on real change.
01527 741439 View 01527 741439
Photo of Stevie Creese, MA
Stevie Creese
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am a mental health nurse practitioner with nearly 15 years of experience. The world of mental health is a confusing one with many different services, professionals and treatments. It can be hard to know what is wrong and what can be done about it. Together I hope that we can find a path for you to better mental health. Our first session will be a chance to fully understand you and your mental health. From there we can work together to to find ways to improve your mental health by overcoming barriers.
I am a mental health nurse practitioner with nearly 15 years of experience. The world of mental health is a confusing one with many different services, professionals and treatments. It can be hard to know what is wrong and what can be done about it. Together I hope that we can find a path for you to better mental health. Our first session will be a chance to fully understand you and your mental health. From there we can work together to to find ways to improve your mental health by overcoming barriers.
01905 675539 View 01905 675539
Photo of Jonathan Pointer - Dr Pointer - Pure O OCD Specialist - OCD Therapy, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Pointer - Pure O OCD Specialist - OCD Therapy
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Carterton OX18
Both my own personal experiences of OCD from an early age & my clinical training have led me to deeply understand OCD, & how to recover from it. I have been where you are now, & have recovered from OCD. I work with all Pure O OCD related themes, including taboo themes (e.g. POCD, Incest OCD), sexual themes (e.g. HOCD / SO-OCD), & violent themes (e.g. Harm OCD), Magical Thinking OCD, ROCD, False Memory OCD, Real Event OCD, Somatic OCD / Sensorimotor OCD, & “surreal” themes. My service is for adults (18+). For my main website: google "ocd specialist doctor pointer” or QR code in photos section.
Both my own personal experiences of OCD from an early age & my clinical training have led me to deeply understand OCD, & how to recover from it. I have been where you are now, & have recovered from OCD. I work with all Pure O OCD related themes, including taboo themes (e.g. POCD, Incest OCD), sexual themes (e.g. HOCD / SO-OCD), & violent themes (e.g. Harm OCD), Magical Thinking OCD, ROCD, False Memory OCD, Real Event OCD, Somatic OCD / Sensorimotor OCD, & “surreal” themes. My service is for adults (18+). For my main website: google "ocd specialist doctor pointer” or QR code in photos section.
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Photo of Wendy Jane Hooker - WJH Therapy, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
WJH Therapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have extensive experience of supporting people through a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties and believe in the importance of building genuine and transparent relationships, working at relational depth to help facilitate change. The issues I work with are many and varied and clients goals are fundamentally 'to feel better' and live a more enriched and fuller life. How this is achieved and the therapeutic strategies employed will be unique and individual to every client.
I have extensive experience of supporting people through a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties and believe in the importance of building genuine and transparent relationships, working at relational depth to help facilitate change. The issues I work with are many and varied and clients goals are fundamentally 'to feel better' and live a more enriched and fuller life. How this is achieved and the therapeutic strategies employed will be unique and individual to every client.
0117 463 7298 View 0117 463 7298
Photo of Dr Donna Bella Gurney, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Donna Bella Gurney
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Tetbury GL8
Are you battling an eating disorder or caught in a cycle of never feeling good enough? Are you constantly self-doubting or procastinating? Is anxiety holding you back from the life you want to live? Maybe you’re overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in perfectionism — driven by impossible standards and harsh self-criticism. Perhaps your relationships are suffering, and you don’t know why. You don’t have to face this alone. I created "Tutum Psychology" from the Latin word 'tutum', meaning 'safe'—to offer exactly that: a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore, heal, and grow. Let’s work together to create that space for you.
Are you battling an eating disorder or caught in a cycle of never feeling good enough? Are you constantly self-doubting or procastinating? Is anxiety holding you back from the life you want to live? Maybe you’re overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in perfectionism — driven by impossible standards and harsh self-criticism. Perhaps your relationships are suffering, and you don’t know why. You don’t have to face this alone. I created "Tutum Psychology" from the Latin word 'tutum', meaning 'safe'—to offer exactly that: a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore, heal, and grow. Let’s work together to create that space for you.
0330 133 5455 View 0330 133 5455
Photo of Victoria Alexandra Pook, Counsellor, MBACP
Victoria Alexandra Pook
Counsellor, MBACP
Swindon SN3
I work with adults across the UK who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to make sense of their emotions. You might be dealing with grief, life changes, or a sense that something isn’t quite right, even if you can’t fully explain why. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel heard. Together, we gently explore your experiences, helping you gain clarity, process difficult feelings, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
I work with adults across the UK who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to make sense of their emotions. You might be dealing with grief, life changes, or a sense that something isn’t quite right, even if you can’t fully explain why. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel heard. Together, we gently explore your experiences, helping you gain clarity, process difficult feelings, and move forward at a pace that feels right for you.
01793 378002 View 01793 378002
Photo of Jiaqi Qiu, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Jiaqi Qiu
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Hello, I am Maggie! I know how much courage it takes to even consider reaching out for support. You might be carrying anxiety, sadness, or a weight you can't quite name, and it feels isolating. You’re tired of your own inner critic and the feeling that you have to have it all figured out. You don't want someone to just give you advice or tell you what to do; you want a safe space to untangle your own thoughts and feelings, to find your own answers.
Hello, I am Maggie! I know how much courage it takes to even consider reaching out for support. You might be carrying anxiety, sadness, or a weight you can't quite name, and it feels isolating. You’re tired of your own inner critic and the feeling that you have to have it all figured out. You don't want someone to just give you advice or tell you what to do; you want a safe space to untangle your own thoughts and feelings, to find your own answers.
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Photo of Jen Edwards, Counsellor, MBACP
Jen Edwards
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.
I recognise that life is a journey that can sometimes be a struggle. Life in this modern world is often chaotic, stressful and moves at such a fast pace, yet our reptilian brains are still designed to deal with cave man threats. This can lead to our bodies being flooded with fight, flight or freeze responses. In time these can build and lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression and low level trauma if not dealt with correctly. Having the support to help you through is not always easy to find.
01242 903218 View 01242 903218
LGBTQ+ Counsellors
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialised training, either during their degree programme or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.

Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalisation in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.

How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.

Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialised training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.