LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling in Bovingdon

Photo of Julie Lesslie, Counsellor, MBACP
Julie Lesslie
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I am a person-centred Counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). There are times in life when people can experience unmanageable or emotionally overwhelming feelings and behaviours or maybe a trauma that may persist even if there is support from friends and loved ones. I encourage my clients to fully explore their experiences and help them accept who they are and what is out of their personal control, so they can better understand their current situation and improve their lives.
I am a person-centred Counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). There are times in life when people can experience unmanageable or emotionally overwhelming feelings and behaviours or maybe a trauma that may persist even if there is support from friends and loved ones. I encourage my clients to fully explore their experiences and help them accept who they are and what is out of their personal control, so they can better understand their current situation and improve their lives.
01494 328836 View 01494 328836
Photo of Rebecca Ingram, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Rebecca Ingram
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
Do you find yourself prioritising the external world and the needs of those around you? Perhaps you feel different to others or misunderstood in relationships? It may be you experience self-doubt, negative thinking or notice yourself repeating patterns that impact your relationships. Whatever is going on for you working together, relationally we can begin to explore ‘YOU’, focus on raising your awareness & understanding of the way you experience yourself, to identify your goals for therapy, to be open to learning new ways of being. Therapy is a commitment between client & therapist, to be open to wanting things to be different.
Do you find yourself prioritising the external world and the needs of those around you? Perhaps you feel different to others or misunderstood in relationships? It may be you experience self-doubt, negative thinking or notice yourself repeating patterns that impact your relationships. Whatever is going on for you working together, relationally we can begin to explore ‘YOU’, focus on raising your awareness & understanding of the way you experience yourself, to identify your goals for therapy, to be open to learning new ways of being. Therapy is a commitment between client & therapist, to be open to wanting things to be different.
01628 969896 View 01628 969896
Photo of Dr Lee Martin, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Dr Lee Martin
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Serves Area
Hello and Welcome, Life can indeed be difficult at times. Many are struggling with mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings can rise to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a PHD(Hon), Master Degree and EMDR(Accredited), I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life can indeed be difficult at times. Many are struggling with mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings can rise to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a PHD(Hon), Master Degree and EMDR(Accredited), I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6806 View 020 4538 6806

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Charmini Glo, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Charmini Glo
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Serves Area
Do your feelings overwhelm you? Is it hard to stay in control? Are you unkind to yourself? I understand how hard it is to ask for help. Untangling a lifetime of feelings and thoughts can be daunting, but with the right support you can identify those limiting patterns and change the beliefs, feelings, and responses holding you back from the life you want and the person you want to be. Choice comes from understanding yourself, then making the right changes. I understand how hard it can be to do that on your own. I will be with you on that journey, supporting and empowering you to move from self-awareness to real, lasting change
Do your feelings overwhelm you? Is it hard to stay in control? Are you unkind to yourself? I understand how hard it is to ask for help. Untangling a lifetime of feelings and thoughts can be daunting, but with the right support you can identify those limiting patterns and change the beliefs, feelings, and responses holding you back from the life you want and the person you want to be. Choice comes from understanding yourself, then making the right changes. I understand how hard it can be to do that on your own. I will be with you on that journey, supporting and empowering you to move from self-awareness to real, lasting change
0161 524 8377 View 0161 524 8377
Photo of Ilia (Stavroula) DAOUSSI, Counsellor, MA, MUKCP
Ilia (Stavroula) DAOUSSI
Counsellor, MA, MUKCP
London E11
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I’m familiar with the struggles around sexuality and/or gender.
As an Integrative Transpersonal Counsellor, I join each client on a journey to find a place where past and present experiences meet. We mutually create an explorative space to allow for better self-understanding and healing, while also listening to what is soulfully shared through images, dreams and poetry. Find out more about me at soulfulcounselling.co.uk.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I’m familiar with the struggles around sexuality and/or gender.
As an Integrative Transpersonal Counsellor, I join each client on a journey to find a place where past and present experiences meet. We mutually create an explorative space to allow for better self-understanding and healing, while also listening to what is soulfully shared through images, dreams and poetry. Find out more about me at soulfulcounselling.co.uk.
01767 661125 View 01767 661125
Photo of Leela Faezeh Emadi, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Leela Faezeh Emadi
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Online Only
New slots now have become available! The healing process is more fun, quicker and more efficient when we work with all of you rather than only your mind. That's why my approach is Holistic and Integrative. Holistic means that we work with 4 different layers of your being: your physical body, mind, emotions and energetical body. Working Integratively means that I have a rich tool box of different approaches and I use the one which is suitable to you at the right time. Check my website for a longer video explaining my approach.
New slots now have become available! The healing process is more fun, quicker and more efficient when we work with all of you rather than only your mind. That's why my approach is Holistic and Integrative. Holistic means that we work with 4 different layers of your being: your physical body, mind, emotions and energetical body. Working Integratively means that I have a rich tool box of different approaches and I use the one which is suitable to you at the right time. Check my website for a longer video explaining my approach.
020 3856 7746 View 020 3856 7746
Photo of Taline Schubach, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Taline Schubach
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m a relational art therapist who supports students, young adults, couples and individuals seeking a deeper connection with themselves. Many of my clients come to therapy during times of transition, stress, or uncertainty — when emotions feel overwhelming or difficult to express. In our sessions, art becomes a safe and meaningful way to explore what words cannot fully capture.
I’m a relational art therapist who supports students, young adults, couples and individuals seeking a deeper connection with themselves. Many of my clients come to therapy during times of transition, stress, or uncertainty — when emotions feel overwhelming or difficult to express. In our sessions, art becomes a safe and meaningful way to explore what words cannot fully capture.
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Photo of Beth Fisher - Beth Fisher Therapy, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Beth Fisher Therapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Serves Area
I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties, who want to understand patterns behind their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop strategies to manage challenges effectively. My clients value working with someone knowledgeable, approachable, and trustworthy. I aim to create a safe space to work with you to explore the challenges you are facing as we work towards your goals.
I work with adults experiencing a range of difficulties, who want to understand patterns behind their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and develop strategies to manage challenges effectively. My clients value working with someone knowledgeable, approachable, and trustworthy. I aim to create a safe space to work with you to explore the challenges you are facing as we work towards your goals.
01392 321230 View 01392 321230
Photo of Rachel Kraftman, Counsellor, MBACP
Rachel Kraftman
Counsellor, MBACP
London SW4
Holding everything together on the outside can feel exhausting when, inside, things feel overwhelming. You might be struggling with difficult relationships, memories from the past, or a sense of not really knowing who you are. Perhaps anger, shame, or anxiety feel close to the surface, or you’re caught in patterns that you can’t seem to shift. Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to manage it all alone. I am a qualified person-centred therapist and registered member of the BACP. I work with adults in Clapham (SW4) and online, offering a supportive, confidential space to talk openly and at your own pace.
Holding everything together on the outside can feel exhausting when, inside, things feel overwhelming. You might be struggling with difficult relationships, memories from the past, or a sense of not really knowing who you are. Perhaps anger, shame, or anxiety feel close to the surface, or you’re caught in patterns that you can’t seem to shift. Therapy offers a space where you don’t have to manage it all alone. I am a qualified person-centred therapist and registered member of the BACP. I work with adults in Clapham (SW4) and online, offering a supportive, confidential space to talk openly and at your own pace.
020 4634 5318 View 020 4634 5318
Photo of Daniel Sutton-Johanson, Psychotherapist, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
Daniel Sutton-Johanson
Psychotherapist, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with 1-1 clients and couples / multiple partner clients. I'm also trained by Metanoia Institute for 1-1 work and CICS (contemporary institute of clinical sexology) in intimate partnered therapy to work with couples + multiple partnered people Reasons to seek out therapy are, much like ourselves, varied, nuanced and complex. A deeply empathic, attentive presence and trust for how you process things and what you decide to bring to therapy are at the heart of my practice. My work is therefore centred around attending to the whole person, with equal respect and worth for both content and process, both feeling and thinking.
I work with 1-1 clients and couples / multiple partner clients. I'm also trained by Metanoia Institute for 1-1 work and CICS (contemporary institute of clinical sexology) in intimate partnered therapy to work with couples + multiple partnered people Reasons to seek out therapy are, much like ourselves, varied, nuanced and complex. A deeply empathic, attentive presence and trust for how you process things and what you decide to bring to therapy are at the heart of my practice. My work is therefore centred around attending to the whole person, with equal respect and worth for both content and process, both feeling and thinking.
023 9387 8735 View 023 9387 8735
Photo of Hemla Inman, Counsellor, BACP
Hemla Inman
Counsellor, BACP
4 Endorsed
London SE20
I support individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, including those in intimate relationships, marriages, family dynamics , friendships, and professional relationships. My goal is to help you feel more understood and less conflicted, Emotional difficulties rarely exist in isolation and therapy can help you make sense of how they can be interconnected. Anxiety can affect relationships, past experiences can shape self-esteem, and life changes can bring everything to the surface. These affect your personal inner world including your self-confidence and how you respond to change and stress in your relationships.
I support individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, including those in intimate relationships, marriages, family dynamics , friendships, and professional relationships. My goal is to help you feel more understood and less conflicted, Emotional difficulties rarely exist in isolation and therapy can help you make sense of how they can be interconnected. Anxiety can affect relationships, past experiences can shape self-esteem, and life changes can bring everything to the surface. These affect your personal inner world including your self-confidence and how you respond to change and stress in your relationships.
020 3984 9026 View 020 3984 9026
Photo of Erinn T. Brown, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Erinn T. Brown
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
London W1G
I work frequently with individuals who identify with the LGBTQ+, gifted, ADHD, and ASD communities.
As your therapist, I aim to create a warm, respectful, non-judgemental environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences. The type of therapy I offer is both insight-oriented and promotive of present functioning, and both short-term and long-term therapeutic support is available.
I work frequently with individuals who identify with the LGBTQ+, gifted, ADHD, and ASD communities.
As your therapist, I aim to create a warm, respectful, non-judgemental environment where you can feel safe to share your experiences. The type of therapy I offer is both insight-oriented and promotive of present functioning, and both short-term and long-term therapeutic support is available.
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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 Hannah D'Souza - Identity Therapies, Psychotherapist, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Identity Therapies
Psychotherapist, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
London SW11
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, anger, or stress? Struggling with ADHD, relationship and family difficulties, or feeling disconnected from yourself as you try to discover who you truly are? This is a calm, inclusive, and confidential space for adults to speak openly at their own pace. Many also seek support here due to identity issues, life changes (including bereavement), or repeating patterns that feel difficult to break. Together, we’ll understand your emotions, regain stability, and reconnect with yourself and others helping you move forward with confidence and experience a more fulfilling, balanced life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, anger, or stress? Struggling with ADHD, relationship and family difficulties, or feeling disconnected from yourself as you try to discover who you truly are? This is a calm, inclusive, and confidential space for adults to speak openly at their own pace. Many also seek support here due to identity issues, life changes (including bereavement), or repeating patterns that feel difficult to break. Together, we’ll understand your emotions, regain stability, and reconnect with yourself and others helping you move forward with confidence and experience a more fulfilling, balanced life.
020 4634 7101 View 020 4634 7101
Photo of Dr Alison Pak, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Alison Pak
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
London WC1B
Dr Alison Pak completed her BSc (Hons) at University College, London, a Masters in Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College, London. She has experience working in various NHS settings and in private practice, and is currently based in a practice in South West London. Dr Pak draws on a range of therapeutic models (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy), often including creativity as one of her core competencies.
Dr Alison Pak completed her BSc (Hons) at University College, London, a Masters in Social and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cambridge, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College, London. She has experience working in various NHS settings and in private practice, and is currently based in a practice in South West London. Dr Pak draws on a range of therapeutic models (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy), often including creativity as one of her core competencies.
020 3835 4513 View 020 3835 4513
Photo of Ioanna Matte, Psychotherapist, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
Ioanna Matte
Psychotherapist, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
Online Only
I also offer relationship therapy for queer/ LGBTQ+ couples and people in CNM and poly relationship configurations.
I specialise in trauma and its longer-term impact, including dissociation and relationship patterns, PTSD and cPTSD, trust issues, panic and anxiety attacks, self-harm, depression, narcissistic family systems, loss and grief, and dealing with chronic illness. My approach is collaborative, trauma and dissociation-informed, and queer and trans-affirmative.
I also offer relationship therapy for queer/ LGBTQ+ couples and people in CNM and poly relationship configurations.
I specialise in trauma and its longer-term impact, including dissociation and relationship patterns, PTSD and cPTSD, trust issues, panic and anxiety attacks, self-harm, depression, narcissistic family systems, loss and grief, and dealing with chronic illness. My approach is collaborative, trauma and dissociation-informed, and queer and trans-affirmative.
020 3835 5612 View 020 3835 5612
Photo of Finn Dowdell, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Finn Dowdell
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
London E8
I work relationaly and with a person centered, trauma informed approach and follow a queer feminist framework.
Through being with your feelings and talking through the difficulties you are facing you can build on and develop deeper self awareness, opening up room to grow, gain confidence and creatively explore and pursue the choices, possibilities, hopes and connections in your life.
I work relationaly and with a person centered, trauma informed approach and follow a queer feminist framework.
Through being with your feelings and talking through the difficulties you are facing you can build on and develop deeper self awareness, opening up room to grow, gain confidence and creatively explore and pursue the choices, possibilities, hopes and connections in your life.
020 3838 0809 View 020 3838 0809
Photo of Astro (Kate) Jones, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Astro (Kate) Jones
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
London E8
I’m interested in the mind-body connection, processes of transformation, wild therapy and exploring queer family building.
At the heart of my practice is a relational focus. I pay close attention to your relational patterns and needs, and hold the therapeutic relationship between us as a vital part of the healing process. Together, we create a space where connection, trust, and insight can grow.
I’m interested in the mind-body connection, processes of transformation, wild therapy and exploring queer family building.
At the heart of my practice is a relational focus. I pay close attention to your relational patterns and needs, and hold the therapeutic relationship between us as a vital part of the healing process. Together, we create a space where connection, trust, and insight can grow.
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Photo of Sophie Barnes, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Sophie Barnes
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Online Only
I have extensive experience working affirmatively with gender, sexuality and relationship diversity, LGBTQIA identities, kink, and sex workers.
Working with relationships and individuals, I am a trauma-informed, BACP accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist. Drawing from a decade’s clinical experience, my approach weaves together psychoanalytic, attachment, Jungian, Buddhist mindfulness and somatic approaches. Sessions offer a unique opportunity for deep self-exploration and support around any areas of concern to you; a place in which to be truly seen, heard and responded to. Together, we attend to the underlying roots of present difficulties at a level of depth, towards fuller self-understanding and the discovery of new, more fulfilling ways of living, relating and being.
I have extensive experience working affirmatively with gender, sexuality and relationship diversity, LGBTQIA identities, kink, and sex workers.
Working with relationships and individuals, I am a trauma-informed, BACP accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist. Drawing from a decade’s clinical experience, my approach weaves together psychoanalytic, attachment, Jungian, Buddhist mindfulness and somatic approaches. Sessions offer a unique opportunity for deep self-exploration and support around any areas of concern to you; a place in which to be truly seen, heard and responded to. Together, we attend to the underlying roots of present difficulties at a level of depth, towards fuller self-understanding and the discovery of new, more fulfilling ways of living, relating and being.
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Photo of Dilya Mavlanova-August, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Dilya Mavlanova-August
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
2 Endorsed
I specialise in identity and life transitions, including parenthood, pregnancy, immigration, marriage, divorce, and LGBTQIA+ identity.
I offer integrative counselling for anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, grief, loneliness, trauma, and emotional overwhelm. I also support identity and life transitions. In a safe, non-judgemental space, we explore thoughts and feelings, build self-awareness, and support you in finding clarity, meaning, and emotional balance.
I specialise in identity and life transitions, including parenthood, pregnancy, immigration, marriage, divorce, and LGBTQIA+ identity.
I offer integrative counselling for anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, grief, loneliness, trauma, and emotional overwhelm. I also support identity and life transitions. In a safe, non-judgemental space, we explore thoughts and feelings, build self-awareness, and support you in finding clarity, meaning, and emotional balance.
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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.