LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling in Brackley

Photo of Carolina Preo, Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Carolina Preo
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Ten years ago, I was where you are. Suffering with anxiety and panic attacks pushed me to seek support out of desperation. I didn’t see how talking could help, yet it changed my life. I eventually trained as a counsellor to support others the way I was: feeling like I finally had someone in my corner. But how do you even choose a counsellor? It can feel like a daunting task, especially if having so many options leaves you feeling overwhelmed. This is where your intuition helps. We are often conditioned to ignore our "gut feeling" in favour of the "shoulds" of life—but those "shoulds" often lead us away from our authentic selves.
Ten years ago, I was where you are. Suffering with anxiety and panic attacks pushed me to seek support out of desperation. I didn’t see how talking could help, yet it changed my life. I eventually trained as a counsellor to support others the way I was: feeling like I finally had someone in my corner. But how do you even choose a counsellor? It can feel like a daunting task, especially if having so many options leaves you feeling overwhelmed. This is where your intuition helps. We are often conditioned to ignore our "gut feeling" in favour of the "shoulds" of life—but those "shoulds" often lead us away from our authentic selves.
01280 733693 View 01280 733693
Photo of Samantha Aldridge, Counsellor, MBACP
Samantha Aldridge
Counsellor, MBACP
Brackley NN13
Hello, I am a friendly, caring and compassionate counsellor with a passion for helping others. Taking the first step in seeking therapy can feel daunting and takes a lot of courage, I offer a non judgemental, confidential space for you to explore your feelings. I can offer both short term or long term therapy including Counselling and Play Therapy. My experience includes working with children & young people in schools and the charity sector with a variety of issues. My most recent experience has been working with young people and adults who have a diagnosis of cancer, supporting them through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Hello, I am a friendly, caring and compassionate counsellor with a passion for helping others. Taking the first step in seeking therapy can feel daunting and takes a lot of courage, I offer a non judgemental, confidential space for you to explore your feelings. I can offer both short term or long term therapy including Counselling and Play Therapy. My experience includes working with children & young people in schools and the charity sector with a variety of issues. My most recent experience has been working with young people and adults who have a diagnosis of cancer, supporting them through diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
01280 732317 View 01280 732317
Photo of Dr David Tilbrook, Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Dr David Tilbrook
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Brackley NN13
You may be feeling troubled by symptoms of anxiety and depression, confused and conflicted in relationships or wanting to develop something within yourself in order to live a fuller and more satisfying life. Therapy can offer you a safe and positive space in which we can compassionately explore and work through areas of conflict and confusion. Facing painful and conflicted feelings together can undo anxiety and misery and free you to become who you really are as a person, and to get the most out of life.
You may be feeling troubled by symptoms of anxiety and depression, confused and conflicted in relationships or wanting to develop something within yourself in order to live a fuller and more satisfying life. Therapy can offer you a safe and positive space in which we can compassionately explore and work through areas of conflict and confusion. Facing painful and conflicted feelings together can undo anxiety and misery and free you to become who you really are as a person, and to get the most out of life.
01865 920846 View 01865 920846
Photo of Tim Buckingham, Counsellor, MBACP
Tim Buckingham
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Face to face sessions for adults and young people aged 11 +, located close to Buckingham, in a peaceful countryside setting. Where appropriate, I encourage my clients to take some of their counselling outdoors. This allows you, if you wish, to engage with the healing from nature to complement your therapy and is proving to be very effective. Many of my clients find beneficial outcomes are often achieved in 6 to 10 sessions.
Face to face sessions for adults and young people aged 11 +, located close to Buckingham, in a peaceful countryside setting. Where appropriate, I encourage my clients to take some of their counselling outdoors. This allows you, if you wish, to engage with the healing from nature to complement your therapy and is proving to be very effective. Many of my clients find beneficial outcomes are often achieved in 6 to 10 sessions.
01280 736305 View 01280 736305
Photo of Rachel Anna Teare - Rachel Teare Counselling and Supervision, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Rachel Teare Counselling and Supervision
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I have been working for over 23 years with people who have a wide range of issues including, relationship and work problems, low self esteem, addictions and other forms of self harm, abuse, eating disorders, bereavement as well as people who suffer from stress and anxiety or feel low, depressed and suicidal. I am also qualified to work with couples and groups about relationships. Most of my training and work as a counsellor has been about really learning to listen to people, hearing the ‘music’ behind their words and sensing their deepest feelings, hurts, joys and fears as it is then that therapeutic healing can occur.
I have been working for over 23 years with people who have a wide range of issues including, relationship and work problems, low self esteem, addictions and other forms of self harm, abuse, eating disorders, bereavement as well as people who suffer from stress and anxiety or feel low, depressed and suicidal. I am also qualified to work with couples and groups about relationships. Most of my training and work as a counsellor has been about really learning to listen to people, hearing the ‘music’ behind their words and sensing their deepest feelings, hurts, joys and fears as it is then that therapeutic healing can occur.
01608 692242 View 01608 692242
Photo of Dr Jess Page, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Jess Page
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
I am a Clinical Psychologist with experience of working within mental health settings for over 14 years. I work with people with a range of difficulties and all ages, including children, adolescents, adults and older adults. I work collaboratively with clients to develop a shared understanding of their current difficulties and to support them to work towards their goals. I believe it is important to build a safe and trusting space where a person can feel able to express themselves without fear of judgement.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with experience of working within mental health settings for over 14 years. I work with people with a range of difficulties and all ages, including children, adolescents, adults and older adults. I work collaboratively with clients to develop a shared understanding of their current difficulties and to support them to work towards their goals. I believe it is important to build a safe and trusting space where a person can feel able to express themselves without fear of judgement.
01280 736313 View 01280 736313

More Therapists Nearby

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 Francesca Marjoram - Talk for Change Therapy , Psychotherapist, MBACP
Talk for Change Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Hello, and welcome. I am Francesca, a well qualified, experienced and professional psychotherapist supporting individuals to work through feelings of anxiety, depression, relationship problems, anger, grief and loss. Since you are reading this page I imagine you would like some aspects of your life to be different and wondering if I - or therapy - can help you. We come to therapy for a myriad of reasons, perhaps you struggling to like yourself or coming to terms with a trauma or loss and looking to process your experience and see a way forward. Maybe you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression.
Hello, and welcome. I am Francesca, a well qualified, experienced and professional psychotherapist supporting individuals to work through feelings of anxiety, depression, relationship problems, anger, grief and loss. Since you are reading this page I imagine you would like some aspects of your life to be different and wondering if I - or therapy - can help you. We come to therapy for a myriad of reasons, perhaps you struggling to like yourself or coming to terms with a trauma or loss and looking to process your experience and see a way forward. Maybe you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression.
01494 977457 View 01494 977457
Photo of Shaheen Walker, Counsellor, MBACP
Shaheen Walker
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Hi - are you feeling stuck? Repeating the same patterns of behaviour again and again in your life or relationship and going around in circles? Do you feel a lack of love/respect from your partner or someone close to you? Is sex/intimacy or compulsive sexual behaviour an issue? Perhaps trauma, life changes, neurodiversity (adhd/asc) or difficult times have led to anxiety/depression, the trust has gone, or you're feeling sad, angry, lonely, numb, or not sure what you feel anymore? I provide a safe, non-judgmental space supporting individuals, couples, neurodiverse and enm relationships gain confidence to change and improve wellbeing.
Hi - are you feeling stuck? Repeating the same patterns of behaviour again and again in your life or relationship and going around in circles? Do you feel a lack of love/respect from your partner or someone close to you? Is sex/intimacy or compulsive sexual behaviour an issue? Perhaps trauma, life changes, neurodiversity (adhd/asc) or difficult times have led to anxiety/depression, the trust has gone, or you're feeling sad, angry, lonely, numb, or not sure what you feel anymore? I provide a safe, non-judgmental space supporting individuals, couples, neurodiverse and enm relationships gain confidence to change and improve wellbeing.
01895 545137 View 01895 545137
Photo of Heather Phillips, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Heather Phillips
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
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 Rachel Rutherford, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Rachel Rutherford
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Southam CV47
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 Melanie Frost, Counsellor, MBACP
Melanie Frost
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Primarily working with clients from the LGBT community, students and neurodiversity.
Seeking support can be a daunting prospect but so is living a life full of anxiety and overwhelm. I work in a sensitive and compassionate manner, offering a safe therapeutic space, free from judgement for you to explore life's difficulties at a pace which best suits you. Together we will make sense of what you are thinking and feeling, increasing your capacity to sit with distress, how to heal, move forward and make positive change to live a more fulfilled life. I am very happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Primarily working with clients from the LGBT community, students and neurodiversity.
Seeking support can be a daunting prospect but so is living a life full of anxiety and overwhelm. I work in a sensitive and compassionate manner, offering a safe therapeutic space, free from judgement for you to explore life's difficulties at a pace which best suits you. Together we will make sense of what you are thinking and feeling, increasing your capacity to sit with distress, how to heal, move forward and make positive change to live a more fulfilled life. I am very happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
024 7542 6053 View 024 7542 6053
Photo of Jennie Canty - Chiltern Talking Therapies / Chiltern ADHD Clinic, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a CBT/EMDR Therapist and owner of Chiltern TT/ADHD Clinic. My Associates and I offer face to face or virtual CBT, EMDR, Counselling, Schema, Coaching and Art Therapy sessions and ADHD Assessments. We can support adults and young people with a wide range of difficulties. We are non-judgemental and have a wealth of experience between us, from working with addictions, offenders, children, clients with brain injuries and couples. I pride our team on being non-judgemental and accepting of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We all hold DBS checks and indemnity insurance, which you can view at any time.
Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a CBT/EMDR Therapist and owner of Chiltern TT/ADHD Clinic. My Associates and I offer face to face or virtual CBT, EMDR, Counselling, Schema, Coaching and Art Therapy sessions and ADHD Assessments. We can support adults and young people with a wide range of difficulties. We are non-judgemental and have a wealth of experience between us, from working with addictions, offenders, children, clients with brain injuries and couples. I pride our team on being non-judgemental and accepting of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We all hold DBS checks and indemnity insurance, which you can view at any time.
01442 971728 View 01442 971728
Photo of Julia-Sophie Walker, Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Julia-Sophie Walker
Psychotherapist, MSc, UKCP Trainee
Oxford OX1
Hello, I'm Julia-Sophie (she/her/hers). I offer in-person and online, short and long term therapy to adults who are seeking clarity and change in their lives. Deciding to start therapy can be overwhelming, particularly during a difficult time. It’s normal to feel uncertain when choosing a therapist. My hope is that throughout our work together, you will find space to experience deeply meaningful conversations, laughter, discovery, and profound empowerment, offering life-changing benefits.
Hello, I'm Julia-Sophie (she/her/hers). I offer in-person and online, short and long term therapy to adults who are seeking clarity and change in their lives. Deciding to start therapy can be overwhelming, particularly during a difficult time. It’s normal to feel uncertain when choosing a therapist. My hope is that throughout our work together, you will find space to experience deeply meaningful conversations, laughter, discovery, and profound empowerment, offering life-changing benefits.
01865 537625 View 01865 537625
Photo of Dr Livia M Pontes, Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Livia M Pontes
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in women’s mental health, particularly during the menopause transition, pregnancy, and postnatal period. I work with women who often feel overwhelmed, invisible, or disconnected from themselves after years of holding everything together for others. My approach is integrative and grounded in neuroscience & evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT and CFT. I work holistically, considering the emotional, biological, social and cultural factors that shape mental health, and tailor therapy to each person’s needs and goals.
I am a Clinical Psychologist & Neuropsychologist with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in women’s mental health, particularly during the menopause transition, pregnancy, and postnatal period. I work with women who often feel overwhelmed, invisible, or disconnected from themselves after years of holding everything together for others. My approach is integrative and grounded in neuroscience & evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT and CFT. I work holistically, considering the emotional, biological, social and cultural factors that shape mental health, and tailor therapy to each person’s needs and goals.
01908 015440 View 01908 015440
Photo of Chris Stoker, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Chris Stoker
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there, I'm Chris. Have you or a loved one been struggling to cope with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or low? Maybe social situations are difficult to face, or work and studies are harder to manage? Perhaps you've been experiencing really difficult unwanted and intrusive thoughts, or feeling driven to repeat certain actions. Doing the things that you used to be able to do maybe just feels too heavy. If you're a loved one, maybe you've noticed your young person change from how they used to be. If any of this sounds familiar, I can help by providing a safe and open space to support you in overcoming these challenges.
Hi there, I'm Chris. Have you or a loved one been struggling to cope with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or low? Maybe social situations are difficult to face, or work and studies are harder to manage? Perhaps you've been experiencing really difficult unwanted and intrusive thoughts, or feeling driven to repeat certain actions. Doing the things that you used to be able to do maybe just feels too heavy. If you're a loved one, maybe you've noticed your young person change from how they used to be. If any of this sounds familiar, I can help by providing a safe and open space to support you in overcoming these challenges.
0330 043 3907 View 0330 043 3907
Photo of Paul Shin, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Paul Shin
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Online Only
For me, physical symptoms were the gateway into healing. My body was telling me something I couldn't yet put into words, and learning to listen to that felt sense changed everything. I see psychosomatic symptoms not as weakness, but as the body's remarkable way of coping with overwhelming pain. Those patterns are signs of strength, which were strategies that once protected you, even if now they may feel limiting.
For me, physical symptoms were the gateway into healing. My body was telling me something I couldn't yet put into words, and learning to listen to that felt sense changed everything. I see psychosomatic symptoms not as weakness, but as the body's remarkable way of coping with overwhelming pain. Those patterns are signs of strength, which were strategies that once protected you, even if now they may feel limiting.
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Photo of Mark Ellis, Counsellor, MA, MUKCP
Mark Ellis
Counsellor, MA, MUKCP
Oxford OX4
I am inclusive of all genders and relationship structures, including LGBTQIA+ people, ethical non-monogamy, BDSM, and kink.
As a UKCP-accredited psychodynamic therapist with a four-year postgraduate training at Oxford University, I provide a private, confidential space for individuals, couples, and polycules. My work focuses on examining the unconscious patterns influencing your life, relationships, and wellbeing. Whether you are dealing with acute distress or seeking to explore long-standing personal dynamics, I offer a professional, contained environment. I believe lasting change is achieved by working through root causes while simultaneously addressing the symptoms—such as anxiety, depression, or relational disconnection—that bring you to therapy.
I am inclusive of all genders and relationship structures, including LGBTQIA+ people, ethical non-monogamy, BDSM, and kink.
As a UKCP-accredited psychodynamic therapist with a four-year postgraduate training at Oxford University, I provide a private, confidential space for individuals, couples, and polycules. My work focuses on examining the unconscious patterns influencing your life, relationships, and wellbeing. Whether you are dealing with acute distress or seeking to explore long-standing personal dynamics, I offer a professional, contained environment. I believe lasting change is achieved by working through root causes while simultaneously addressing the symptoms—such as anxiety, depression, or relational disconnection—that bring you to therapy.
01865 587111 View 01865 587111
Photo of Matthew Jadavji - Late-Diagnosed ADHD & Autism | LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Late-Diagnosed ADHD & Autism | LGBTQ+ Inclusive
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m Matthew, a queer, neurodivergent psychotherapist offering online therapy across the UK.
Have you been diagnosed with ADHD or autism as an adult and found that, instead of clarity, it has brought confusion, grief, or shame? Many of the people I work with are in their 30s and beyond, navigating the impact of late diagnosis on identity, self-worth, and relationships.
I’m Matthew, a queer, neurodivergent psychotherapist offering online therapy across the UK.
Have you been diagnosed with ADHD or autism as an adult and found that, instead of clarity, it has brought confusion, grief, or shame? Many of the people I work with are in their 30s and beyond, navigating the impact of late diagnosis on identity, self-worth, and relationships.
020 3823 6649 View 020 3823 6649
Photo of Aaron Walton, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Aaron Walton
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Hi, I’m Aaron, someone who can provide you the space and time to be unapologetically yourself - while you figure things out. Unlike AI, I may not agree with you on everything, but as a human, I will smile, laugh and joke, but I will also challenge, encourage and celebrate you. I am experienced psychotherapist who can create a safe and non-judgemental space to enable you to explore different aspects of your life – nothing is ever trivial. We can work together to understand how your internal mindset, your thoughts and emotions, dictates your current reality – your behaviours and actions.
Hi, I’m Aaron, someone who can provide you the space and time to be unapologetically yourself - while you figure things out. Unlike AI, I may not agree with you on everything, but as a human, I will smile, laugh and joke, but I will also challenge, encourage and celebrate you. I am experienced psychotherapist who can create a safe and non-judgemental space to enable you to explore different aspects of your life – nothing is ever trivial. We can work together to understand how your internal mindset, your thoughts and emotions, dictates your current reality – your behaviours and actions.
01908 103458 View 01908 103458
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.