LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling in Nailsworth

Photo of Gina Moppett - Exhale Therapeutic Counselling, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Exhale Therapeutic Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
I work with a psychologically informed understanding of intersectionality and the challenges that come from oppression and generational trauma and offer a welcoming space to those from minority and under-represented backgrounds including BAME, BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.
Hello, my name is Gina. I’m a qualified, trauma informed, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). At the heart of my practice is the therapeutic relationship, creating a space where trust can develop and where you can feel heard and deeply valued. I provide both online counselling to UK based and international clients as well as face-to-face therapy sessions in Nailsworth & Stroud. My therapeutic support extends to a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns and is a welcoming space to people from all walks of life!
I work with a psychologically informed understanding of intersectionality and the challenges that come from oppression and generational trauma and offer a welcoming space to those from minority and under-represented backgrounds including BAME, BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities.
Hello, my name is Gina. I’m a qualified, trauma informed, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). At the heart of my practice is the therapeutic relationship, creating a space where trust can develop and where you can feel heard and deeply valued. I provide both online counselling to UK based and international clients as well as face-to-face therapy sessions in Nailsworth & Stroud. My therapeutic support extends to a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns and is a welcoming space to people from all walks of life!
01453 707407 View 01453 707407
Photo of Olivia Williams, Counsellor, MBACP
Olivia Williams
Counsellor, MBACP
Taking the first steps into therapy can be daunting. Perhaps you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed, or you’re facing one of life’s crossroads and would benefit from exploring your thoughts and emotions in a confidential, professional relationship. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and need a safe, supportive space to process it, I offer a compassionate, skilled, and empathic space in which to explore your experience. I believe that everyone has the capacity for healing and growth, even in the hardest of circumstances. Whatever challenges you’re facing, I’m here to support you as you navigate your path forward.
Taking the first steps into therapy can be daunting. Perhaps you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed, or you’re facing one of life’s crossroads and would benefit from exploring your thoughts and emotions in a confidential, professional relationship. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and need a safe, supportive space to process it, I offer a compassionate, skilled, and empathic space in which to explore your experience. I believe that everyone has the capacity for healing and growth, even in the hardest of circumstances. Whatever challenges you’re facing, I’m here to support you as you navigate your path forward.
01453 702432 View 01453 702432
Photo of Matthew Smith, Counsellor, MBACP
Matthew Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Life can be hard at times, and you may find yourself struggling with painful emotions, anxiety, or a difficult relationship with yourself. You might feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure why things feel so heavy, even if you can’t point to one clear reason. People come to see me for many different reasons, but often with a shared sense that something in their inner world or relationships has become painful or hard to navigate alone. I aim to offer a calm, thoughtful space where we can slow things down, make sense of what’s going on, and explore your experience at a pace that feels right for you.
Life can be hard at times, and you may find yourself struggling with painful emotions, anxiety, or a difficult relationship with yourself. You might feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure why things feel so heavy, even if you can’t point to one clear reason. People come to see me for many different reasons, but often with a shared sense that something in their inner world or relationships has become painful or hard to navigate alone. I aim to offer a calm, thoughtful space where we can slow things down, make sense of what’s going on, and explore your experience at a pace that feels right for you.
01453 703534 View 01453 703534
Photo of Helen Fenton - Helen Fenton: Face-to-Face & Online Counselling, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Helen Fenton: Face-to-Face & Online Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Serves Area
Maybe you're struggling after a trauma or bereavement, separation, or with ill-health? Maybe you're feeling alone? Or feel that your life is stuck, or lacking purpose? At times like these, counselling offers a space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings with someone who will strive to understand without judgement, & help you make sense of your feelings, find clarity, or make decisions. I offer all my clients Empathy, Congruence, and Unconditional Positive Regard. I also offer play, sand-tray, art and creative therapies to my younger clients. Home visits are also available.
Maybe you're struggling after a trauma or bereavement, separation, or with ill-health? Maybe you're feeling alone? Or feel that your life is stuck, or lacking purpose? At times like these, counselling offers a space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings with someone who will strive to understand without judgement, & help you make sense of your feelings, find clarity, or make decisions. I offer all my clients Empathy, Congruence, and Unconditional Positive Regard. I also offer play, sand-tray, art and creative therapies to my younger clients. Home visits are also available.
01666 336813 View 01666 336813

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lucy Skye, Counsellor, MBACP
Lucy Skye
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
You found your way here because of your courage and your desire for something to change. I understand how hard it can be to reach out. Our work will start by honouring your strengths and supporting you to hold and ease the challenges that you are experiencing. I hold an anti-oppressive space to support you to bring whatever you are seeking to change or understand. Together we will resource you to adapt to physical and emotional shifts, increase your awareness of your needs, and to feel more present and content in your life. To believe that you have choice and to feel you have positive control.
You found your way here because of your courage and your desire for something to change. I understand how hard it can be to reach out. Our work will start by honouring your strengths and supporting you to hold and ease the challenges that you are experiencing. I hold an anti-oppressive space to support you to bring whatever you are seeking to change or understand. Together we will resource you to adapt to physical and emotional shifts, increase your awareness of your needs, and to feel more present and content in your life. To believe that you have choice and to feel you have positive control.
0117 463 7304 View 0117 463 7304
Photo of Shaheen Walker, Counsellor, MBACP
Shaheen Walker
Counsellor, MBACP
Bristol BS1
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 Lisa Howarth - Lisa Howarth Counselling, Counsellor, MBACP
Lisa Howarth Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Bristol BS6
Warm, humorous, and down-to-earth, I offer a welcoming space and support for individuals and couples of all genders to explore anxiety and depression, relationships, loss and bereavement, sexual, childhood or institutional abuse, sexuality or complex PTSD. You may be feeling low, grieving, or stuck in patterns such as people pleasing, self-blame or emotional disconnection. Whether that's from yourself or others, I can support you to understand your relationships or sexuality more deeply.
Warm, humorous, and down-to-earth, I offer a welcoming space and support for individuals and couples of all genders to explore anxiety and depression, relationships, loss and bereavement, sexual, childhood or institutional abuse, sexuality or complex PTSD. You may be feeling low, grieving, or stuck in patterns such as people pleasing, self-blame or emotional disconnection. Whether that's from yourself or others, I can support you to understand your relationships or sexuality more deeply.
0161 524 5095 View 0161 524 5095
Photo of Lynette Brice, Counsellor, MBACP
Lynette Brice
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends.
Accepting, safe and non-judgemental counselling service from an LGBT+ ally - I work towards my clients sensing acceptance, warmth, and safety when joining me in sessions. I possess an equal and inclusive belief, which conveys into my professional practice.
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends.
Accepting, safe and non-judgemental counselling service from an LGBT+ ally - I work towards my clients sensing acceptance, warmth, and safety when joining me in sessions. I possess an equal and inclusive belief, which conveys into my professional practice.
01275 409794 View 01275 409794
Photo of Cora Hilton, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Cora Hilton
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Bristol BS1
I'm proud to have spent these years working with people with all sorts of diverse lived experience - and as the Lana reference may have hinted, I also have particular knowledge of working with queer stories.
Frequent topics in my work include anxiety, depression, burnout, perfectionism, relationships, self-esteem, identity, bereavement & LGBTQ+ issues. I also often work with people who can't put a finger on what brings them to therapy, but know something needs to change. Sometimes, nothing in particular is 'wrong', but we know things could feel more 'right'.
I'm proud to have spent these years working with people with all sorts of diverse lived experience - and as the Lana reference may have hinted, I also have particular knowledge of working with queer stories.
Frequent topics in my work include anxiety, depression, burnout, perfectionism, relationships, self-esteem, identity, bereavement & LGBTQ+ issues. I also often work with people who can't put a finger on what brings them to therapy, but know something needs to change. Sometimes, nothing in particular is 'wrong', but we know things could feel more 'right'.
020 4572 4537 View 020 4572 4537
Photo of Zoe Powell Martin, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Zoe Powell Martin
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online counselling, psychotherapy and pluralistic clinical supervision.
I have experience working with a broad range of mental health issues, long-term health care issues and issues due to difficult life events / circumstances. I offer general counselling and also specialised counselling for those within the LGBTQIA+ communities and University students.
I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online counselling, psychotherapy and pluralistic clinical supervision.
I have experience working with a broad range of mental health issues, long-term health care issues and issues due to difficult life events / circumstances. I offer general counselling and also specialised counselling for those within the LGBTQIA+ communities and University students.
01363 722166 View 01363 722166
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 Becca Norris, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Becca Norris
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
Bristol BS8
I work with/welcome a variety of clients/backgrounds, but I specialise in working with young adults and LGBTQ+community.
In life it is common to wear various marks in order to feel accepted. However you may find these are not true to yourself? My intention is to build trust and safety in our relationship, encouraging your outer mask to slip so you can begin exploring your true self. With that can come acceptance and liberation to live, grow, and develop as the true you.
I work with/welcome a variety of clients/backgrounds, but I specialise in working with young adults and LGBTQ+community.
In life it is common to wear various marks in order to feel accepted. However you may find these are not true to yourself? My intention is to build trust and safety in our relationship, encouraging your outer mask to slip so you can begin exploring your true self. With that can come acceptance and liberation to live, grow, and develop as the true you.
0117 463 7675 View 0117 463 7675
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 Sally Ellis, Counsellor, BACP
Sally Ellis
Counsellor, BACP
Bristol BS8
I'm a qualified counsellor, Supervisor & hypnotherapist working with individuals and couples, I work with Neurodivergence, LGBTQAI+ community, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships/Family difficulties, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Grief, Life changes/ Transitions. I offer a confidential, safe space for you to explore a variety of issues. I aim to develop a trusting relationship which is non-judgemental and wholly accepting you and your own way of navigating life. I am an integrative counsellor working from a person centred core .
I'm a qualified counsellor, Supervisor & hypnotherapist working with individuals and couples, I work with Neurodivergence, LGBTQAI+ community, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships/Family difficulties, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Grief, Life changes/ Transitions. I offer a confidential, safe space for you to explore a variety of issues. I aim to develop a trusting relationship which is non-judgemental and wholly accepting you and your own way of navigating life. I am an integrative counsellor working from a person centred core .
0117 456 5379 View 0117 456 5379
Photo of Rebecca Fox, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Rebecca Fox
Psychotherapist, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
It feels like a really hard time to be queer and/or trans at the moment, I'm here to hold you and have understanding and experience.
My lived experience as a queer, non-monogamous person lends itself to a deeper understanding and empathy of the experiences of queer ( LGBTQ+) and non-monogamous (inc. polyamorous) people. Maybe you wish to explore your gender identity, how you’re perceived in the world or explore different relationship styles. I am also kink-aware and sex positive.
It feels like a really hard time to be queer and/or trans at the moment, I'm here to hold you and have understanding and experience.
My lived experience as a queer, non-monogamous person lends itself to a deeper understanding and empathy of the experiences of queer ( LGBTQ+) and non-monogamous (inc. polyamorous) people. Maybe you wish to explore your gender identity, how you’re perceived in the world or explore different relationship styles. I am also kink-aware and sex positive.
0161 524 6947 View 0161 524 6947
Photo of El Patel, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
El Patel
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Bristol BS1
I’m a mixed-race, queer, poly, neurodivergent trainee psychotherapist.
Whether you’re coming as an individual or in partnerships, you’re welcome to bring the full complexity of who you are into our work. I work with people to find and reclaim themselves, to meet and hold what has been heavy, and to build lives that feel more connected and infused with pleasure.
I’m a mixed-race, queer, poly, neurodivergent trainee psychotherapist.
Whether you’re coming as an individual or in partnerships, you’re welcome to bring the full complexity of who you are into our work. I work with people to find and reclaim themselves, to meet and hold what has been heavy, and to build lives that feel more connected and infused with pleasure.
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Photo of Claire Nunan, Counsellor, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
Claire Nunan
Counsellor, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
Bristol BS1
I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
During sessions we can look at what’s brought you to counselling and discover ways to help you move forward, gain clarity or find solutions. It can also be a safe and respectful space to express yourself and try new things.
I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
During sessions we can look at what’s brought you to counselling and discover ways to help you move forward, gain clarity or find solutions. It can also be a safe and respectful space to express yourself and try new things.
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Photo of Alan Archibald - Archibald Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, BPC
Archibald Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, BPC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You may be carrying something that feels too heavy or too confusing to put into words, grief that won't lift, anxiety that shadows everything, or a sense that old patterns keep repeating no matter how hard you try. Perhaps you've experienced trauma, loss, or a pain that others haven't fully understood. My clients are adults across the UK who are ready to look deeper, not for quick answers, but for real understanding. Many come with depression, trauma, complex grief, infant loss, or relationship difficulties. Some come from diverse cultural backgrounds navigating identity, belonging, and emotional pain. What they share is courage.
You may be carrying something that feels too heavy or too confusing to put into words, grief that won't lift, anxiety that shadows everything, or a sense that old patterns keep repeating no matter how hard you try. Perhaps you've experienced trauma, loss, or a pain that others haven't fully understood. My clients are adults across the UK who are ready to look deeper, not for quick answers, but for real understanding. Many come with depression, trauma, complex grief, infant loss, or relationship difficulties. Some come from diverse cultural backgrounds navigating identity, belonging, and emotional pain. What they share is courage.
020 3984 9688 View 020 3984 9688
Photo of Dr Donna Bella Gurney, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Donna Bella Gurney
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Tetbury GL8
I work with adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders, emetophobia (fear of vomiting), and trauma, often feeling stuck in anxiety, avoidance, or cycles that haven’t shifted despite previous therapy. Many come to me overwhelmed by food, fear, or the impact of past experiences and want more than short-term coping. With 20 years’ experience in mental health and specialist post-qualification training, I provide tailored, evidence-based therapy (CBT, ACT, ERP, EMDR) to target underlying patterns and help you move forward with greater confidence, flexibility, and lasting change.
I work with adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders, emetophobia (fear of vomiting), and trauma, often feeling stuck in anxiety, avoidance, or cycles that haven’t shifted despite previous therapy. Many come to me overwhelmed by food, fear, or the impact of past experiences and want more than short-term coping. With 20 years’ experience in mental health and specialist post-qualification training, I provide tailored, evidence-based therapy (CBT, ACT, ERP, EMDR) to target underlying patterns and help you move forward with greater confidence, flexibility, and lasting change.
0330 133 5455 View 0330 133 5455
Photo of Eleanor Western - Eleanor Rusbridge, Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Eleanor Rusbridge
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Bristol BS9
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, I hope I can be helpful to you. My name is Eleanor, I'm a UKCP Psychotherapist in training, offering affordable psychotherapy in Bristol. I have been working with adults in a therapeutic capacity since 2011, and in that time discovered the power of transpersonal, embodied work. For me, psychotherapy is about working with the mind, body & spirit (whatever this might mean to you). My approach draws on psychodynamic & Buddhist understandings of the mind. Before training as a psychotherapist I worked as a singer & conductor - creativity & imagination are important to my work.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, I hope I can be helpful to you. My name is Eleanor, I'm a UKCP Psychotherapist in training, offering affordable psychotherapy in Bristol. I have been working with adults in a therapeutic capacity since 2011, and in that time discovered the power of transpersonal, embodied work. For me, psychotherapy is about working with the mind, body & spirit (whatever this might mean to you). My approach draws on psychodynamic & Buddhist understandings of the mind. Before training as a psychotherapist I worked as a singer & conductor - creativity & imagination are important to my work.
0117 463 1715 View 0117 463 1715
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.