Lesbian Counselling in Ripon
I work with individuals who are struggling with all kinds of issues, such as depression, anxiety and stress, questions of identity, personality problems, relationship issues, bereavement, addictions, abuse, anger management and many other difficulties. Sometimes problems can be difficult to articulate, like feeling lost, confused, or like something just isn’t right. Often we can face problems that feel so ingrained that we might feel there can’t be a solution. We might feel ‘it’s just who I am’. I am also an experienced couples therapist. Most fights between couples are rooted in the pain of loosing connection with each other.
I work with individuals who are struggling with all kinds of issues, such as depression, anxiety and stress, questions of identity, personality problems, relationship issues, bereavement, addictions, abuse, anger management and many other difficulties. Sometimes problems can be difficult to articulate, like feeling lost, confused, or like something just isn’t right. Often we can face problems that feel so ingrained that we might feel there can’t be a solution. We might feel ‘it’s just who I am’. I am also an experienced couples therapist. Most fights between couples are rooted in the pain of loosing connection with each other.
I support individuals who feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unheard. You may be asking yourself, How can I feel like myself again? How do I set healthy boundaries? Why do I struggle in relationships? Together, we explore the unconscious patterns that shape your thoughts, emotions, and relationships, helping you understand what may be keeping you stuck. We make sense of past experiences, including emotional neglect and relationship challenges, to better understand difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Alongside developing deeper self-awareness, we work towards creating meaningful, lasting change.
I support individuals who feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unheard. You may be asking yourself, How can I feel like myself again? How do I set healthy boundaries? Why do I struggle in relationships? Together, we explore the unconscious patterns that shape your thoughts, emotions, and relationships, helping you understand what may be keeping you stuck. We make sense of past experiences, including emotional neglect and relationship challenges, to better understand difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Alongside developing deeper self-awareness, we work towards creating meaningful, lasting change.
Many people have worked with me wanting support for debilitating emotions such as anger, sadness and depression, anxiety or a general sense of being lost and alone.
I believe that the success of the therapeutic process relies on you finding the right person to work with who enables you to speak openly. I focus of offering a space where I not only listen to clients but really hear them to understand their internal struggles which they may find difficult to articulate verbally
Clients say being listened to and able to talk in a warm and trusting environment and encouraged to challenge their thinking has really helped them
Many people have worked with me wanting support for debilitating emotions such as anger, sadness and depression, anxiety or a general sense of being lost and alone.
I believe that the success of the therapeutic process relies on you finding the right person to work with who enables you to speak openly. I focus of offering a space where I not only listen to clients but really hear them to understand their internal struggles which they may find difficult to articulate verbally
Clients say being listened to and able to talk in a warm and trusting environment and encouraged to challenge their thinking has really helped them
I am an Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of rich & varied experience of working with a diverse mix of clients in various settings ranging from mental health services, NHS clinics, sexual health & sexual violence services. I work from a non pathological stance and value diversity. In addition to my therapeutic training I have undertaken specialist training enabling me to work effectively with neurodivergent clients. I am also an accredited Mindfulness teacher and incorporate aspects of this into my client work.I hope to enable clients to gain insights and meet themselves with compassion & understanding.
I am an Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of rich & varied experience of working with a diverse mix of clients in various settings ranging from mental health services, NHS clinics, sexual health & sexual violence services. I work from a non pathological stance and value diversity. In addition to my therapeutic training I have undertaken specialist training enabling me to work effectively with neurodivergent clients. I am also an accredited Mindfulness teacher and incorporate aspects of this into my client work.I hope to enable clients to gain insights and meet themselves with compassion & understanding.
More Therapists Nearby
Having worked in the NHS for over fifteen years; I specialise in Psychiatric care and Neurodiversity. As a Neurodivergent therapist, I have found from practice and my research, which evidences Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy; strong therapeutic alliance with my patients; there's reassurance, safety and a sense of belonging when working with someone who actually gets you! I have worked hard to ensure therapy caters to and adapts to our brains! Techniques such as eye contact, open questions, long silences, often made me and my patients want to run away, perpetuating a belief of hopelessness and helplessness.
Having worked in the NHS for over fifteen years; I specialise in Psychiatric care and Neurodiversity. As a Neurodivergent therapist, I have found from practice and my research, which evidences Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy; strong therapeutic alliance with my patients; there's reassurance, safety and a sense of belonging when working with someone who actually gets you! I have worked hard to ensure therapy caters to and adapts to our brains! Techniques such as eye contact, open questions, long silences, often made me and my patients want to run away, perpetuating a belief of hopelessness and helplessness.
I am passionate about supporting those who identify as LGBTQIA+, ADHD or neurodivergent. I am relational, collaborative and holistic, placing value and importance in you, your story and your challenges and successes. Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision and finding someone that you feel comfortable with is an important part of your process.
You might be struggling with anxiety, anger or depression? Perhaps issues from your past keep resurfacing and you're looking for a way to move forward? Maybe you have noticed you feel different to the people around you? Or you might like to process an event in a safe environment?
I am passionate about supporting those who identify as LGBTQIA+, ADHD or neurodivergent. I am relational, collaborative and holistic, placing value and importance in you, your story and your challenges and successes. Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision and finding someone that you feel comfortable with is an important part of your process.
You might be struggling with anxiety, anger or depression? Perhaps issues from your past keep resurfacing and you're looking for a way to move forward? Maybe you have noticed you feel different to the people around you? Or you might like to process an event in a safe environment?
A relatable and compassionate Therapist, based in Manchester City Centre, working both in person and online. Perhaps your past experiences are having an impact on your day to day life, or you are feeling down and need support. I offer clients the time and space to explore themselves, past and present events. Whatever it is that you are going through I will do my best to help. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to know where to start and I welcome clients to bring their full selves, in all their complexity, to sessions, without pressure to have to "be" a certain kind of way.
A relatable and compassionate Therapist, based in Manchester City Centre, working both in person and online. Perhaps your past experiences are having an impact on your day to day life, or you are feeling down and need support. I offer clients the time and space to explore themselves, past and present events. Whatever it is that you are going through I will do my best to help. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to know where to start and I welcome clients to bring their full selves, in all their complexity, to sessions, without pressure to have to "be" a certain kind of way.
Clients come to me for support with a number of issues such as anxiety, neurodiversity struggles, relationship & sexual issues.
I also specialise in working with Breast Cancer, terminal illness and grief (be it about yourself, or dealing with a loved one's diagnosis).
Due to my longstanding corporate HR background, many clients also work with me to address work related issues such as confidence, imposter syndrome, toxic workplace relationships, low self esteem and exploring career potential. I am also accredited to use a number of psychometric tools which can provide additional solutions for clients to take away.
Clients come to me for support with a number of issues such as anxiety, neurodiversity struggles, relationship & sexual issues.
I also specialise in working with Breast Cancer, terminal illness and grief (be it about yourself, or dealing with a loved one's diagnosis).
Due to my longstanding corporate HR background, many clients also work with me to address work related issues such as confidence, imposter syndrome, toxic workplace relationships, low self esteem and exploring career potential. I am also accredited to use a number of psychometric tools which can provide additional solutions for clients to take away.
Hello and welcome to my page. You may be considering counselling because you are facing a challenge that feels difficult to navigate on your own. You may be struggling with anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, neurodiversity, identity questions, low self-worth, or simply a sense that something needs to change.
Many of my clients come to therapy looking to understand themselves better, make sense of recurring patterns, improve their relationships, feel more confident in their decisions, and create a life that feels more fulfilling and aligned with who they are.
Hello and welcome to my page. You may be considering counselling because you are facing a challenge that feels difficult to navigate on your own. You may be struggling with anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, neurodiversity, identity questions, low self-worth, or simply a sense that something needs to change.
Many of my clients come to therapy looking to understand themselves better, make sense of recurring patterns, improve their relationships, feel more confident in their decisions, and create a life that feels more fulfilling and aligned with who they are.
Loneliness isn't always about being alone.
Sometimes it's having people in your life but not feeling connected to them. Sometimes it's feeling that nobody really understands what your experience is like. Sometimes it's not having many people to turn to at all.
Over time, loneliness can become more than a feeling. It can become a way of moving through the world. You stop expecting to be understood. You carry things by yourself. You begin to wonder whether connection is something other people seem to find more easily.
Loneliness isn't always about being alone.
Sometimes it's having people in your life but not feeling connected to them. Sometimes it's feeling that nobody really understands what your experience is like. Sometimes it's not having many people to turn to at all.
Over time, loneliness can become more than a feeling. It can become a way of moving through the world. You stop expecting to be understood. You carry things by yourself. You begin to wonder whether connection is something other people seem to find more easily.
Are you navigating a period where life no longer feels familiar, after loss, separation, relocation, illness, or a major life transition? Perhaps you’ve been holding everything together for a long time, yet quietly feel unmoored, uncertain, or unlike yourself.
You don’t have to face this period of change alone.
I work with adults facing significant change who want a calm, thoughtful space to make sense of what has shifted. Many of the people I support are capable, reflective individuals who find themselves at an unexpected crossroads — grieving not only what has been lost, but questioning who they are now and how to move forward.
Are you navigating a period where life no longer feels familiar, after loss, separation, relocation, illness, or a major life transition? Perhaps you’ve been holding everything together for a long time, yet quietly feel unmoored, uncertain, or unlike yourself.
You don’t have to face this period of change alone.
I work with adults facing significant change who want a calm, thoughtful space to make sense of what has shifted. Many of the people I support are capable, reflective individuals who find themselves at an unexpected crossroads — grieving not only what has been lost, but questioning who they are now and how to move forward.
Hi, I'm Sara, a therapist based in Leeds. I am passionate about working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients, and offering a therapeutic space to those who may feel on the margins of society. As a therapist, I have worked in bereavement, mental health, sexual violence and University services. During this varied experience, I have worked with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. I have availability on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. Working face to face in Meanwood, Leeds and online via Zoom.
Hi, I'm Sara, a therapist based in Leeds. I am passionate about working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients, and offering a therapeutic space to those who may feel on the margins of society. As a therapist, I have worked in bereavement, mental health, sexual violence and University services. During this varied experience, I have worked with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. I have availability on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. Working face to face in Meanwood, Leeds and online via Zoom.
Speaking with someone for the first time about personal issues or trauma can feel really daunting. It is important to feel safe and not judged when talking about difficult things, and my aim is for us to develop a relationship where you can explore whatever it is that you need to. There is not an exhaustive list of the reasons for coming to counselling initially but one thing is sure and that is it begins with building trust and beginning to speak openly. Our sessions will be collaborative: I will facilitate, but you will lead the way. Even if you can't pin point why things feel difficult, you're not alone.
Speaking with someone for the first time about personal issues or trauma can feel really daunting. It is important to feel safe and not judged when talking about difficult things, and my aim is for us to develop a relationship where you can explore whatever it is that you need to. There is not an exhaustive list of the reasons for coming to counselling initially but one thing is sure and that is it begins with building trust and beginning to speak openly. Our sessions will be collaborative: I will facilitate, but you will lead the way. Even if you can't pin point why things feel difficult, you're not alone.
Do you feel devastated after an affair, or trapped in the hurt and mistrust that followed? I provide specialist couples counselling for partners facing the hardest challenges - betrayal, sex & intimacy that’s vanished, the same fight on repeat, or the complexities of neurodiverse or poly relationships. By the time people find me, they’ve usually tried everything else. My style is structured, direct, and designed to create change. One couple put it this way: “When all hope was lost, Shan’s help and guidance enabled us to reconnect and be stronger than we have ever been".
Do you feel devastated after an affair, or trapped in the hurt and mistrust that followed? I provide specialist couples counselling for partners facing the hardest challenges - betrayal, sex & intimacy that’s vanished, the same fight on repeat, or the complexities of neurodiverse or poly relationships. By the time people find me, they’ve usually tried everything else. My style is structured, direct, and designed to create change. One couple put it this way: “When all hope was lost, Shan’s help and guidance enabled us to reconnect and be stronger than we have ever been".
I offer online counselling for adults, with a particular interest in supporting LGBTQIA+ clients, neurodivergent adults, and people exploring identity, relationships and life experiences that may not fit traditional expectations. My approach is primarily person-centred and trauma-informed. I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely heard, respected and understood. Together, we can explore your experiences, patterns and emotions at a pace that feels right for you. I aim to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can better understand yourself, develop self-compassion and explore what matters most to you.
I offer online counselling for adults, with a particular interest in supporting LGBTQIA+ clients, neurodivergent adults, and people exploring identity, relationships and life experiences that may not fit traditional expectations. My approach is primarily person-centred and trauma-informed. I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely heard, respected and understood. Together, we can explore your experiences, patterns and emotions at a pace that feels right for you. I aim to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can better understand yourself, develop self-compassion and explore what matters most to you.
As a qualified person-centred counsellor, I want to create an environment to help you identify the tools you need. I am here to lend a kind and compassionate ear and help you reflect on your experiences and feelings. I offer a non-judgemental, open space for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings and be listened to. Person-centred counselling is all about you being the centre of our work together because you are the expert in your own life, my role is to work alongside you to help you better understand yourself and explore your feelings at your own pace.
I welcome to all diversities and want to create a safe space for all.
As a qualified person-centred counsellor, I want to create an environment to help you identify the tools you need. I am here to lend a kind and compassionate ear and help you reflect on your experiences and feelings. I offer a non-judgemental, open space for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings and be listened to. Person-centred counselling is all about you being the centre of our work together because you are the expert in your own life, my role is to work alongside you to help you better understand yourself and explore your feelings at your own pace.
I welcome to all diversities and want to create a safe space for all.
Hello. I am a fully qualified, EMDR therapist, psychotherapist/counsellor & supervisor. I work with a wide range of difficulties. My specialism is working Intensively with trauma - this means offering multiple EMDR sessions over a short time period, working through, what traditionally can take months of therapy, in a much shorter time.
I've worked in the NHS & private practice for over 20 years. I'm qualified & trained in different models of therapy, meaning that I adapt the way I work to suit individual needs.
I'm passionate about psychological therapy having seen personally and professionally how powerful it can be.
Hello. I am a fully qualified, EMDR therapist, psychotherapist/counsellor & supervisor. I work with a wide range of difficulties. My specialism is working Intensively with trauma - this means offering multiple EMDR sessions over a short time period, working through, what traditionally can take months of therapy, in a much shorter time.
I've worked in the NHS & private practice for over 20 years. I'm qualified & trained in different models of therapy, meaning that I adapt the way I work to suit individual needs.
I'm passionate about psychological therapy having seen personally and professionally how powerful it can be.
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or the parts of life that once felt meaningful? You’re not alone.
Whether you're navigating trauma, neurodivergence, identity shifts, or transitions that feel hard to name, I offer a gentle, creative space to explore what support and reconnection can feel like. You won’t be rushed or expected to perform. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, offering a space shaped by safety and collaboration. We move at your pace, and your story is met with warmth, respect, and authenticity.
Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or the parts of life that once felt meaningful? You’re not alone.
Whether you're navigating trauma, neurodivergence, identity shifts, or transitions that feel hard to name, I offer a gentle, creative space to explore what support and reconnection can feel like. You won’t be rushed or expected to perform. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, offering a space shaped by safety and collaboration. We move at your pace, and your story is met with warmth, respect, and authenticity.
Are you finding yourself struggling with difficult emotions, anxiety, low mood, or low self-worth? Perhaps you often get caught in cycles of overthinking, feel stuck and unable to make changes, or are navigating a period of transition and re-evaluation. My role is to support you in finding a path toward understanding, self-compassion and meaningful change.
Are you finding yourself struggling with difficult emotions, anxiety, low mood, or low self-worth? Perhaps you often get caught in cycles of overthinking, feel stuck and unable to make changes, or are navigating a period of transition and re-evaluation. My role is to support you in finding a path toward understanding, self-compassion and meaningful change.
I am a queer therapist, specialising in working with people within the LGBTQ+ community. I believe in working with people as individuals, in a way that works for them. I will work alongside you, to help you explore and navigate your issues, experiences, current situations and things that you may be struggling with. I have experience in supporting people, from a wide range of backgrounds and I create a non-judgmental and supportive environment, where you can be yourself and feel comfortable during our sessions.
I am a queer therapist, specialising in working with people within the LGBTQ+ community. I believe in working with people as individuals, in a way that works for them. I will work alongside you, to help you explore and navigate your issues, experiences, current situations and things that you may be struggling with. I have experience in supporting people, from a wide range of backgrounds and I create a non-judgmental and supportive environment, where you can be yourself and feel comfortable during our sessions.
Lesbian Counsellors
What is lesbian-affirming therapy?
Lesbian-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client's lesbian identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual's sexual orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of lesbian women. This support is especially important, as research shows that lesbian individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to heterosexual populations. Lesbian-affirming therapy acknowledges that lesbian individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as coming out challenges, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and minority stress—that require specialised understanding and intervention. Lesbian-affirming therapists often work with clients across all age groups, from adolescents navigating their emerging identity to adults and older individuals addressing life transitions and relationship concerns. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for lesbian partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship. It is important to note that therapists provide talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
Why should I see a lesbian therapist?
Some clients prefer to work with lesbian therapists who may bring personal lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Choosing to work with a lesbian therapist can offer a deeper sense of connection, comfort, and shared understanding. A therapist who identifies as lesbian may require clients to give less background explanation—whether it’s about navigating romantic relationships, feeling unseen in certain spaces, or processing the impact of past relationship challenges. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. Additionally, many lesbian-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organisations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection.
How do I find a lesbian therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding lesbian-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialise in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit. Look for profiles where therapists explicitly mention working with lesbian clients, or where they describe their approach as identity-affirming, inclusive, or trauma-informed. Many providers will also list their own identities, which may help you find someone with shared lived experience if that is important to you. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.