LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling in Rochester

Photo of Simone McConnell Making A Difference, Counsellor, MBACP
You are not alone. There are many reasons why people seek counselling such as anxiety, bereavement or relationships and it can be a combination of things that makes someone feel overwhelmed. I work with all age groups, genders and cultures; with individuals, couples and families. Talking can be difficult for anyone so I also offer creative and animal assisted therapies to enable clients to express their feelings and experiences in a less challenging way. I am experienced in different life issues: If you are Deaf I can sign BSL or you might be on the Autistic Spectrum. If appropriate I can also work with clients in a home setting.
You are not alone. There are many reasons why people seek counselling such as anxiety, bereavement or relationships and it can be a combination of things that makes someone feel overwhelmed. I work with all age groups, genders and cultures; with individuals, couples and families. Talking can be difficult for anyone so I also offer creative and animal assisted therapies to enable clients to express their feelings and experiences in a less challenging way. I am experienced in different life issues: If you are Deaf I can sign BSL or you might be on the Autistic Spectrum. If appropriate I can also work with clients in a home setting.
01747 447002 View 01747 447002
Photo of Sally J. Elsdon, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Sally J. Elsdon
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Stress can affect every aspect of our lives, whether it stems from work pressures, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ+ experiences, major life changes, or other challenging situations.
Whether you're struggling with work stress, family or relationship difficulties, grief and loss, pet bereavement, LGBTQ+ and diversity-related experiences, or other significant life challenges, you don't have to face them alone. I offer a warm, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind.
Stress can affect every aspect of our lives, whether it stems from work pressures, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ+ experiences, major life changes, or other challenging situations.
Whether you're struggling with work stress, family or relationship difficulties, grief and loss, pet bereavement, LGBTQ+ and diversity-related experiences, or other significant life challenges, you don't have to face them alone. I offer a warm, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind.
01634 980064 View 01634 980064
Photo of Charis Doggett, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Charis Doggett
Psychotherapist, MBACP
5 Endorsed
Whether you are struggling with mental health, wanting to process your story or need support making some changes, I offer a space to explore your story and what has made you who you are today. Together, we sit compassionately with whatever pain, struggle or issue is brought, bringing awareness to how things are and what lies behind it. I see a range of clients from all walks of life, ethnicities, and beliefs. As a Christian, I understand wanting a therapist who appreciates faith as an important aspect of your life. I specialise in incorporating what this means to you and how you would like to include it in our work together.
Whether you are struggling with mental health, wanting to process your story or need support making some changes, I offer a space to explore your story and what has made you who you are today. Together, we sit compassionately with whatever pain, struggle or issue is brought, bringing awareness to how things are and what lies behind it. I see a range of clients from all walks of life, ethnicities, and beliefs. As a Christian, I understand wanting a therapist who appreciates faith as an important aspect of your life. I specialise in incorporating what this means to you and how you would like to include it in our work together.
01747 449980 View 01747 449980
Photo of Joanna Taylor, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Joanna Taylor
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
I am a highly experienced counselling psychologist who really enjoys helping people. I have a great deal of empathy and compassion for the struggles we face as human beings. If you are finding life tough or feeling like you want to make changes, I would love to try and help. I like to draw on a range of approaches to help you and I highly value a good therapeutic relationship together. Within this I use interventions so that you can understand yourself better and identify ways forward. It’s important for me to discover what YOU want to be different and my ideal client is only someone who works hard in allowing me to help you.
I am a highly experienced counselling psychologist who really enjoys helping people. I have a great deal of empathy and compassion for the struggles we face as human beings. If you are finding life tough or feeling like you want to make changes, I would love to try and help. I like to draw on a range of approaches to help you and I highly value a good therapeutic relationship together. Within this I use interventions so that you can understand yourself better and identify ways forward. It’s important for me to discover what YOU want to be different and my ideal client is only someone who works hard in allowing me to help you.
01747 441468 View 01747 441468
Photo of Amanda Darbon, Counsellor, MBACP
Amanda Darbon
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
My background in working for organisations across London & Kent gave me a particular understanding of the emotional challenges that many of us face including, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, grief, bereavement, relationship & family issues. I believe that evidence based psychological therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) along with an integrative counselling approach allows flexibility in dealing with each individual’s needs. This, combined with a safe & non-judgemental therapeutic relationship is key for the process of change & recovery.
My background in working for organisations across London & Kent gave me a particular understanding of the emotional challenges that many of us face including, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, grief, bereavement, relationship & family issues. I believe that evidence based psychological therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) along with an integrative counselling approach allows flexibility in dealing with each individual’s needs. This, combined with a safe & non-judgemental therapeutic relationship is key for the process of change & recovery.
01322 923375 View 01322 923375
Photo of Carol Charmaine Dobbs - Hamilton Lodge Counselling Practice, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Hamilton Lodge Counselling Practice
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Do you need someone to talk too? Are you lonely, depressed or having relationship issues? Sometimes having an impartial listener can help you to see new ways of coping or overcoming the problems you are facing. As a couples counsellor my job is to help facilitate happier relationships or respectful endings. As a qualified and registered counsellor I am able to provide a safe and supportive environment to explore any issues you feel are causing difficulty in your life. I pride myself on being non-judgmental and welcome everyone, whatever your background may be, to explore ways in which to make your life better.
Do you need someone to talk too? Are you lonely, depressed or having relationship issues? Sometimes having an impartial listener can help you to see new ways of coping or overcoming the problems you are facing. As a couples counsellor my job is to help facilitate happier relationships or respectful endings. As a qualified and registered counsellor I am able to provide a safe and supportive environment to explore any issues you feel are causing difficulty in your life. I pride myself on being non-judgmental and welcome everyone, whatever your background may be, to explore ways in which to make your life better.
01634 968955 View 01634 968955
Photo of Kane Harris, Counsellor, MBACP
Kane Harris
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I work with adults who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure about the direction their life is taking. Many of the people I support struggle with overthinking, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anxiety, low mood, or feeling disconnected from themselves and others. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where clients can talk openly, better understand themselves, and begin moving forward at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
I work with adults who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure about the direction their life is taking. Many of the people I support struggle with overthinking, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, anxiety, low mood, or feeling disconnected from themselves and others. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where clients can talk openly, better understand themselves, and begin moving forward at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
01634 564096 View 01634 564096
Photo of Ulrika Kristina Guttormsson, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Ulrika Kristina Guttormsson
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
In psychotherapy there is an opportunity to get to know yourself in depth and discover new ways of living your life. Often we have repetitive patterns and ways of thinking that can for instance cause suffering, frustration, anxiety and sadness in our life. Despite our best efforts to decide to behave and relate differently, we drift back to our old ways of being and behaving. In psychotherapy we will work at getting to know your unconscious inner life. A lot of feelings and thoughts we have are not conscious and psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to reflect and try out new ways when you feel change is needed.
In psychotherapy there is an opportunity to get to know yourself in depth and discover new ways of living your life. Often we have repetitive patterns and ways of thinking that can for instance cause suffering, frustration, anxiety and sadness in our life. Despite our best efforts to decide to behave and relate differently, we drift back to our old ways of being and behaving. In psychotherapy we will work at getting to know your unconscious inner life. A lot of feelings and thoughts we have are not conscious and psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to reflect and try out new ways when you feel change is needed.
01634 959301 View 01634 959301
Photo of Sarah Elliott - Solve and Evolve Therapies, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Solve and Evolve Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
I'm an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Counsellor & EMDR Practitioner with over 20yrs experience in mental health. I support Adults and Adolescents (12-17yrs). I have additional training in Supervision & nearly 15 years experience Supervising within the NHS and private practice. I have a special interest in PTSD and trauma. I also specialise in anxiety disorders (ie. PTSD, Panic, Health, GAD, OCD, Social Anxiety and Phobias) depression, stress and low self-esteem. I Supervise Trainees on the level 7 Masters in CBT, as well as other qualified clinicians. F2F & Remote therapy.
I'm an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Counsellor & EMDR Practitioner with over 20yrs experience in mental health. I support Adults and Adolescents (12-17yrs). I have additional training in Supervision & nearly 15 years experience Supervising within the NHS and private practice. I have a special interest in PTSD and trauma. I also specialise in anxiety disorders (ie. PTSD, Panic, Health, GAD, OCD, Social Anxiety and Phobias) depression, stress and low self-esteem. I Supervise Trainees on the level 7 Masters in CBT, as well as other qualified clinicians. F2F & Remote therapy.
01634 968295 View 01634 968295
Photo of Dr Esther Cole, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Esther Cole
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
14 Endorsed
Are you feeling exhausted, stressed and overwhelmed? Are you in physical or emotional pain, working relentlessly in different areas of your life: at work, home or study, in relationships, caring or parental roles? Do you need to make sense of, and overcome trauma, feelings of sadness, low-self esteem or burnout? As a third generation British Jamaican Psychologist, managing long-term conditions whilst being a mother of three, I warmly welcome clients of all ages and walks of life, and have a passion for supporting people living alongside mental, physical or neurological difficulties and trauma.
Are you feeling exhausted, stressed and overwhelmed? Are you in physical or emotional pain, working relentlessly in different areas of your life: at work, home or study, in relationships, caring or parental roles? Do you need to make sense of, and overcome trauma, feelings of sadness, low-self esteem or burnout? As a third generation British Jamaican Psychologist, managing long-term conditions whilst being a mother of three, I warmly welcome clients of all ages and walks of life, and have a passion for supporting people living alongside mental, physical or neurological difficulties and trauma.
07500 565182 View 07500 565182
Photo of Genovieve Feasey - The Choice To Change, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
The Choice To Change
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Sometimes it's about coping strategies and supporting my clients through a tough time or loss, want to change something about how they feel, think or behave, many look to free themselves of the past whilst some aren't sure exactly what they need, they simply feel the struggle to be happy in their life or relationships.You'll find I'm patient and calm by nature, have a compassionate and mature approach to helping, intuitively sense some things are really tough to talk about and whilst I will help you with ideas and tools to reduce symptoms and which can also speed up meaningful change between sessions, note: you will get to direct, manage your own destiny. I have always seen my role as guiding my client to see difficulties you stuck and with my help how to overcome them. My aim is always for my clients to be able to leave feeling confident in knowing their own well being long term.
Sometimes it's about coping strategies and supporting my clients through a tough time or loss, want to change something about how they feel, think or behave, many look to free themselves of the past whilst some aren't sure exactly what they need, they simply feel the struggle to be happy in their life or relationships.You'll find I'm patient and calm by nature, have a compassionate and mature approach to helping, intuitively sense some things are really tough to talk about and whilst I will help you with ideas and tools to reduce symptoms and which can also speed up meaningful change between sessions, note: you will get to direct, manage your own destiny. I have always seen my role as guiding my client to see difficulties you stuck and with my help how to overcome them. My aim is always for my clients to be able to leave feeling confident in knowing their own well being long term.
07833 196474 View 07833 196474
Photo of Kristine Kazaka, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Kristine Kazaka
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
I am trained in, and experienced with, supporting people facing common mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. My deeper passion lies in trauma-related work, and I am well-equipped to help you explore life experiences that may have left you struggling in the present day. These experiences can sometimes contribute to developing mental health challenges or affect your day-to-day wellbeing, and together we can work gently and safely through their impact.
I am trained in, and experienced with, supporting people facing common mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. My deeper passion lies in trauma-related work, and I am well-equipped to help you explore life experiences that may have left you struggling in the present day. These experiences can sometimes contribute to developing mental health challenges or affect your day-to-day wellbeing, and together we can work gently and safely through their impact.
01634 980910 View 01634 980910
Photo of Annabel Tucker, Counsellor
Annabel Tucker
Counsellor
Serves Area
I have worked as a counsellor and psycho sexual therapist for over 30 years and I still find it as fascinating and rewarding now as when I started. I am COSRT and Relate accredited. I work with individuals, couples, families. I aim to support my clients to clarify the issues that are hindering their development and relationships in an effective way, while developing a greater understanding of the causes of their current problems and issues. In some cases the counselling can be quite specific and goal orientated; yet with others it can be more exploratory and pastoral. Most often it can include both, depending on the need.
I have worked as a counsellor and psycho sexual therapist for over 30 years and I still find it as fascinating and rewarding now as when I started. I am COSRT and Relate accredited. I work with individuals, couples, families. I aim to support my clients to clarify the issues that are hindering their development and relationships in an effective way, while developing a greater understanding of the causes of their current problems and issues. In some cases the counselling can be quite specific and goal orientated; yet with others it can be more exploratory and pastoral. Most often it can include both, depending on the need.
07792 975443 View 07792 975443
Photo of Thomas Woodward, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Thomas Woodward
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
The training I have undertaken and the experience I have acquired over the past 15 years has equipped me to support those enduring depression- and anxiety disorders from all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, sexualities and abilities - I fully embrace and welcome peoples' individuality, and aim to nurture this through our sessions together
The training I have undertaken and the experience I have acquired over the past 15 years has equipped me to support those enduring depression- and anxiety disorders from all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, sexualities and abilities - I fully embrace and welcome peoples' individuality, and aim to nurture this through our sessions together
01634 561149 View 01634 561149
Photo of Joanne White - Trust Therapy - Joanne White, Counsellor, MBACP
Trust Therapy - Joanne White
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
As a Relate-trained and experienced Relationship & Sex Therapist, I specialise in working with couples and individuals navigating various stages of intimate relationships. Whether you're currently in a relationship, single, or going through a separation, therapy can be a valuable tool for finding closure and moving forward. My approach prioritises creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel valued, respected, and empowered to explore their own resources and ideas for change. I focus on promoting healthier communication techniques and providing an unbiased, impartial perspective on relationship dynamics.
As a Relate-trained and experienced Relationship & Sex Therapist, I specialise in working with couples and individuals navigating various stages of intimate relationships. Whether you're currently in a relationship, single, or going through a separation, therapy can be a valuable tool for finding closure and moving forward. My approach prioritises creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel valued, respected, and empowered to explore their own resources and ideas for change. I focus on promoting healthier communication techniques and providing an unbiased, impartial perspective on relationship dynamics.
01843 265362 View 01843 265362
Photo of Dr Esthefanea F. Santos, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Esthefanea F. Santos
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together? Maybe you're constantly overthinking, feeling low, or just not like yourself lately. You might be managing work, relationships, or daily life on the outside, but inside, something feels off. I help adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout create more space to breathe, reflect, and feel like themselves again. Whether you’re dealing with racing thoughts, low energy, emotional numbness, or simply the sense that you’re no longer coping in the way you used to, I can help.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together? Maybe you're constantly overthinking, feeling low, or just not like yourself lately. You might be managing work, relationships, or daily life on the outside, but inside, something feels off. I help adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout create more space to breathe, reflect, and feel like themselves again. Whether you’re dealing with racing thoughts, low energy, emotional numbness, or simply the sense that you’re no longer coping in the way you used to, I can help.
01747 441447 View 01747 441447
Photo of Sue Aylott Mbacp, Counsellor, MBACP
Sue Aylott Mbacp
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected? You don’t have to navigate it alone. Counselling isn’t just about talking—it’s about being truly heard, feeling understood, and discovering a way forward that makes sense for you. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or a general sense that life has lost direction, I’m here to support you. When everything feels too much, it can be hard to think clearly or know what to do next. Together, we can make sense of what you're feeling, uncover what’s holding you back, and start building the life you want.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected? You don’t have to navigate it alone. Counselling isn’t just about talking—it’s about being truly heard, feeling understood, and discovering a way forward that makes sense for you. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship issues, or a general sense that life has lost direction, I’m here to support you. When everything feels too much, it can be hard to think clearly or know what to do next. Together, we can make sense of what you're feeling, uncover what’s holding you back, and start building the life you want.
07480 535242 View 07480 535242
Photo of Angela Christie Mbacp Accred, Counsellor, MBACP
Angela Christie Mbacp Accred
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to make sense of stressful and emotional anguish from current or past experiences? As a counsellor, my help with you would be to explore these issues, enable you to find your answers and recognise the choices that are available to you.
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to make sense of stressful and emotional anguish from current or past experiences? As a counsellor, my help with you would be to explore these issues, enable you to find your answers and recognise the choices that are available to you.
07479 273211 View 07479 273211
Photo of Janet Gregory, Counsellor, MBACP
Janet Gregory
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
Hi, I offer CBT and person centred counselling this means I accept and support you to explore ways to help overcome uncomfortable or traumatic emotions you may be experiencing. I have also trained in cognitive behavioural therapy which can help support and reframe thinking. We may have experiences in life that can be overwhelming or we are unable to make sense of the events that may have happened to us. Asking for help can be the first step for us to overcome or understand how we are feeling and the repetitive behaviour's or thoughts that can keep us in a unhealthy cycle, working together allows us to find heathy self-awareness.
Hi, I offer CBT and person centred counselling this means I accept and support you to explore ways to help overcome uncomfortable or traumatic emotions you may be experiencing. I have also trained in cognitive behavioural therapy which can help support and reframe thinking. We may have experiences in life that can be overwhelming or we are unable to make sense of the events that may have happened to us. Asking for help can be the first step for us to overcome or understand how we are feeling and the repetitive behaviour's or thoughts that can keep us in a unhealthy cycle, working together allows us to find heathy self-awareness.
07716 140370 View 07716 140370
Photo of Charlotte A Smith - Bulb Therapy, Counsellor, MBACP
Bulb Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
As I have evolved through both my Professional and Personal landscapes, I am committed to help transform, Children, Adults , Families through their Relationships, Mental Health issues, overcome Domestic Abuse and Trauma, recognise Narcissistic Abuse and achieve overall life improvement. I work with all walks of life and have many strings to my bow, I adore learning, researching and am currently undergoing further training focussing on the impact of Trauma and implementing new approaches to help manage CPTSD/PTSD. I have a diverse range of interpersonal skills and utilise my knowledge to teach and train Psychology and Counselling
As I have evolved through both my Professional and Personal landscapes, I am committed to help transform, Children, Adults , Families through their Relationships, Mental Health issues, overcome Domestic Abuse and Trauma, recognise Narcissistic Abuse and achieve overall life improvement. I work with all walks of life and have many strings to my bow, I adore learning, researching and am currently undergoing further training focussing on the impact of Trauma and implementing new approaches to help manage CPTSD/PTSD. I have a diverse range of interpersonal skills and utilise my knowledge to teach and train Psychology and Counselling
01634 540369 View 01634 540369

See more therapy options for Rochester

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.