Lesbian Counselling in Southend-on-Sea

My name is Oluwabukola Ruth Aina, and I am qualified therapeutic counsellor, an accredited member of National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I believe that being truly heard can be one of the most powerful and healing experiences a person can have. In a world where many people feel the need to hide their struggles, I offers a space where you can be open, honest, and accepted without judgement. Providing a calm and compassionate environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions safely and at your own pace.
My name is Oluwabukola Ruth Aina, and I am qualified therapeutic counsellor, an accredited member of National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I believe that being truly heard can be one of the most powerful and healing experiences a person can have. In a world where many people feel the need to hide their struggles, I offers a space where you can be open, honest, and accepted without judgement. Providing a calm and compassionate environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions safely and at your own pace.
01702 967907 View 01702 967907
Carl Adams
Counsellor, MBACP
Life can bring us many difficulties, challenges, issues, stresses and anxieties. It can also bring many over whelming feelings such as pain, anger, sadness, hopelessness, guilt and regret. I am a gentle, emphathic, non judgmental counsellor; I see myself as a down to earth regular person and believe in talking to people on their own level.
Life can bring us many difficulties, challenges, issues, stresses and anxieties. It can also bring many over whelming feelings such as pain, anger, sadness, hopelessness, guilt and regret. I am a gentle, emphathic, non judgmental counsellor; I see myself as a down to earth regular person and believe in talking to people on their own level.
01702 904166 View 01702 904166
Simon Uskuri
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
"The hardest step is making the call, the most rewarding step is knowing that you're in control again." Welcome, my name is Simon, I am a highly qualified friendly experienced Counsellor. I am a accredited member of the BACP and follow the ethical framework. I have worked successfully with individuals from various backgrounds and ages around Essex for a number of years. What I can offer you is a safe space that is confidential and nonjudgmental where you can truly be listened to and within that space we together can explore and find the answers you are searching for.
"The hardest step is making the call, the most rewarding step is knowing that you're in control again." Welcome, my name is Simon, I am a highly qualified friendly experienced Counsellor. I am a accredited member of the BACP and follow the ethical framework. I have worked successfully with individuals from various backgrounds and ages around Essex for a number of years. What I can offer you is a safe space that is confidential and nonjudgmental where you can truly be listened to and within that space we together can explore and find the answers you are searching for.
01702 683020 View 01702 683020
Hello, I'm Victoria. I just want to start by saying you don't need to be in crisis to come to therapy. Many of the people I work with appear to be coping on the outside but privately feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves or caught in patterns they don't fully understand. They may struggle with low self-esteem, relationships, anxiety, grief or a harsh inner critic. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing and develop a deeper understanding of yourself, helping you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
Hello, I'm Victoria. I just want to start by saying you don't need to be in crisis to come to therapy. Many of the people I work with appear to be coping on the outside but privately feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves or caught in patterns they don't fully understand. They may struggle with low self-esteem, relationships, anxiety, grief or a harsh inner critic. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing and develop a deeper understanding of yourself, helping you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
01702 967061 View 01702 967061
Robert J M Dodds
Counsellor
Online Only
I’m interested in what works for you. I offer bespoke online therapy services tailored specifically for you. Whether you’re with me for counselling, long term psychodynamic therapy, or couple’s counselling, I’ll tailor my approach to meet your needs. I offer an honest, judgement-free approach and I can assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.
I’m interested in what works for you. I offer bespoke online therapy services tailored specifically for you. Whether you’re with me for counselling, long term psychodynamic therapy, or couple’s counselling, I’ll tailor my approach to meet your needs. I offer an honest, judgement-free approach and I can assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself.
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Karen Eves
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
I am a fully qualified Child, Adolescent and Family Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, and their families. I understand how worrying it can be when a child or teenager is struggling, and I aim to offer a calm, thoughtful space where difficulties can be understood and worked through at a pace that feels safe. Families often choose psychodynamic psychotherapy when they are seeking a deeper understanding of their child’s emotional world and patterns of relating. This approach supports meaningful, long-term change by exploring underlying experiences and relationships...
I am a fully qualified Child, Adolescent and Family Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, and their families. I understand how worrying it can be when a child or teenager is struggling, and I aim to offer a calm, thoughtful space where difficulties can be understood and worked through at a pace that feels safe. Families often choose psychodynamic psychotherapy when they are seeking a deeper understanding of their child’s emotional world and patterns of relating. This approach supports meaningful, long-term change by exploring underlying experiences and relationships...
01702 908315 View 01702 908315
Kay Marina Cohen Mncps
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
I practices in Southend on Sea. I am a senior professional accredited counsellor, accredited, registered member MNCPS working with clients with a variety of different issues such as relationships and couples, addictions; domestic abuse, depression, anxiety, work related stress, building confidence, self esteem, loss and bereavement. I'm honoured to share the journey with my clients. You choose your own goals then we collaborate to achieve them.
I practices in Southend on Sea. I am a senior professional accredited counsellor, accredited, registered member MNCPS working with clients with a variety of different issues such as relationships and couples, addictions; domestic abuse, depression, anxiety, work related stress, building confidence, self esteem, loss and bereavement. I'm honoured to share the journey with my clients. You choose your own goals then we collaborate to achieve them.
01702 967729 View 01702 967729
Emma Litman
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a BACP and EMDR Counsellor offering face to face, online and telephone counselling. My clients say that I'm very easy to talk to, warm and friendly. I can help you to explore your issues to help you gain awareness, understanding and get to a place or acceptance of a situation you are struggling with. I am also a qualified NLP and EFT coach offering specific techniques suited to working with any issues related to trauma, depression & anxiety.
I am a BACP and EMDR Counsellor offering face to face, online and telephone counselling. My clients say that I'm very easy to talk to, warm and friendly. I can help you to explore your issues to help you gain awareness, understanding and get to a place or acceptance of a situation you are struggling with. I am also a qualified NLP and EFT coach offering specific techniques suited to working with any issues related to trauma, depression & anxiety.
01268 437498 View 01268 437498
Laura Buckingham
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Welcome, My name is Laura, I am a fully qualified Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor offering both long and short-term therapy. We are all presented with many different challenges in all aspects of our daily lives, including work, health, relationships and with our own well-being. Reaching out for help can often feel overwhelming, however, the rewards in taking that difficult first step can be life-changing. I have experience and successfully worked with those suffering with depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss & grief domestic abuse, suicidal thoughts and chronic illness amongst various other issues.
Welcome, My name is Laura, I am a fully qualified Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor offering both long and short-term therapy. We are all presented with many different challenges in all aspects of our daily lives, including work, health, relationships and with our own well-being. Reaching out for help can often feel overwhelming, however, the rewards in taking that difficult first step can be life-changing. I have experience and successfully worked with those suffering with depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss & grief domestic abuse, suicidal thoughts and chronic illness amongst various other issues.
01268 437439 View 01268 437439
Mark Uchiha-James
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Online Only
I work with and support anyone going through a challenging time and support individuals in need of emotional support for their mental health. I do this by providing online Coaching, Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I work with and support anyone going through a challenging time and support individuals in need of emotional support for their mental health. I do this by providing online Coaching, Counselling and Psychotherapy.
01375 803711 View 01375 803711
Natasha Sutton
Counsellor, MSc, GMBPsS
Serves Area
My therapeutic experience has been shaped by my work within the NHS, where I have supported children, young people and adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Working within healthcare has given me a strong understanding of the complexities of mental health, addictions and the importance of seeing the person behind the symptoms. I bring this experience into my private practice, Beach House Therapy, a warm compassionate and non-judgement space to feel heard understood and supported. Alongside counselling I offer hypnotherapy and breathwork, allowing us to explore alternative options of therapy.
My therapeutic experience has been shaped by my work within the NHS, where I have supported children, young people and adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Working within healthcare has given me a strong understanding of the complexities of mental health, addictions and the importance of seeing the person behind the symptoms. I bring this experience into my private practice, Beach House Therapy, a warm compassionate and non-judgement space to feel heard understood and supported. Alongside counselling I offer hypnotherapy and breathwork, allowing us to explore alternative options of therapy.
01702 655220 View 01702 655220
Taner Paul Hassan
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi I’m an Integrative Psychotherapist & Performance Coach. I work with individuals, Couples, Adults, Teenagers, Professional Athletes & People in the public eye. Assisting in many presenting issues such as anxiety, phobias. Specialist Area of Expertise: Sex & Porn Addiction, Substance Misuse & Alcohol, Addiction. It is important that whoever you seek help from you give yourself the chance to work through your issues and become your own scientist. I will never tell you what to do but help guide you and explore your issues together to help you achieve your goals.
Hi I’m an Integrative Psychotherapist & Performance Coach. I work with individuals, Couples, Adults, Teenagers, Professional Athletes & People in the public eye. Assisting in many presenting issues such as anxiety, phobias. Specialist Area of Expertise: Sex & Porn Addiction, Substance Misuse & Alcohol, Addiction. It is important that whoever you seek help from you give yourself the chance to work through your issues and become your own scientist. I will never tell you what to do but help guide you and explore your issues together to help you achieve your goals.
01206 489711 View 01206 489711
Dr Chancy Marsh
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a chartered clinical psychologist with 15 years experience in mental health. Whilst working in the NHS, I have set up The Sycamore Private Practice so that people outside of mental health services can access support. I have worked with people, who have benefited from making sense of difficult or/and frightening experiences, improving their mood or lowering anxiety. If you would like a safe place in order to understand more about what is going on for you, or perhaps have specific areas that need a focus, we can do this together and at a pace that suits you. I have listed my areas of expertise and experience as a guide for you.
I am a chartered clinical psychologist with 15 years experience in mental health. Whilst working in the NHS, I have set up The Sycamore Private Practice so that people outside of mental health services can access support. I have worked with people, who have benefited from making sense of difficult or/and frightening experiences, improving their mood or lowering anxiety. If you would like a safe place in order to understand more about what is going on for you, or perhaps have specific areas that need a focus, we can do this together and at a pace that suits you. I have listed my areas of expertise and experience as a guide for you.
01702 418809 View 01702 418809
Dr Michalla Gillbanks
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience working within NHS and private sectors. I have experience working with adults and young people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. I take time to get to know you and your presenting issues taking into consideration past experiences, family dynamics and issues that you feel need addressing or are holding you back. We would then develop a person centered care plan to best suit your goals. I am experienced in dealing with a range of mental health conditions along with more exploratory work and have a special interest in neurodiversity and mental health
I am a qualified clinical psychologist with over 15 years experience working within NHS and private sectors. I have experience working with adults and young people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties. I take time to get to know you and your presenting issues taking into consideration past experiences, family dynamics and issues that you feel need addressing or are holding you back. We would then develop a person centered care plan to best suit your goals. I am experienced in dealing with a range of mental health conditions along with more exploratory work and have a special interest in neurodiversity and mental health
01702 908337 View 01702 908337
Terry Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If this is your first time coming into therapy, welcome. I know it can be daunting, but please remember you’ve made a decision to help yourself and that is a massive step in itself. Living these days can be very difficult for some people on a daily basis without any other stress, pressure, demands, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelming coming into the mix. We all need a little help from time to time and I am here to help you not have to carry those heavy burdens alone. My main focus is on you; your aims, your truth, the real you, you feel you longer can be and how we can work together to get you back on track.
If this is your first time coming into therapy, welcome. I know it can be daunting, but please remember you’ve made a decision to help yourself and that is a massive step in itself. Living these days can be very difficult for some people on a daily basis without any other stress, pressure, demands, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelming coming into the mix. We all need a little help from time to time and I am here to help you not have to carry those heavy burdens alone. My main focus is on you; your aims, your truth, the real you, you feel you longer can be and how we can work together to get you back on track.
01245 950341 View 01245 950341
Dr Denise Pauline Stevens
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Serves Area
My own experience of therapy inspired me to become a psychotherapist. Through therapy, I gained a deeper understanding of how early experiences can shape our relationships, emotions and sense of self. This journey helped me move beyond patterns that had left me feeling stuck and develop a more fulfilling way of living. As a therapist, I offer a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can explore your difficulties, gain insight and work towards meaningful and lasting change. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck or struggling to move forward, I invite you to get in touch.
My own experience of therapy inspired me to become a psychotherapist. Through therapy, I gained a deeper understanding of how early experiences can shape our relationships, emotions and sense of self. This journey helped me move beyond patterns that had left me feeling stuck and develop a more fulfilling way of living. As a therapist, I offer a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can explore your difficulties, gain insight and work towards meaningful and lasting change. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck or struggling to move forward, I invite you to get in touch.
01268 983082 View 01268 983082
Yvette White
Counsellor, BACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stuck in patterns that keep repeating? Perhaps you appear to be coping on the outside but feel very different inside. You may be struggling with low mood, trauma, low self-esteem or a lot difficult life transition. If you are coming as a couple, you may feel disconnected, caught in recurring arguments or unsure how to move forward. I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where individuals and couples can feel heard, understand what is happening beneath the surface and begin creating meaningful change.
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stuck in patterns that keep repeating? Perhaps you appear to be coping on the outside but feel very different inside. You may be struggling with low mood, trauma, low self-esteem or a lot difficult life transition. If you are coming as a couple, you may feel disconnected, caught in recurring arguments or unsure how to move forward. I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where individuals and couples can feel heard, understand what is happening beneath the surface and begin creating meaningful change.
01702 967863 View 01702 967863
Tanya Lee
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Serves Area
Are you looking for effective help to deal with trauma, panic and anxiety? Are you fed up with labels and diagnoses that do nothing to resolve the symptoms and pain that you're suffering with? CPTSD, PTSD, GAD and BPD are labels that define your symptoms, but that don't tackle the cause or do anything useful to relieve them. I specialise in helping people with anxiety and PSTD and have helped many people just like you, who have been struggling, sometimes for decades. I won't dredge up unnecessary past experiences - I only work with what is relevant. Also if you prefer, you won't have to speak in detail about your issue.
Are you looking for effective help to deal with trauma, panic and anxiety? Are you fed up with labels and diagnoses that do nothing to resolve the symptoms and pain that you're suffering with? CPTSD, PTSD, GAD and BPD are labels that define your symptoms, but that don't tackle the cause or do anything useful to relieve them. I specialise in helping people with anxiety and PSTD and have helped many people just like you, who have been struggling, sometimes for decades. I won't dredge up unnecessary past experiences - I only work with what is relevant. Also if you prefer, you won't have to speak in detail about your issue.
01702 410074 View 01702 410074

More Therapists Nearby

Jemma Wilkinson
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
You’ve already done the hard part by being here. Now let’s talk about what working with me really looks like. I am a relational, solution-focused therapist this means  I actively work with you to create meaningful change. Much of my work focuses on anxiety, LGBTQIA+, childhood trauma and attachment, and how those early experiences continue to shape your relationships, choices, and sense of self today.  Therapy with me isn’t about endless circling or sticking plasters. It’s about uncovering what’s really going on, making sense of it together, and building practical, lasting strategies so you can move forward with confidence.
You’ve already done the hard part by being here. Now let’s talk about what working with me really looks like. I am a relational, solution-focused therapist this means  I actively work with you to create meaningful change. Much of my work focuses on anxiety, LGBTQIA+, childhood trauma and attachment, and how those early experiences continue to shape your relationships, choices, and sense of self today.  Therapy with me isn’t about endless circling or sticking plasters. It’s about uncovering what’s really going on, making sense of it together, and building practical, lasting strategies so you can move forward with confidence.
07480 736198 View 07480 736198
Sarah Kinlen
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Online Only
My training means I work creatively, intuitively enabling me to listen to you in a way that you may be seeking in your life, or not experiencing elsewhere. This kind of deep listening and tuning in with empathy can allow for a space to open up for you to be understood within yourself giving you a sense of more freedom of choice in various areas of life. I'll work relationally, or in other words, as a human with another human. I'll use humour and also challenge you at times out of your comfort zone if you are willing. Therapy isn’t an easy choice, but then neither is suffering, sensing the roots of suffering may emerge in our work.
My training means I work creatively, intuitively enabling me to listen to you in a way that you may be seeking in your life, or not experiencing elsewhere. This kind of deep listening and tuning in with empathy can allow for a space to open up for you to be understood within yourself giving you a sense of more freedom of choice in various areas of life. I'll work relationally, or in other words, as a human with another human. I'll use humour and also challenge you at times out of your comfort zone if you are willing. Therapy isn’t an easy choice, but then neither is suffering, sensing the roots of suffering may emerge in our work.
020 4572 7193 View 020 4572 7193

See more therapy options for Southend-on-Sea

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.