LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Swindon

My passion for the LGBTQIA community is a large part of what drew me to counselling.
Are you okay? But are you really okay? Have things been hard lately? Do you think speaking about it might help?
My passion for the LGBTQIA community is a large part of what drew me to counselling.
Are you okay? But are you really okay? Have things been hard lately? Do you think speaking about it might help?

I work with all adults and specialise in working with queer communities & those who are neurodivergent.
I combine several therapeutic theories & techniques to offer you a unique service tailoring my approach to you, your needs & wants. I have extensive therapeutic experience, having worked in private practice for seven years and providing over 5500 clinical hours. I have a MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice, a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
I work with all adults and specialise in working with queer communities & those who are neurodivergent.
I combine several therapeutic theories & techniques to offer you a unique service tailoring my approach to you, your needs & wants. I have extensive therapeutic experience, having worked in private practice for seven years and providing over 5500 clinical hours. I have a MA in Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice, a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

I work purely as an Online Therapist for which I am fully qualified and trained to do. This has many benefits, not only as it doesn't mean travelling but we also have the options of working in different ways, such as video, email, audio or instant messaging. Sometimes it can reduce anxieties as you can be in a space that feels comfortable for you. I have a particular interest in working with MEN in therapy as I am aware how difficult it can be for a man to seek therapy and talk about their emotions and experiences. My aim is to provide that safe space in which all clients can explore their feelings and emotions.
I work purely as an Online Therapist for which I am fully qualified and trained to do. This has many benefits, not only as it doesn't mean travelling but we also have the options of working in different ways, such as video, email, audio or instant messaging. Sometimes it can reduce anxieties as you can be in a space that feels comfortable for you. I have a particular interest in working with MEN in therapy as I am aware how difficult it can be for a man to seek therapy and talk about their emotions and experiences. My aim is to provide that safe space in which all clients can explore their feelings and emotions.

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.

Are you experiencing depression, anxiety or just not feeling yourself? Counselling can ease the depression and unlock any distress you are feeling. My style of counselling can also help you to change any patterns of behaviour that are not working for you and improve your relationships with friends, colleagues, partners or family members. I work in Swindon and Oxford. I have over 25 years experience in the social and charity sector. I am DBS checked and a member of the BACP.
Are you experiencing depression, anxiety or just not feeling yourself? Counselling can ease the depression and unlock any distress you are feeling. My style of counselling can also help you to change any patterns of behaviour that are not working for you and improve your relationships with friends, colleagues, partners or family members. I work in Swindon and Oxford. I have over 25 years experience in the social and charity sector. I am DBS checked and a member of the BACP.

Finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming. Looking at profiles, trying to get a feel for a person with whom you might share your world.
I put great importance on my relationship with my clients. Getting to know you, understand you and how you experience life is at the core of who I am. As a Person-Centred counsellor, my belief is that you have the answers.
Sometimes, we just need a little help making sense of what is going on inside.
I work, looking at your own unique experiences, in a safe, non-judgmental and supportive space
Finding the right counsellor can feel overwhelming. Looking at profiles, trying to get a feel for a person with whom you might share your world.
I put great importance on my relationship with my clients. Getting to know you, understand you and how you experience life is at the core of who I am. As a Person-Centred counsellor, my belief is that you have the answers.
Sometimes, we just need a little help making sense of what is going on inside.
I work, looking at your own unique experiences, in a safe, non-judgmental and supportive space

Seeking counselling and having the space to talk and focus on you, can help when life throws you difficult situations, feelings and events. Having the space to talk about whatever you choose to without judgement can be liberating. As a Person-Centred Counsellor I work alongside you, supporting you in any decisions you choose to make. My aim is to build a professional, trusting relationship with you where you feel safe to share any issues you choose to bring to your sessions.
Seeking counselling and having the space to talk and focus on you, can help when life throws you difficult situations, feelings and events. Having the space to talk about whatever you choose to without judgement can be liberating. As a Person-Centred Counsellor I work alongside you, supporting you in any decisions you choose to make. My aim is to build a professional, trusting relationship with you where you feel safe to share any issues you choose to bring to your sessions.

When you are feeling overwhelmed by difficult past or present experiences, thoughts and feelings talking to someone who will listen can help. Are you feeling alone in this? you don't have to. I offer a confidential, empathic and non-judgemental space in which together we can explore what is causing your distress and a way forward at your pace. Whilst fostering clarity and self-awareness, I bring a warm, calm and compassionate approach to my work in which my client feels supported and empowered. I have a passionate belief in the human capacity for change and growth and in the power of therapy to nurture this for my clients.
When you are feeling overwhelmed by difficult past or present experiences, thoughts and feelings talking to someone who will listen can help. Are you feeling alone in this? you don't have to. I offer a confidential, empathic and non-judgemental space in which together we can explore what is causing your distress and a way forward at your pace. Whilst fostering clarity and self-awareness, I bring a warm, calm and compassionate approach to my work in which my client feels supported and empowered. I have a passionate belief in the human capacity for change and growth and in the power of therapy to nurture this for my clients.

Are you looking for neuroaffirming and compassionate mental health treatment? Throughout my career, I've built a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver top-tier, evidence-basehealth support and treatment that truly make a difference and I look forward to sharing that with others.
Are you looking for neuroaffirming and compassionate mental health treatment? Throughout my career, I've built a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver top-tier, evidence-basehealth support and treatment that truly make a difference and I look forward to sharing that with others.

Maxine O'Brien Sex & Relationship Counsellor
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Swindon SN2
This is an extremely troubling time, I am experienced in working online. I work with Individuals and couples with anxiety, depression and finding ways of coping. Talking about sex, sexuality and relationships can be extremely difficult. Our own feelings of shame can keep us feeling trapped and feel that there is nowhere to go. I offer a non judgemental space to be able to talk sensitively working to resolve issues. We will agree the focus of the work from the outset and keep this in mind throughout the journey together. We will work together to facilitate change in the areas you feel are needed.
This is an extremely troubling time, I am experienced in working online. I work with Individuals and couples with anxiety, depression and finding ways of coping. Talking about sex, sexuality and relationships can be extremely difficult. Our own feelings of shame can keep us feeling trapped and feel that there is nowhere to go. I offer a non judgemental space to be able to talk sensitively working to resolve issues. We will agree the focus of the work from the outset and keep this in mind throughout the journey together. We will work together to facilitate change in the areas you feel are needed.

I connect most deeply with clients seeking both symptom relief and deeper change. My ideal clients are often managing complex experiences, working through trauma, or feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions. They're ready to explore their experiences in a safe, structured way and value both practical tools and emotional understanding. Whether they're new to therapy or have tried it before, they're looking for someone who can validate their experiences while gently challenging them to grow. I offer a balance of evidence-based techniques and genuine support for those ready to embark on their healing journey.
I connect most deeply with clients seeking both symptom relief and deeper change. My ideal clients are often managing complex experiences, working through trauma, or feeling overwhelmed by intense emotions. They're ready to explore their experiences in a safe, structured way and value both practical tools and emotional understanding. Whether they're new to therapy or have tried it before, they're looking for someone who can validate their experiences while gently challenging them to grow. I offer a balance of evidence-based techniques and genuine support for those ready to embark on their healing journey.
Meet Our LGBTQ+ Counsellors

I offer Clinical Supervision and Counselling. My background is in education, providing support for students from Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form/College, and University. While working with a diverse range of people, I have received specialist training for working with students and adults with Autism, ADHD, Asperger's and challenging behaviour. I have also previously worked in a Specialist Autistic (SRP) unit. I also work with adults and those that have received a late diagnosis to help accept, adjust and make sense of this impact on their lives and that of their family.
I offer Clinical Supervision and Counselling. My background is in education, providing support for students from Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form/College, and University. While working with a diverse range of people, I have received specialist training for working with students and adults with Autism, ADHD, Asperger's and challenging behaviour. I have also previously worked in a Specialist Autistic (SRP) unit. I also work with adults and those that have received a late diagnosis to help accept, adjust and make sense of this impact on their lives and that of their family.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile today. Because I feel, we are so different in how we respond in our life’s situations, we can feel more hopelessness, struggling, feeling more overwhelmed with everyday life’s problems, and feeling more stuck in life. By working, listening and supporting you, when your experiencing higher levels of stress, and anxiety, you can find better ways to help you cope, and not be so overwhelmed with your negative thoughts, whilst learning to manage, cope, and communicate better for yourself, improving your relationships with people around you, who are part of and in your life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile today. Because I feel, we are so different in how we respond in our life’s situations, we can feel more hopelessness, struggling, feeling more overwhelmed with everyday life’s problems, and feeling more stuck in life. By working, listening and supporting you, when your experiencing higher levels of stress, and anxiety, you can find better ways to help you cope, and not be so overwhelmed with your negative thoughts, whilst learning to manage, cope, and communicate better for yourself, improving your relationships with people around you, who are part of and in your life.

Hi from me, Carrie, and thanks for considering counselling with me. I know how daunting it is to see all these profiles of people wanting to help! When you’re struggling with life, choosing someone and making contact can be a tough first step. Well done for getting this far! I’m a qualified counsellor and I’ve worked with all sorts of stuff- Anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, loss, relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma and more. I’m here to listen to whatever you need to talk about, to find a new perspective or a way through whatever is troubling you. I’m a safe, non-judgemental person and I will hear you.
Hi from me, Carrie, and thanks for considering counselling with me. I know how daunting it is to see all these profiles of people wanting to help! When you’re struggling with life, choosing someone and making contact can be a tough first step. Well done for getting this far! I’m a qualified counsellor and I’ve worked with all sorts of stuff- Anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, loss, relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma and more. I’m here to listen to whatever you need to talk about, to find a new perspective or a way through whatever is troubling you. I’m a safe, non-judgemental person and I will hear you.

I have experience in counsel adults in a clinical setting who are feeling distressed, where mental health issues arise when a difficult circumstance of their lives happens. I have experience in working with clients who recovering from alcohol and substances addictions.
I have experience in counsel adults in a clinical setting who are feeling distressed, where mental health issues arise when a difficult circumstance of their lives happens. I have experience in working with clients who recovering from alcohol and substances addictions.

Hi, I'm Charlotte. I am a qualified psychotherapist to post-graduate level with specific experience and training in trauma, bereavement and domestic abuse. I offer a compassionate and confidential space, supporting adults and young people who would like to develop an awareness of their inner world and its impact on their current challenges and ways of relating. Please visit my website www.pathfinderscounselling.co.uk
Hi, I'm Charlotte. I am a qualified psychotherapist to post-graduate level with specific experience and training in trauma, bereavement and domestic abuse. I offer a compassionate and confidential space, supporting adults and young people who would like to develop an awareness of their inner world and its impact on their current challenges and ways of relating. Please visit my website www.pathfinderscounselling.co.uk

Hello and thank you for choosing to read my profile. Sometimes life can get hard; it can perhaps feel overwhelming. You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety or stress. Perhaps you are aware of feelings of low mood or depression. You might be experiencing relationship difficulties or issues at work. Maybe you feel that you lack confidence or self-esteem. These issues can build up over time and through our work together, I can help you reflect on, explore and understand these better to help you find a way forward.
Hello and thank you for choosing to read my profile. Sometimes life can get hard; it can perhaps feel overwhelming. You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety or stress. Perhaps you are aware of feelings of low mood or depression. You might be experiencing relationship difficulties or issues at work. Maybe you feel that you lack confidence or self-esteem. These issues can build up over time and through our work together, I can help you reflect on, explore and understand these better to help you find a way forward.

If now is the right time to talk about something that is troubling you, please contact me. It may be that you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and low mood. Perhaps you have experienced loss or trauma and need to talk about this or maybe you just need to make some changes in your life. I understand that this step is not always an easy one, but I will listen without judgement and offer a safe, supportive environment to enable you to talk freely. Talking together can help to clarify things and find a way through. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and life stages, from young adulthood through to later life.
If now is the right time to talk about something that is troubling you, please contact me. It may be that you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and low mood. Perhaps you have experienced loss or trauma and need to talk about this or maybe you just need to make some changes in your life. I understand that this step is not always an easy one, but I will listen without judgement and offer a safe, supportive environment to enable you to talk freely. Talking together can help to clarify things and find a way through. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and life stages, from young adulthood through to later life.

A successful counseling relationship is established through the creation of an authentic and confidential space between the client and therapist. This space serves as a safe haven where you can openly discuss your challenges, concerns, anxieties, frustrations, and emotional struggles. Within this environment, you will encounter a non-judgmental and empathetic atmosphere that allows for reflection on the issues that have led you to seek counseling.
A successful counseling relationship is established through the creation of an authentic and confidential space between the client and therapist. This space serves as a safe haven where you can openly discuss your challenges, concerns, anxieties, frustrations, and emotional struggles. Within this environment, you will encounter a non-judgmental and empathetic atmosphere that allows for reflection on the issues that have led you to seek counseling.

Life can be chaotic and fast-moving and sometimes it can be difficult to take a step back from it all or take time out to make sure that we're looking after ourselves. I aim to offer a service where you can be authentically yourself, free of judgment, and step away from the chaos for a little while.
You can bring anything which is on your mind to our counselling sessions together. I offer open-ended therapy; I will be here for you as long as you need me to be and I aim to build a relationship with you where you are able to become more confident and feel you are able to become the best version of yourself.
Life can be chaotic and fast-moving and sometimes it can be difficult to take a step back from it all or take time out to make sure that we're looking after ourselves. I aim to offer a service where you can be authentically yourself, free of judgment, and step away from the chaos for a little while.
You can bring anything which is on your mind to our counselling sessions together. I offer open-ended therapy; I will be here for you as long as you need me to be and I aim to build a relationship with you where you are able to become more confident and feel you are able to become the best version of yourself.
See more therapy options for Swindon
Nearby Gay Counsellors Searches for Swindon
- Bradford-on-Avon
- Calne
- Chippenham
- Cirencester
- Corsham
- Driffield
- Faringdon
- Marlborough
- Melksham
- Stonehouse
- Stroud
- Trowbridge
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.