LGBTQ+ Counselling in M24
You may have suffered with mental ill-health on and off for years, or it may be something you’ve noticed recently. To benefit from talking therapy, it’s less about what the issue is, or the severity of your mental/emotional wellbeing but more about your readiness to talk and be open to learning about yourself. It can be an emotionally draining process as you face up to difficulties you’ve experienced during your life. My aim is to provide the support you need throughout the process and to fully accept you for who you are. Even if you find it difficult to accept parts of yourself. Clients often leave sessions feeling much lighter.
You may have suffered with mental ill-health on and off for years, or it may be something you’ve noticed recently. To benefit from talking therapy, it’s less about what the issue is, or the severity of your mental/emotional wellbeing but more about your readiness to talk and be open to learning about yourself. It can be an emotionally draining process as you face up to difficulties you’ve experienced during your life. My aim is to provide the support you need throughout the process and to fully accept you for who you are. Even if you find it difficult to accept parts of yourself. Clients often leave sessions feeling much lighter.
Since I began my counselling journey I have helped many people deal with the difficulties that life throws at us. No one is immune from problems, from the past or in the present. I offer a non judgemental confidential and safe space for you to explore and work through your issues. I work safely and ethically and always have your best interests at heart. I believe we all have the answers inside us and with a little help we can find the solutions that are best for us. I believe that mental health is equal to physical health, often we do not recognise that everyday stress is effecting our ability to cope with everyday life.
Since I began my counselling journey I have helped many people deal with the difficulties that life throws at us. No one is immune from problems, from the past or in the present. I offer a non judgemental confidential and safe space for you to explore and work through your issues. I work safely and ethically and always have your best interests at heart. I believe we all have the answers inside us and with a little help we can find the solutions that are best for us. I believe that mental health is equal to physical health, often we do not recognise that everyday stress is effecting our ability to cope with everyday life.
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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.