LGBTQ+ Counselling in Old Town, Edinburgh
Dr Cheryl Venart - Neurodivergent Specialist
Psychologist, HCPC - Health Psych.
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
Looking to grow or develop? Perhaps you are LGBTQ+, have autism and/or ADHD and are needing some support? As a Health Psychologist, I work holistically to consider your mental and physical health. Having lived experience of being a neurodivergent Psychologist, I am also uniquely skilled in supporting neurodivergent clients, life coaching (ADHD, sensory challenges and advocacy), self-esteem and moving into acceptance of self. I work with adults of all ages, and young people. I work with clients who may wish for positive coaching, support with sleep, a wide range of health conditions or are perhaps caring for someone.
Looking to grow or develop? Perhaps you are LGBTQ+, have autism and/or ADHD and are needing some support? As a Health Psychologist, I work holistically to consider your mental and physical health. Having lived experience of being a neurodivergent Psychologist, I am also uniquely skilled in supporting neurodivergent clients, life coaching (ADHD, sensory challenges and advocacy), self-esteem and moving into acceptance of self. I work with adults of all ages, and young people. I work with clients who may wish for positive coaching, support with sleep, a wide range of health conditions or are perhaps caring for someone.
Zoe Powell Martin
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Zoe - it's a pleasure to meet you. I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online counselling and psychotherapy. I provide a warm, safe and nurturing space to support you on your therapeutic journey. As a therapist, I am committed to ensure that your therapy sessions are co-constructed to meet your individual therapeutic needs. Benefitting from shared-decision making, a focus on therapeutic direction as well as empathy, support, compassion and attention, you can expect a uniquely inclusive and collaborative therapeutic experience.
Hello, I'm Zoe - it's a pleasure to meet you. I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online counselling and psychotherapy. I provide a warm, safe and nurturing space to support you on your therapeutic journey. As a therapist, I am committed to ensure that your therapy sessions are co-constructed to meet your individual therapeutic needs. Benefitting from shared-decision making, a focus on therapeutic direction as well as empathy, support, compassion and attention, you can expect a uniquely inclusive and collaborative therapeutic experience.
Gavin McDonald
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
My own experiences of discrimination as a Queer person has shaped my trauma-informed practice.
Do you feel like you live in a world that doesn’t accept who you are? A dear friend of mine once summed up this feeling beautifully: “Being LGBTIQ+ is not my issue, it’s living in a world where others take issue with me being LGBTIQ+”. When we live in a society that does not see or respect our difference we internalize a lot of messages and beliefs about who we should, or should not, be. Trying to shape ourselves into an image that doesn’t fit isn’t just exhausting - it’s traumatizing! Hi, my name is Gavin and I identify as a gender non-conforming Queer person.
My own experiences of discrimination as a Queer person has shaped my trauma-informed practice.
Do you feel like you live in a world that doesn’t accept who you are? A dear friend of mine once summed up this feeling beautifully: “Being LGBTIQ+ is not my issue, it’s living in a world where others take issue with me being LGBTIQ+”. When we live in a society that does not see or respect our difference we internalize a lot of messages and beliefs about who we should, or should not, be. Trying to shape ourselves into an image that doesn’t fit isn’t just exhausting - it’s traumatizing! Hi, my name is Gavin and I identify as a gender non-conforming Queer person.
Peter Donnelly
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
Feeling confused? Out of place? Not good enough? Therapy can offer you a space to explore these parts and connect more with your true self. I am an LGBT counsellor with experience in supporting people going through a range of confusion and distress including: anxiety and stress, family and relationship difficulties, sexuality and gender identity, low mood, loss, feeling stuck, and self esteem.
Feeling confused? Out of place? Not good enough? Therapy can offer you a space to explore these parts and connect more with your true self. I am an LGBT counsellor with experience in supporting people going through a range of confusion and distress including: anxiety and stress, family and relationship difficulties, sexuality and gender identity, low mood, loss, feeling stuck, and self esteem.
Craig Budzik
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
I’m part of the LGBT+ community, identifying as cis gay man using he/him pronouns.
Counselling and Psychotherapy can be a powerful way to heal through talking. My approach is integrative and brings together different approaches, styles and ideologies. Not just from the Counselling and Psychotherapeutic sphere, but also from the spiritual sphere. I believe that human wellness is multidimensional. No singular event, element or experience of living can truly cause wellness or suffering. It’s a complex interplay between various factors which make up our experience of life.
I’m part of the LGBT+ community, identifying as cis gay man using he/him pronouns.
Counselling and Psychotherapy can be a powerful way to heal through talking. My approach is integrative and brings together different approaches, styles and ideologies. Not just from the Counselling and Psychotherapeutic sphere, but also from the spiritual sphere. I believe that human wellness is multidimensional. No singular event, element or experience of living can truly cause wellness or suffering. It’s a complex interplay between various factors which make up our experience of life.
Niamh Allen
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
I offer a non-judgemental practice and have experience with the LGBTQ+ community.
My name is Niamh, and I am a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. CBT provides a structure which helps you to explore your emotions, thoughts, behaviours and move towards a more manageable tomorrow armed with insight and self-awareness. I offer a space for individuals to address the difficulties they are encountering and teach practical tools, techniques, and skills to help people overcome the issues they are experiencing. CBT is very effective when working with specific therapy goals like managing anxiety or moving out of a period of depression. It is recommended for many issues including PTSD, OCD, eating disorders and addictions.
I offer a non-judgemental practice and have experience with the LGBTQ+ community.
My name is Niamh, and I am a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. CBT provides a structure which helps you to explore your emotions, thoughts, behaviours and move towards a more manageable tomorrow armed with insight and self-awareness. I offer a space for individuals to address the difficulties they are encountering and teach practical tools, techniques, and skills to help people overcome the issues they are experiencing. CBT is very effective when working with specific therapy goals like managing anxiety or moving out of a period of depression. It is recommended for many issues including PTSD, OCD, eating disorders and addictions.
Claudia Kent
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Claudia (she/her), a dedicated Bristol based psychotherapist with a passion for justice and equality. I aim to create a safe and affirming space for individuals of diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, those exploring kink or polyamory, and anyone navigating questions of gender, sexuality, or identity. I approach therapy with gentleness and a genuine curiosity about the vast spectrum of human experiences. I am here to support you as you journey through your unique story, at your own pace. When you feel stuck or uncertain, I use active, compassionate listening to guide you forward.
Hello, I'm Claudia (she/her), a dedicated Bristol based psychotherapist with a passion for justice and equality. I aim to create a safe and affirming space for individuals of diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, those exploring kink or polyamory, and anyone navigating questions of gender, sexuality, or identity. I approach therapy with gentleness and a genuine curiosity about the vast spectrum of human experiences. I am here to support you as you journey through your unique story, at your own pace. When you feel stuck or uncertain, I use active, compassionate listening to guide you forward.
Arran Southall (Desktop Counselling)
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
Waitlist for new clients
I've supported individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, complex-PTSD, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ issues, work difficulties and low self-esteem.
Are you tired of feeling anxious and depressed? Struggling with a difficult situation? Therapy is an investment in yourself and can enable great change in your life. It would be my privilege to support you in whatever challenge you are facing.
I've supported individuals and couples facing anxiety, depression, complex-PTSD, relationship issues, LGBTQ+ issues, work difficulties and low self-esteem.
Are you tired of feeling anxious and depressed? Struggling with a difficult situation? Therapy is an investment in yourself and can enable great change in your life. It would be my privilege to support you in whatever challenge you are facing.
Dr Craig Dunn
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
I offer adult psychology sessions and specialise in male, LGBTQIA+ and children's mental health as well as providing clinical supervision and consultation sessions for parents/schools to increase understanding of behaviours.
Hello and thank you for looking into my profile. It can be challenging finding the right therapist amidst a sea of warm faces and shiny profiles full of experience. However, I firmly believe that like any relationship, the therapeutic one needs to feel like a 'good fit' too. This outlook forms the ethos of my therapy practice as a counselling psychologist where I work in collaboration with a client to bring change through the healing properties of a relationship. It is my belief that a supportive, accepting relationship allows for deeper self exploration and long-lasting change.
I offer adult psychology sessions and specialise in male, LGBTQIA+ and children's mental health as well as providing clinical supervision and consultation sessions for parents/schools to increase understanding of behaviours.
Hello and thank you for looking into my profile. It can be challenging finding the right therapist amidst a sea of warm faces and shiny profiles full of experience. However, I firmly believe that like any relationship, the therapeutic one needs to feel like a 'good fit' too. This outlook forms the ethos of my therapy practice as a counselling psychologist where I work in collaboration with a client to bring change through the healing properties of a relationship. It is my belief that a supportive, accepting relationship allows for deeper self exploration and long-lasting change.
Debbie Clements MA Gender, LGBT +, Relational.
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
Highly experienced & qualified therapist (10years+) offering low cost counselling. Are you coming out or transitioning? Navigating polyamory/non monogamy? Queer? LGBT+? Questioning? When we're unable to safely be our authentic selves we experience poor mental health and may suffer with stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties. You'll find a confidential, exploratory, listening space welcoming of diversity so you can relax and get on with addressing what's going on for you. Over 10yrs in psychotherapy, 25yrs mental health support & senior accredited BACP and adv. accredited in Gender Sex Relationship Diversity (GSRD).
Highly experienced & qualified therapist (10years+) offering low cost counselling. Are you coming out or transitioning? Navigating polyamory/non monogamy? Queer? LGBT+? Questioning? When we're unable to safely be our authentic selves we experience poor mental health and may suffer with stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties. You'll find a confidential, exploratory, listening space welcoming of diversity so you can relax and get on with addressing what's going on for you. Over 10yrs in psychotherapy, 25yrs mental health support & senior accredited BACP and adv. accredited in Gender Sex Relationship Diversity (GSRD).
Marika Maria Lisowska Gestalt Therapy
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
I also understand the pressure related to family, gender, ethnicity, race,LGBTQ+ difference, social class, and religion.
I get that it’s not easy to ask for support and admit to vulnerability. I view therapy as as a journey of discovery, healing and growth. Through 'experiential learning' and 'dialogue' we will work with your ‘embodied awareness’ of ‘how’ you are in relationships, ‘how’ you make choices and ‘how’ you co-create your world. We will look at where you feel 'stuck' and what seems 'difficult'; we will 'stay with' the feelings and complexity that may unfold. I believe change happens organically when we have enough 'support', fully acknowledge the situation we are in, and commit to work.If that resonates with you, please contact me.
I also understand the pressure related to family, gender, ethnicity, race,LGBTQ+ difference, social class, and religion.
I get that it’s not easy to ask for support and admit to vulnerability. I view therapy as as a journey of discovery, healing and growth. Through 'experiential learning' and 'dialogue' we will work with your ‘embodied awareness’ of ‘how’ you are in relationships, ‘how’ you make choices and ‘how’ you co-create your world. We will look at where you feel 'stuck' and what seems 'difficult'; we will 'stay with' the feelings and complexity that may unfold. I believe change happens organically when we have enough 'support', fully acknowledge the situation we are in, and commit to work.If that resonates with you, please contact me.
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Counsellor, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
I am specialised in working with trauma, sexual additions and issues related with LGBTQ community.
I promote a deep transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and reactions. I have the tools and professional expertise and experience to help you explore whatever is important to you, in a respectful, non-judgemental and open way. In my sessions, I use a positive, holistic and integrative approach to take care of my clients and I work diligently to help find them the answers they seek. Since 2015 I have worked with a wide diversity of clients to deal with the many different circumstances that are unique to their lives.
I am specialised in working with trauma, sexual additions and issues related with LGBTQ community.
I promote a deep transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and reactions. I have the tools and professional expertise and experience to help you explore whatever is important to you, in a respectful, non-judgemental and open way. In my sessions, I use a positive, holistic and integrative approach to take care of my clients and I work diligently to help find them the answers they seek. Since 2015 I have worked with a wide diversity of clients to deal with the many different circumstances that are unique to their lives.
Laura MacEwen
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
Some of my particular areas of interest and experience are relationships, working with trauma, emotion regulation and working with LGBTQ+ clients.
I am an experienced counsellor and registered member of the BACP offering integrative counselling which means I can draw on different counselling approaches (including person centred, CBT, psychodynamic) to work with you in a way that suits you best. I can give you the space you need to explore any of the following: Anxiety and/ or depression, feeling stuck, challenging relationships, finding past experiences difficult, addictions, issues around sexuality, life transitions, coping mechanisms, childhood trauma and many more. Whatever is going on for you, I believe a space to talk to someone in a safe environment can be life changing.
Some of my particular areas of interest and experience are relationships, working with trauma, emotion regulation and working with LGBTQ+ clients.
I am an experienced counsellor and registered member of the BACP offering integrative counselling which means I can draw on different counselling approaches (including person centred, CBT, psychodynamic) to work with you in a way that suits you best. I can give you the space you need to explore any of the following: Anxiety and/ or depression, feeling stuck, challenging relationships, finding past experiences difficult, addictions, issues around sexuality, life transitions, coping mechanisms, childhood trauma and many more. Whatever is going on for you, I believe a space to talk to someone in a safe environment can be life changing.
Ailis Weir
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
I am a person-centred counsellor who primarily works with members of the LGBTQ+ community. While mental health issues can be a huge barrier for anyone, for LGBTQ+ people these issues can be magnified. Often LGBTQ+ folks struggle to feel understood, to feel heard, and can suffer social isolation as a result. Coming out, again and again, to ourselves, our friends, our partners all while finding one’s true sense of self, can be a lifelong mission. My outlook on counselling is based on compassion and honesty, and I work to foster an environment where collaboration is encouraged. Find out more at my website www.beyondlineartherapy.com.
I am a person-centred counsellor who primarily works with members of the LGBTQ+ community. While mental health issues can be a huge barrier for anyone, for LGBTQ+ people these issues can be magnified. Often LGBTQ+ folks struggle to feel understood, to feel heard, and can suffer social isolation as a result. Coming out, again and again, to ourselves, our friends, our partners all while finding one’s true sense of self, can be a lifelong mission. My outlook on counselling is based on compassion and honesty, and I work to foster an environment where collaboration is encouraged. Find out more at my website www.beyondlineartherapy.com.
Siobhan Tyrrell
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
I also have good experience with LGBTQ+ community and have worked with many neuro-diverse individuals.
How are you navigating life at the moment? You may have been suffering from emotional discomfort for a while, perhaps it's more recent or maybe the pandemic has had an effect on your mental health. You are not alone, 1 in 4 of us are affected by mental health issues at some point in our lives. Looking for support to understand what you are feeling can be life changing. How we make sense of ourselves, the world and our place in it can affect our relationships, friendships, careers, social lives perhaps even robbing us of our potential. Therapy, through insight and application can deliver acceptance, change, clarity and relief.
I also have good experience with LGBTQ+ community and have worked with many neuro-diverse individuals.
How are you navigating life at the moment? You may have been suffering from emotional discomfort for a while, perhaps it's more recent or maybe the pandemic has had an effect on your mental health. You are not alone, 1 in 4 of us are affected by mental health issues at some point in our lives. Looking for support to understand what you are feeling can be life changing. How we make sense of ourselves, the world and our place in it can affect our relationships, friendships, careers, social lives perhaps even robbing us of our potential. Therapy, through insight and application can deliver acceptance, change, clarity and relief.
Michael Chamberlain
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
Among those, I have particular experience in working with neurodiverse clients, LGBTQIA+ clients as well as those practising ethical non-monogamy, and complex relationships, and am passionate about helping people explore their wants and needs.
My name is Michael Chamberlain, and I am a fully qualified humanistic and person-centred therapist, and systemic practitioner. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and work within their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am also a certified Advanced Accredited Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity Therapist with Pink Therapy. I specialise in offering a confidential, emotionally and imaginatively creative space in which clients can explore their experiences and their relationships with the difficulties in their lives.
Among those, I have particular experience in working with neurodiverse clients, LGBTQIA+ clients as well as those practising ethical non-monogamy, and complex relationships, and am passionate about helping people explore their wants and needs.
My name is Michael Chamberlain, and I am a fully qualified humanistic and person-centred therapist, and systemic practitioner. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and work within their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am also a certified Advanced Accredited Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity Therapist with Pink Therapy. I specialise in offering a confidential, emotionally and imaginatively creative space in which clients can explore their experiences and their relationships with the difficulties in their lives.
Simone Harding
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
Waitlist for new clients
Are you looking for the kind of therapy that explores relational trauma and how this is embodied, and affects our relationships with others, food, body and self? If you've found yourself querying your childhood, or wondering why you can't seem to feel ok, or why your relationships seem dissatisfying, or why you feel like you are not able to care for yourself or cope well, come on in. This is a queer friendly space and politically liberatory practice.
Are you looking for the kind of therapy that explores relational trauma and how this is embodied, and affects our relationships with others, food, body and self? If you've found yourself querying your childhood, or wondering why you can't seem to feel ok, or why your relationships seem dissatisfying, or why you feel like you are not able to care for yourself or cope well, come on in. This is a queer friendly space and politically liberatory practice.
Mike Delaney
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
I am very skilled and experienced in working with mental health issues such as Depression and Anxiety, as well as addictive behaviour and related issues such as trauma. I have been a mental health professional for 45yrs, both as a Mental Health Nurse and as a BACP Registered Therapist. I have also survived my own life issues, including addictions and have been sober for 25yrs. I feel that having professional qualifications as well as lived experience helps me to make a stronger connection with my clients
I am very skilled and experienced in working with mental health issues such as Depression and Anxiety, as well as addictive behaviour and related issues such as trauma. I have been a mental health professional for 45yrs, both as a Mental Health Nurse and as a BACP Registered Therapist. I have also survived my own life issues, including addictions and have been sober for 25yrs. I feel that having professional qualifications as well as lived experience helps me to make a stronger connection with my clients
Martyn Forbes - The Queer Couch
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
We are all unique individuals, so it makes sense that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I aim to provide a non-judgmental and compassionate space for individuals of all flavours to work through their difficulties. Gender and sexuality may not be the reason you are seeking therapy, but I understand the significance these parts of you may play in your life. Therapy should never be a place where you feel the need to watch what you say or educate your own therapist about who you are. Therapy is time for you.
We are all unique individuals, so it makes sense that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I aim to provide a non-judgmental and compassionate space for individuals of all flavours to work through their difficulties. Gender and sexuality may not be the reason you are seeking therapy, but I understand the significance these parts of you may play in your life. Therapy should never be a place where you feel the need to watch what you say or educate your own therapist about who you are. Therapy is time for you.
Salvatore Andrea Caci
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Old Town, Edinburgh EH1
What happened to us, doesn't have to define us. The narrative of our issues can be transformed in something different. A healing story that can give you empowerment and freedom. Maybe you are dealing with anxiety, depression, anger. Maybe you are looking for happiness or you feel you are lost. Or maybe, you still don't know what's missing. Regardless, I understand it's important for you to know how to cope, where you want to go in your life and what really matters to you. Finding and/or redefine your personal story, that fits your own true self, may give you the answers you are looking for.
What happened to us, doesn't have to define us. The narrative of our issues can be transformed in something different. A healing story that can give you empowerment and freedom. Maybe you are dealing with anxiety, depression, anger. Maybe you are looking for happiness or you feel you are lost. Or maybe, you still don't know what's missing. Regardless, I understand it's important for you to know how to cope, where you want to go in your life and what really matters to you. Finding and/or redefine your personal story, that fits your own true self, may give you the answers you are looking for.
Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for Old Town, Edinburgh
- Bonnington
- Comely Bank
- Gorgie
- Haymarket
- Morningside
- New Town
- Newington
- Roseburn
- Slateworth
- Southside
- Stockbridge
- West End
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.