LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Edinburgh
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, problems with your sexual identity, grief, trauma or a feeling of being stuck? Often the difficulties people face in the present are connected to earlier life experiences. By exploring these connections, we can uncover the deeper meanings behind current struggles. I am Dr Karen Matthews, the founder of Eir Counselling. I offer psychodynamic counselling in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space where together we can work through your struggles towards healing and lasting change.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, problems with your sexual identity, grief, trauma or a feeling of being stuck? Often the difficulties people face in the present are connected to earlier life experiences. By exploring these connections, we can uncover the deeper meanings behind current struggles. I am Dr Karen Matthews, the founder of Eir Counselling. I offer psychodynamic counselling in a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space where together we can work through your struggles towards healing and lasting change.
My practice is (non)Gender, LGBTQIA+, non-monogomy and kink affirmative.
The therapeutic counselling relationship has the potential to pave the way for us knowing ourselves in unexpected ways; accepting ourselves for who we are. I also believe that our own development when we were younger, our past experiences and our past relationships, undoubtedly have a considerable impact on our lives and relationships in the present time.
My practice is (non)Gender, LGBTQIA+, non-monogomy and kink affirmative.
The therapeutic counselling relationship has the potential to pave the way for us knowing ourselves in unexpected ways; accepting ourselves for who we are. I also believe that our own development when we were younger, our past experiences and our past relationships, undoubtedly have a considerable impact on our lives and relationships in the present time.
Hello, I'm Phil. I firmly believe that therapy can be transformative, providing a unique opportunity to explore our past experiences and understand how they influence our present. This viewpoint has been shaped by my experiences as both a therapist and a client. The therapeutic relationships I cultivate with people create a safe and empowering environment for them to examine and make sense of their connections with others and the world around them.
Hello, I'm Phil. I firmly believe that therapy can be transformative, providing a unique opportunity to explore our past experiences and understand how they influence our present. This viewpoint has been shaped by my experiences as both a therapist and a client. The therapeutic relationships I cultivate with people create a safe and empowering environment for them to examine and make sense of their connections with others and the world around them.
LGBTQ+ / Neurodivergent Safe space
I work with a wide range of people, including therapists. Ethics are at the core of my values. I study linguistics (French/English) and believe that how we communicate (with others and with ourselves) fundamentally impacts the nature of our relationships. I've completed training with The National Autistic Society for women/girls. Neurodivergent safe space.
LGBTQ+ / Neurodivergent Safe space
I work with a wide range of people, including therapists. Ethics are at the core of my values. I study linguistics (French/English) and believe that how we communicate (with others and with ourselves) fundamentally impacts the nature of our relationships. I've completed training with The National Autistic Society for women/girls. Neurodivergent safe space.
Patient. Reliable. Approachable. I’m an experienced Irish psychologist, with a practice primarily focused on relationship difficulties. These create psychological challenges that tend to preoccupy every waking minute of our lives. Our self-understanding is built up through our relationships, through what gets reflected back to us from those closest to us. As a result, difficulties like infidelity, jealousy, envy, loneliness, repeating conflicts - these can cut to the core of who we are. Working together, I can support you to rebuild trust in yourself, and make greater sense of the difficult relational reality you find yourself in.
Patient. Reliable. Approachable. I’m an experienced Irish psychologist, with a practice primarily focused on relationship difficulties. These create psychological challenges that tend to preoccupy every waking minute of our lives. Our self-understanding is built up through our relationships, through what gets reflected back to us from those closest to us. As a result, difficulties like infidelity, jealousy, envy, loneliness, repeating conflicts - these can cut to the core of who we are. Working together, I can support you to rebuild trust in yourself, and make greater sense of the difficult relational reality you find yourself in.
In the LGBTQIA+ or queer community, for example, we know the value of self-expression and exploration in a safe, supportive environment when it comes to understanding our own gender / sexuality / place in the world.
Person-centred Music Therapy encapsulates the Hans Christian Anderson quote, "Where words fail, music (often) speaks." Having been a queer musician my whole life, I can personally attest to the benefit music has had in allowing me to have a healthy means of self-expression where you can keep your privacy, but express what needs to be expressed in safety.
In the LGBTQIA+ or queer community, for example, we know the value of self-expression and exploration in a safe, supportive environment when it comes to understanding our own gender / sexuality / place in the world.
Person-centred Music Therapy encapsulates the Hans Christian Anderson quote, "Where words fail, music (often) speaks." Having been a queer musician my whole life, I can personally attest to the benefit music has had in allowing me to have a healthy means of self-expression where you can keep your privacy, but express what needs to be expressed in safety.
I am experienced with working with a wide range of issues but particularly work with anxiety, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+, gender, sex and relationship diversity, self-harm, and spirituality.
My practice is queer and neurodivergent affirming. I have significant experience working with neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and BDSM/Kink communities. This is further underpinned by training and CPD.
I have an HND in Counselling, Open Degree studying Counselling & Forensic Psychology, and an MSc with distinction in Contemporary Psychosexual Therapy.
I am experienced with working with a wide range of issues but particularly work with anxiety, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+, gender, sex and relationship diversity, self-harm, and spirituality.
My practice is queer and neurodivergent affirming. I have significant experience working with neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and BDSM/Kink communities. This is further underpinned by training and CPD.
I have an HND in Counselling, Open Degree studying Counselling & Forensic Psychology, and an MSc with distinction in Contemporary Psychosexual Therapy.
I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering counselling, psychotherapy and pluralistic clinical supervision.
I have experience working with a broad range of mental health issues, long-term health care issues and issues due to difficult life events / circumstances. I am able to offer general counselling and also specialised counselling i.e. University Counselling and LGBT+ friendly Counselling.
I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering counselling, psychotherapy and pluralistic clinical supervision.
I have experience working with a broad range of mental health issues, long-term health care issues and issues due to difficult life events / circumstances. I am able to offer general counselling and also specialised counselling i.e. University Counselling and LGBT+ friendly Counselling.
I also work with many LGBTQ+ clients and understand how important it is to feel seen, accepted and safe in therapy.
I think it is important to work at a pace that feels right for you, creating space for reflection, healing and meaningful change.
I also work with many LGBTQ+ clients and understand how important it is to feel seen, accepted and safe in therapy.
I think it is important to work at a pace that feels right for you, creating space for reflection, healing and meaningful change.
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.
Hi, I’m Craig. I am an integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, with experience of using Yoga for anxiety and depression, based in Manchester. I care about helping people navigate those sticky and uncomfortable moments in life. For most of my adult life, I’ve felt a pull towards the helping professions. This pull led me to the realms of counselling, psychotherapy and yoga. I’ve found the tools and skills from these realms transformative in my own development and growth, and in others. I take an integrative approach, bringing concepts, skills and techniques from the psychotherapeutic, yogic and spiritual spheres.
Hi, I’m Craig. I am an integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, with experience of using Yoga for anxiety and depression, based in Manchester. I care about helping people navigate those sticky and uncomfortable moments in life. For most of my adult life, I’ve felt a pull towards the helping professions. This pull led me to the realms of counselling, psychotherapy and yoga. I’ve found the tools and skills from these realms transformative in my own development and growth, and in others. I take an integrative approach, bringing concepts, skills and techniques from the psychotherapeutic, yogic and spiritual spheres.
”
I specialise in supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent professionals who are juggling too much and feeling too little.
My style? Calm, collaborative, and gently challenging. I won’t sit in silence and nod. I’ll ask questions, offer thoughts, and help you connect with the emotions that are quietly running the show.
You don’t need to have the right words. You just need to show up. I’ll meet you there.
”
I specialise in supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent professionals who are juggling too much and feeling too little.
My style? Calm, collaborative, and gently challenging. I won’t sit in silence and nod. I’ll ask questions, offer thoughts, and help you connect with the emotions that are quietly running the show.
You don’t need to have the right words. You just need to show up. I’ll meet you there.
I also facilitated an LGBTQ+ peer support group and managed a counselling service for a charity.
I identify as non-binary and gay. I use the pronouns she/her. I do not presume that I know every LGBTQ+ experience; however, I will offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your experience and understand how that impacts on your life. I have completed GSRD training to enhance my understanding.
I also facilitated an LGBTQ+ peer support group and managed a counselling service for a charity.
I identify as non-binary and gay. I use the pronouns she/her. I do not presume that I know every LGBTQ+ experience; however, I will offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your experience and understand how that impacts on your life. I have completed GSRD training to enhance my understanding.
I aim to offer a compassionate, affirming space—especially for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients—to build resilience and respond to life with greater self-trust and choice.
Welcome. I’m currently working exclusively online, offering accessible sessions wherever you are. I work with a broad range of experiences including anxiety, low mood, identity questions, relationship tension, chronic fatigue, and recovery. You might feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, overwhelmed by emotion, or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself. My approach is person-centred and mindfulness-based—gentle, relational, and grounded in nervous system awareness. Together, we’ll explore what matters with care, honesty, and soft pacing.
I aim to offer a compassionate, affirming space—especially for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients—to build resilience and respond to life with greater self-trust and choice.
Welcome. I’m currently working exclusively online, offering accessible sessions wherever you are. I work with a broad range of experiences including anxiety, low mood, identity questions, relationship tension, chronic fatigue, and recovery. You might feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, overwhelmed by emotion, or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself. My approach is person-centred and mindfulness-based—gentle, relational, and grounded in nervous system awareness. Together, we’ll explore what matters with care, honesty, and soft pacing.
I provide inclusive support for clients within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those with experience of neurodivergence.
Hi, I’m Grace and I’m glad you’re here.
Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone. I offer open-ended, online/telephone therapy at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you.
As a person-centred therapist my role is to facilitate a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, feel truly heard, and reconnect with your own sense of self and direction.
Whatever you’re navigating, I’m here to support you with warmth, respect, and honesty.
• Free 15-minute initial consultation
• Regular online video or telephone sessions
• Young people and adults
• Confidential Psychotherapy
I provide inclusive support for clients within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those with experience of neurodivergence.
Hi, I’m Grace and I’m glad you’re here.
Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone. I offer open-ended, online/telephone therapy at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you.
As a person-centred therapist my role is to facilitate a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, feel truly heard, and reconnect with your own sense of self and direction.
Whatever you’re navigating, I’m here to support you with warmth, respect, and honesty.
• Free 15-minute initial consultation
• Regular online video or telephone sessions
• Young people and adults
• Confidential Psychotherapy
I specialize in affirming, inclusive therapy for queer individuals exploring identity, gender, and self-discovery.
Does it feel like the world doesn’t understand you, are you seeking clarity, and craving change?
Your story is yours to write, and counselling can be part of that process. I believe that finding yourself isn’t about following a predetermined script—it’s about exploring, questioning, and embracing every part of who you are, even the pieces that feel uncertain. Whether your journey feels like Elphaba’s - misunderstood, pushing against norms, carving your own path - or Galinda’s - searching for clarity, transformation, and connection - self-discovery is an adventure.
I specialize in affirming, inclusive therapy for queer individuals exploring identity, gender, and self-discovery.
Does it feel like the world doesn’t understand you, are you seeking clarity, and craving change?
Your story is yours to write, and counselling can be part of that process. I believe that finding yourself isn’t about following a predetermined script—it’s about exploring, questioning, and embracing every part of who you are, even the pieces that feel uncertain. Whether your journey feels like Elphaba’s - misunderstood, pushing against norms, carving your own path - or Galinda’s - searching for clarity, transformation, and connection - self-discovery is an adventure.
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
As a therapist working in the NHS and in private practice, I work with anxiety, depression and trauma and specialise in Addiction, Relationship Issues, LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiversity (Autistic and ADHD clients).
I offer short and long-term therapy and I can work with many types of counselling - person centred, psychodynamic, CBT, ACT etc. depending on which you feel is the most appropriate. I can also use creative and somatic techniques and mindfulness to ease anxiety or simply to explain and explore why you feel a certain way.
As a therapist working in the NHS and in private practice, I work with anxiety, depression and trauma and specialise in Addiction, Relationship Issues, LGBTQIA+ and Neurodiversity (Autistic and ADHD clients).
I offer short and long-term therapy and I can work with many types of counselling - person centred, psychodynamic, CBT, ACT etc. depending on which you feel is the most appropriate. I can also use creative and somatic techniques and mindfulness to ease anxiety or simply to explain and explore why you feel a certain way.
I work with adults, particularly LGBTQ+ clients who feel stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure how to be fully themselves.
I have years of experience supporting queer clients and bring a trauma-aware, body-based lens to the work. I’m a gay man and an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist. We’ll explore what matters to you - with care, curiosity and collaboration - while building safety in the nervous system and making space for self-trust and growth.
I work with adults, particularly LGBTQ+ clients who feel stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure how to be fully themselves.
I have years of experience supporting queer clients and bring a trauma-aware, body-based lens to the work. I’m a gay man and an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist. We’ll explore what matters to you - with care, curiosity and collaboration - while building safety in the nervous system and making space for self-trust and growth.
As a queer therapist, my work is rooted in a neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ affirming perspective.
My approach is relational: I believe that feeling seen, understood and accepted by another person can be healing in many ways, and I hope you will experience me as a warm, grounded presence. My approach is also pluralistic, which means that I may draw on theories and techniques from a range of approaches, depending on what feels most helpful to you.
As a queer therapist, my work is rooted in a neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ affirming perspective.
My approach is relational: I believe that feeling seen, understood and accepted by another person can be healing in many ways, and I hope you will experience me as a warm, grounded presence. My approach is also pluralistic, which means that I may draw on theories and techniques from a range of approaches, depending on what feels most helpful to you.
See more therapy options for Edinburgh
Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for Edinburgh
- Anstruther
- Bo'ness
- Cupar
- Dalkeith
- Dunfermline
- Falkirk
- Glenrothes
- Kirkcaldy
- Livingston
- Musselburgh
- North Berwick
- Peebles
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.