Transgender Counselling in Edinburgh

Photo of Melanie Peele, BACP, Counsellor
Melanie Peele
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH14  (Online Only)
While there is so much joy in getting to know ourselves deeply and authentically, living as a queer and/or transgender person in this world is not always easy. I specialise in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity. I work with adults and older adolescents who are LGBTQIA+/gender non-conforming, or questioning their identities. I also specialise in trauma recovery, treating healthcare professionals, and working with English speaking immigrants. I work from multiple affirming perspectives, including Health at Every Size, neurodiversity affirming, disability affirming, and fat-positive perspectives.
While there is so much joy in getting to know ourselves deeply and authentically, living as a queer and/or transgender person in this world is not always easy. I specialise in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity. I work with adults and older adolescents who are LGBTQIA+/gender non-conforming, or questioning their identities. I also specialise in trauma recovery, treating healthcare professionals, and working with English speaking immigrants. I work from multiple affirming perspectives, including Health at Every Size, neurodiversity affirming, disability affirming, and fat-positive perspectives.
0131 381 4596 View 0131 381 4596
Photo of Priyanka Pookadan, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Priyanka Pookadan
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH1
I have an affirmative stance on working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and polyamorous clients and welcome clients of all races, genders, sexual orientations and relationship styles.
Sometimes life throws challenges in front of us which we may struggle to cope with. This could be a sudden and unexpected change like a loss or bereavement. It could be something that we have always struggled with that is making it challenging to move forward with life. Situations such as these can be stressful, and sometimes we can't shake off the anxiety and depression or we may even experience anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure in usually pleasurable activities). It might also be a past trauma or abuse that is causing the challenges in the present life, revealing itself as panic for example.
I have an affirmative stance on working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and polyamorous clients and welcome clients of all races, genders, sexual orientations and relationship styles.
Sometimes life throws challenges in front of us which we may struggle to cope with. This could be a sudden and unexpected change like a loss or bereavement. It could be something that we have always struggled with that is making it challenging to move forward with life. Situations such as these can be stressful, and sometimes we can't shake off the anxiety and depression or we may even experience anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure in usually pleasurable activities). It might also be a past trauma or abuse that is causing the challenges in the present life, revealing itself as panic for example.
01764 915906 View 01764 915906
Photo of Debbie Clements - Debbie Clements MA. Gender, LGBT+, Relational., MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Debbie Clements MA. Gender, LGBT+, Relational.
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1  (Online Only)
10+ years in practice (25years mental health support). Are you coming out/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.
10+ years in practice (25years mental health support). Are you coming out/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.
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Photo of Zoe Chouliara, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Zoe Chouliara
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH7
‘You are not just a catalogue of adversities that you are faced with in life. You are not just the ‘damage’ that you have been told you suffered from. You are not even the pathology or the series of labels and diagnoses that have been given to you. You are a creature of immeasurable strength with the innate ability to grow and trust again and keep trusting and even learning to trust for a first time. You are hard wired and geared to connect with other and through that connection to protect your mental health and recover. You are a Growing Truster.’ Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
‘You are not just a catalogue of adversities that you are faced with in life. You are not just the ‘damage’ that you have been told you suffered from. You are not even the pathology or the series of labels and diagnoses that have been given to you. You are a creature of immeasurable strength with the innate ability to grow and trust again and keep trusting and even learning to trust for a first time. You are hard wired and geared to connect with other and through that connection to protect your mental health and recover. You are a Growing Truster.’ Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
01764 915791 View 01764 915791
Photo of Gavin McDonald, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Gavin McDonald
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
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.
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.
0141 483 7489 View 0141 483 7489
Photo of Louise McBride, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Louise McBride
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH7
Whatever your reasons for being here, you are very welcome. I provide a very safe and confidential space to people from ALL walks of life. Whatever difficulties you are experiencing I can help you to gain insight into why they exist and persist. Psychodynamic therapy helps you to bring that which is unconscious into conscious awareness which helps you to understand and resolve internal conflicts that cause suffering. These internal conflicts manifest as, for example, anxiety, depression and self-destructive behaviours, particularly in relationship with others. Psychodynamic therapy is effective in enabling life long change.
Whatever your reasons for being here, you are very welcome. I provide a very safe and confidential space to people from ALL walks of life. Whatever difficulties you are experiencing I can help you to gain insight into why they exist and persist. Psychodynamic therapy helps you to bring that which is unconscious into conscious awareness which helps you to understand and resolve internal conflicts that cause suffering. These internal conflicts manifest as, for example, anxiety, depression and self-destructive behaviours, particularly in relationship with others. Psychodynamic therapy is effective in enabling life long change.
0131 381 0828 View 0131 381 0828
Photo of Han Smith, MBACP, Counsellor
Han Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH6
Are you going through a difficult transition? Struggling to make sense of relationships or experiences? I may be able to help. My name is Han, and I'm a therapist based in Edinburgh with years of experience counselling adults and young people. I have specific experience working with LGBTQ+ clients as well as trauma and dissociation. In the counselling room, I bring with me this clinical perspective as well as my own understanding of the world and what it is to be human.
Are you going through a difficult transition? Struggling to make sense of relationships or experiences? I may be able to help. My name is Han, and I'm a therapist based in Edinburgh with years of experience counselling adults and young people. I have specific experience working with LGBTQ+ clients as well as trauma and dissociation. In the counselling room, I bring with me this clinical perspective as well as my own understanding of the world and what it is to be human.
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Photo of Sophie Winter, BACP, Psychotherapist
Sophie Winter
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH12  (Online Only)
I offer Internal Family Systems therapy. The core idea of IFS is that the different parts of our personality are like an inner family, and the key to healing is to respect, understand and love every part of us. I believe all parts of you, including parts that might cause difficulties for yourself or for others, are worthy of compassion, understanding, safety and fulfilment. I think of therapy as a space for you to feel heard, make sense of your past experiences, and build self-compassion, self-knowledge, and the skills needed to live in greater alignment with your needs and desires.
I offer Internal Family Systems therapy. The core idea of IFS is that the different parts of our personality are like an inner family, and the key to healing is to respect, understand and love every part of us. I believe all parts of you, including parts that might cause difficulties for yourself or for others, are worthy of compassion, understanding, safety and fulfilment. I think of therapy as a space for you to feel heard, make sense of your past experiences, and build self-compassion, self-knowledge, and the skills needed to live in greater alignment with your needs and desires.
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Photo of Tara Beazley - Art Therapy with T, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Art Therapy with T
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH6
Hello, my name is Tara (They/them) but I go by T! I'm an Integrative Art psychotherapist offering in person sessions in Edinburgh and online. I'm dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized young people, parents, and adults. My expertise lies in psycho-educative work, bespoke therapeutic support with a strong Anti-oppressive/trauma informed base. As a proud AuDHD, Non-binary, Queer and polyamorous Therapist, I believe in the power of lived experience informing best clinical practise. This includes having access to therapists who we feel represented by and can challenge the status quo.
Hello, my name is Tara (They/them) but I go by T! I'm an Integrative Art psychotherapist offering in person sessions in Edinburgh and online. I'm dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized young people, parents, and adults. My expertise lies in psycho-educative work, bespoke therapeutic support with a strong Anti-oppressive/trauma informed base. As a proud AuDHD, Non-binary, Queer and polyamorous Therapist, I believe in the power of lived experience informing best clinical practise. This includes having access to therapists who we feel represented by and can challenge the status quo.
Photo of Sharon McAree Thomas - SMT Counselling, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
SMT Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
I am a Pluralistic counsellor with 25 years of experience working with adults, children & young people in a variety of settings.  Counselling will help you identify and move past the obstacles that may have been keeping you back in your life and to identify your personal values and strengths. It will empower you to see your life through a different lens, to gain new perspectives and achieve the outcomes you’re striving for. Anxiety, depression, stress, negative thinking patterns... can affect parts of your life and your ability to handle your situation. Are you ready to explore the possibilities for a happier and healthier life?
I am a Pluralistic counsellor with 25 years of experience working with adults, children & young people in a variety of settings.  Counselling will help you identify and move past the obstacles that may have been keeping you back in your life and to identify your personal values and strengths. It will empower you to see your life through a different lens, to gain new perspectives and achieve the outcomes you’re striving for. Anxiety, depression, stress, negative thinking patterns... can affect parts of your life and your ability to handle your situation. Are you ready to explore the possibilities for a happier and healthier life?
0131 381 8059 View 0131 381 8059
Photo of DANIEL Killeen - Daniel Killeen Counselling & Psychotherapy , MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Daniel Killeen Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH6
I help people who want to understand themselves better. In our sessions, we explore your thoughts and feelings, especially those that might be hidden beneath the surface. Doing so helps you see how your past experiences shape your present and uncover any internal struggles you might not be fully aware of. My goal is to create a supportive space where you can gain insight and grow. I combine empathy with thoughtful questions to help you discover and work through any underlying issues.
I help people who want to understand themselves better. In our sessions, we explore your thoughts and feelings, especially those that might be hidden beneath the surface. Doing so helps you see how your past experiences shape your present and uncover any internal struggles you might not be fully aware of. My goal is to create a supportive space where you can gain insight and grow. I combine empathy with thoughtful questions to help you discover and work through any underlying issues.
0131 563 6243 View 0131 563 6243
Photo of Alison Cooper, MBACP, Counsellor
Alison Cooper
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH4
Are you looking for a space to talk, be listened to and make sense of how you feel? I understand it can be hard to open up to someone. I'll provide a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental place where you will be supported to explore any issues which may be affecting your life and help you to find a way to move forwards. I believe that we all have the ability to grow and achieve our potential and that a positive therapeutic relationship can greatly aid this process.
Are you looking for a space to talk, be listened to and make sense of how you feel? I understand it can be hard to open up to someone. I'll provide a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental place where you will be supported to explore any issues which may be affecting your life and help you to find a way to move forwards. I believe that we all have the ability to grow and achieve our potential and that a positive therapeutic relationship can greatly aid this process.
0131 357 5713 View 0131 357 5713
Photo of Ilona Snitka, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Ilona Snitka
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH9
I am a qualified psychotherapist with a background in medicine. I work with adults and young people 16+ with different issues and from diverse backgrounds with warmth, compassion, and respect for their particular circumstances. I work face to face in private practice in the Newington area of Edinburgh, offering long and short term individual psychotherapy.
I am a qualified psychotherapist with a background in medicine. I work with adults and young people 16+ with different issues and from diverse backgrounds with warmth, compassion, and respect for their particular circumstances. I work face to face in private practice in the Newington area of Edinburgh, offering long and short term individual psychotherapy.
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Photo of Ruth Burnett, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Ruth Burnett
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH6
Children and teenagers significantly benefit from counselling therapies, which studies demonstrate are highly effective both in the short and long term. For older children and teenagers, talking therapy offers a unique, safe space to explore and understand feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety. Younger children can benefit from a combination of play and talking therapy to help them process difficult experiences.
Children and teenagers significantly benefit from counselling therapies, which studies demonstrate are highly effective both in the short and long term. For older children and teenagers, talking therapy offers a unique, safe space to explore and understand feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety. Younger children can benefit from a combination of play and talking therapy to help them process difficult experiences.
0131 510 3790 View 0131 510 3790
Photo of Rhiannon King -  Dr Rhiannon King Couples & Relationship Therapy, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Rhiannon King Couples & Relationship Therapy
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10  (Online Only)
Your relationship matters! Are you struggling with relationship, marital or family issues? Are you wanting to improve or enhance your relationship? Perhaps you’re both at a crossroads where your future as a couple seems uncertain? Maybe you’re considering separating or divorce? Are you feeling hurt, disconnected, stuck, anxious, frustrated, angry, lonely, misunderstood, overwhelmed, sad or scared? Are you struggling to communicate, connect, manage conflicts or difficult emotions, heal from loss of trust or an infidelity, establish or maintain healthy boundaries, manage family issues or adapt to change, life events or transitions?
Your relationship matters! Are you struggling with relationship, marital or family issues? Are you wanting to improve or enhance your relationship? Perhaps you’re both at a crossroads where your future as a couple seems uncertain? Maybe you’re considering separating or divorce? Are you feeling hurt, disconnected, stuck, anxious, frustrated, angry, lonely, misunderstood, overwhelmed, sad or scared? Are you struggling to communicate, connect, manage conflicts or difficult emotions, heal from loss of trust or an infidelity, establish or maintain healthy boundaries, manage family issues or adapt to change, life events or transitions?
0131 381 8066 View 0131 381 8066
Photo of Jen Stewart, MCOSCA, Counsellor
Jen Stewart
Counsellor, MCOSCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH9
Life can feel really tough at times. If you are feeling low, anxious, stressed or know that there are things in your life holding you back, I can help. I offer a space where you can explore what you are going through and why. As your counsellor, I want to provide a safe space for you, where we can look what is happening in your life, explore what might be the cause of your pain and what change might look like for you.
Life can feel really tough at times. If you are feeling low, anxious, stressed or know that there are things in your life holding you back, I can help. I offer a space where you can explore what you are going through and why. As your counsellor, I want to provide a safe space for you, where we can look what is happening in your life, explore what might be the cause of your pain and what change might look like for you.
0131 381 0238 View 0131 381 0238
Photo of Jude Sevestre - Through The Woods Therapy - Jude Sevestre, MBACP, Counsellor
Through The Woods Therapy - Jude Sevestre
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
Waitlist for new clients
Most people come to counselling with a big story - a life full of experiences and challenges that brought them to where they are now. I'd really like to hear your story if you would like to tell it. I am a relational, TA-trained counsellor with extensive experience in working with anxiety, panic attacks, (complex) trauma, self harm, suicidal thoughts and depression. I enjoy working with the LGBTQI+ community, and have specific experience in working with Trans/Non-binary clients. I also have a passion for working with mental health symptoms related to the hormonal cycle, such as Endometriosis, PCOS, PMDD, and (Peri-)Menopause.
Most people come to counselling with a big story - a life full of experiences and challenges that brought them to where they are now. I'd really like to hear your story if you would like to tell it. I am a relational, TA-trained counsellor with extensive experience in working with anxiety, panic attacks, (complex) trauma, self harm, suicidal thoughts and depression. I enjoy working with the LGBTQI+ community, and have specific experience in working with Trans/Non-binary clients. I also have a passion for working with mental health symptoms related to the hormonal cycle, such as Endometriosis, PCOS, PMDD, and (Peri-)Menopause.
0131 381 0886 View 0131 381 0886
Photo of Tom Lawrence, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Tom Lawrence
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH3
If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help. Difficulties can often be resolved within only a few sessions – sometimes just one – and in this way can provide good value for money.
If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help. Difficulties can often be resolved within only a few sessions – sometimes just one – and in this way can provide good value for money.
07887 682291 View 07887 682291
Photo of Ellen Higgins, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Ellen Higgins
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH15
I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to explore your inner thoughts and feelings. As an Art Psychotherapist, I offer the opportunity to make art in my sessions to provide a way to communicate without words and explore new and creative ways to understanding the self.
I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space to explore your inner thoughts and feelings. As an Art Psychotherapist, I offer the opportunity to make art in my sessions to provide a way to communicate without words and explore new and creative ways to understanding the self.
01764 915908 View 01764 915908
Photo of Isabel Crozier, BACP, Psychotherapist
Isabel Crozier
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH6
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
I have always been profoundly curious about others and aim to foster that curiosity in my clients. I am interested in the ways that our families, culture and environment shape us and in the ways in which people create meaning in their lives. I have found again and again that psychotherapy can help people understand themselves more deeply and bring about changes which lead to more fulfilled and interesting ways of living, as well as to an improved understanding of themselves in relationship with others. I am able to work on both a short and long term basis, with a preference for longer term work.
0131 510 4056 View 0131 510 4056
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Transgender Counsellors

As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?

A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.

What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?

Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.

How can I recognise a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?

An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognise a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.

How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?

Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.