LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling in Midlothian

Photo of Chris Williamson - The Edinburgh Gardener Counselling Service, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
The Edinburgh Gardener Counselling Service
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a queer person and active member of the LGBT community, my personal journey has granted me valuable insight into the challenges of identity and acceptance.
With 30 years’ experience supporting LGBTQ+ communities in the voluntary sector and NHS, I provide affirming, accessible care to anyone who feels marginalised. I help clients from diverse backgrounds explore challenges in a safe, authentic space, offering genuine compassion and respect.
As a queer person and active member of the LGBT community, my personal journey has granted me valuable insight into the challenges of identity and acceptance.
With 30 years’ experience supporting LGBTQ+ communities in the voluntary sector and NHS, I provide affirming, accessible care to anyone who feels marginalised. I help clients from diverse backgrounds explore challenges in a safe, authentic space, offering genuine compassion and respect.
0131 381 7761 View 0131 381 7761
Photo of Lisa Cherry-Byrnes, Counsellor, MBACP
Lisa Cherry-Byrnes
Counsellor, MBACP
Penicuik EH26
I have additional training in trauma work, LGBTQIA therapy, infertitlity and CNBC issues and working with nuerodivergence.
People seek therapy & counselling for different reasons & you will have your own unique life experiences that may cause you unhappiness or you may find yourself at crisis point feeling unsure of what to do next. I have worked with many different clients from across the social & cultural spectrum from medical professionals to artists, full-time students to stay at home parents & retirees. I understand that often it is the first step, no matter who we are, that can feel the hardest; the reaching out & making contact. You may want to explore options for change, make sense of a difficult experience or gain new strategies for coping.
I have additional training in trauma work, LGBTQIA therapy, infertitlity and CNBC issues and working with nuerodivergence.
People seek therapy & counselling for different reasons & you will have your own unique life experiences that may cause you unhappiness or you may find yourself at crisis point feeling unsure of what to do next. I have worked with many different clients from across the social & cultural spectrum from medical professionals to artists, full-time students to stay at home parents & retirees. I understand that often it is the first step, no matter who we are, that can feel the hardest; the reaching out & making contact. You may want to explore options for change, make sense of a difficult experience or gain new strategies for coping.
0131 357 6140 View 0131 357 6140
Photo of Helen-Marie Tuiwaiwai - Evolve CBT and EMDR, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Evolve CBT and EMDR
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Dalkeith EH22
I work with adults and young people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, social anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling with the impact of difficult experiences. Using CBT and EMDR, I help clients identify unhelpful patterns, process distressing memories, build resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.
I work with adults and young people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, stress, social anxiety, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling with the impact of difficult experiences. Using CBT and EMDR, I help clients identify unhelpful patterns, process distressing memories, build resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence.
0131 381 4815 View 0131 381 4815
Photo of Stuart Benney - Stuart Benney Counselling & Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Stuart Benney Counselling & Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Bonnyrigg EH19
My practice is welcoming to people from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent people, and those in diverse relationships.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy tailored to your individual needs. I have particular experience supporting people affected by childhood and adult trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem. Sessions are available face-to-face, online, and as walking therapy.
My practice is welcoming to people from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent people, and those in diverse relationships.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy tailored to your individual needs. I have particular experience supporting people affected by childhood and adult trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem. Sessions are available face-to-face, online, and as walking therapy.
0131 381 2849 View 0131 381 2849
Photo of Erika Martin, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Erika Martin
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Dalkeith EH22
I work with adults from any age group. I am available for anyone who is ready to make positive changes and would like to break free from old destructive thinking or behavioural patterns. Here to help you to get through any kind of loss, life challenges, stress, anxiety, changes that put your life on hold. I will provide a safe space where you can unload your thoughts without filters. Together with the right approach we can find specific tools tailored to you and will work on reaching your goals.
I work with adults from any age group. I am available for anyone who is ready to make positive changes and would like to break free from old destructive thinking or behavioural patterns. Here to help you to get through any kind of loss, life challenges, stress, anxiety, changes that put your life on hold. I will provide a safe space where you can unload your thoughts without filters. Together with the right approach we can find specific tools tailored to you and will work on reaching your goals.
0131 381 5935 View 0131 381 5935
Photo of Evangelia Botsaki, Counsellor, MBACP
Evangelia Botsaki
Counsellor, MBACP
Dalkeith EH22
I’d like to begin by welcoming you and acknowledging the step it takes to begin therapy, especially if you have spent much of your life feeling “not good enough,” “too much,” or as though you don’t quite belong. I am a qualified Counsellor working primarily with anxiety and trauma, and I often support people who carry deep-rooted feelings of shame, inadequacy, or self-doubt that began in early life. When we grow up in environments where our emotional needs are not consistently met, we can internalise painful messages that continue to shape how we relate to ourselves and others in adulthood.
I’d like to begin by welcoming you and acknowledging the step it takes to begin therapy, especially if you have spent much of your life feeling “not good enough,” “too much,” or as though you don’t quite belong. I am a qualified Counsellor working primarily with anxiety and trauma, and I often support people who carry deep-rooted feelings of shame, inadequacy, or self-doubt that began in early life. When we grow up in environments where our emotional needs are not consistently met, we can internalise painful messages that continue to shape how we relate to ourselves and others in adulthood.
0131 381 4705 View 0131 381 4705
Photo of Katrina Cummings, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Katrina Cummings
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Dalkeith EH22
I am an LGBTQIA+ and neuro-affirming counsellor and I am committed to providing a space where you can feel understood and accepted.
Hi, I’m Katrina. I support clients who seek counselling for a range of reasons, including but not limited to, domestic abuse, trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety and burnout. My work is about empowering you, I do not come with a set agenda or any things you ‘should’ do, I provide a space where you can be yourself as you are, free from the judgement and pressures of daily life. Whatever brings you to counselling, I support you to explore and process your experiences, my focus is on providing a supportive and safe relationship in which we can find the way forward that is right for you.
I am an LGBTQIA+ and neuro-affirming counsellor and I am committed to providing a space where you can feel understood and accepted.
Hi, I’m Katrina. I support clients who seek counselling for a range of reasons, including but not limited to, domestic abuse, trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety and burnout. My work is about empowering you, I do not come with a set agenda or any things you ‘should’ do, I provide a space where you can be yourself as you are, free from the judgement and pressures of daily life. Whatever brings you to counselling, I support you to explore and process your experiences, my focus is on providing a supportive and safe relationship in which we can find the way forward that is right for you.
0131 381 4367 View 0131 381 4367
Photo of Michael Durrington - Chai Counselling Ltd, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MCOSCA
Chai Counselling Ltd
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MCOSCA
Serves Area
When you encounter difficult times in our day to day lives it is helpful to be able to talk these through with someone who is trained and objective. To help you explore the issues that matter to you, bringing insight and understanding to enable you to find your way through problems and dilemmas.
When you encounter difficult times in our day to day lives it is helpful to be able to talk these through with someone who is trained and objective. To help you explore the issues that matter to you, bringing insight and understanding to enable you to find your way through problems and dilemmas.
07723 435840 View 07723 435840
Photo of Dr Chrissie Wanner, Counsellor, PhD, MNCPS Acc.
Dr Chrissie Wanner
Counsellor, PhD, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Free initial online consultation to discuss your needs and how we might work together. I offer safe, steady, calm, warm, and non-judgemental support to work through current or past difficulties that might feel too big or complex to face alone. I'm happy to work with individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, either online or in person. I'm also happy to work flexibly around childcare and/or work commitments.
Free initial online consultation to discuss your needs and how we might work together. I offer safe, steady, calm, warm, and non-judgemental support to work through current or past difficulties that might feel too big or complex to face alone. I'm happy to work with individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, either online or in person. I'm also happy to work flexibly around childcare and/or work commitments.
01578 517317 View 01578 517317
Photo of Doreen Morici, MSc
Doreen Morici
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Therapy is a space to be, a gift of self-care. This is an opportunity to receive, to be heard, to learn healthy and adaptive ways to be in relationship with self and others. My approach is wholistic, integrative, and intuitive; guiding you to identify, feel, and understand your needs and emotions, reset and nurture the nervous system, learn to hold boundaries, and connect to your authentic self. Helping identify and transmute beliefs that no longer serve, from "I'm not good enough" to "I am worthy"; moving from fear to love & acceptance. Helping the mind-brain to communicate and ground into your heart and body.
Therapy is a space to be, a gift of self-care. This is an opportunity to receive, to be heard, to learn healthy and adaptive ways to be in relationship with self and others. My approach is wholistic, integrative, and intuitive; guiding you to identify, feel, and understand your needs and emotions, reset and nurture the nervous system, learn to hold boundaries, and connect to your authentic self. Helping identify and transmute beliefs that no longer serve, from "I'm not good enough" to "I am worthy"; moving from fear to love & acceptance. Helping the mind-brain to communicate and ground into your heart and body.
0131 381 0296 View 0131 381 0296
Photo of Lianne Brodie, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Lianne Brodie
Psychotherapist, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello and welcome to my page. Sometimes our problems can seem overwhelming and out of control. We may experience unhelpful thinking and act in ways that may be out of character. The hardest part can be reaching out and asking for help. The good news is counselling can benefit so many. I know from personal experience that talking therapy can have positive, long lasting effects. I offer online and sessions in nature.
Hello and welcome to my page. Sometimes our problems can seem overwhelming and out of control. We may experience unhelpful thinking and act in ways that may be out of character. The hardest part can be reaching out and asking for help. The good news is counselling can benefit so many. I know from personal experience that talking therapy can have positive, long lasting effects. I offer online and sessions in nature.
01764 915869 View 01764 915869
Photo of Hazel Stevenson, Counsellor, MCOSCA
Hazel Stevenson
Counsellor, MCOSCA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
01764 915874 View 01764 915874
Photo of Tom Lawrence, Psychotherapist, MHGI
Tom Lawrence
Psychotherapist, MHGI
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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

Online Therapists

Photo of Marcia Ash, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Marcia Ash
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Online Only
I specialise in working with symptoms and origins of trauma, loss, relationship, and LGBTQIA+, issues, and their effects on poor mental health.
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile. Here's a little about me, to help you in your search for therapy and personal growth. I provide a safe and confidential space to support you on your journey to understand and process the events and challenges you have faced and the impact they've had in your life. I hope to support and enable exploration of the past and/or move towards your goals and aspirations. Using many tools, techniques, and resources, you can reflect and gain fresh perspectives on your current situation to find solutions for your future. Together we can work toward finding self-empowering meaningful change.
I specialise in working with symptoms and origins of trauma, loss, relationship, and LGBTQIA+, issues, and their effects on poor mental health.
Hello, thank you for visiting my profile. Here's a little about me, to help you in your search for therapy and personal growth. I provide a safe and confidential space to support you on your journey to understand and process the events and challenges you have faced and the impact they've had in your life. I hope to support and enable exploration of the past and/or move towards your goals and aspirations. Using many tools, techniques, and resources, you can reflect and gain fresh perspectives on your current situation to find solutions for your future. Together we can work toward finding self-empowering meaningful change.
0191 406 1960 View 0191 406 1960
Photo of Faye Smart, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Faye Smart
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
I have experience working with a broad spectrum of adults, students, members of the lgbtq+ community as well as extensive specialist experience in working with older adults, adult carers, those affected by ill health and a range of problems of living, from anxiety to depression and relationship issues.
For collaborative, kind, tailored therapy online, in-person (St Andrews, Scotland) or by telephone. I undertook the Postgraduate Masters (MSc) in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Abertay University, graduating with an award of distinction. As a pluralist, I take the view that different people will respond to different types of therapy and different approaches at different times, so will try to shape your therapy in a way that feels right for you.
I have experience working with a broad spectrum of adults, students, members of the lgbtq+ community as well as extensive specialist experience in working with older adults, adult carers, those affected by ill health and a range of problems of living, from anxiety to depression and relationship issues.
For collaborative, kind, tailored therapy online, in-person (St Andrews, Scotland) or by telephone. I undertook the Postgraduate Masters (MSc) in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Abertay University, graduating with an award of distinction. As a pluralist, I take the view that different people will respond to different types of therapy and different approaches at different times, so will try to shape your therapy in a way that feels right for you.
01334 237966 View 01334 237966
Photo of Alison Goldie, Counsellor, MBACP
Alison Goldie
Counsellor, MBACP
I studied at Northern Guild in Transactional Analysis. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I offer long and short term therapy to help you reach your goals. I work with adults aged 18 and over, offering both short and long term work to achieve your therapeutic goals, from my home in the Eden Valley. I work with individuals and couples. I have completed a second specialist diploma training as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist. Facebook: Cumbria Counselling - Alison Goldie
I studied at Northern Guild in Transactional Analysis. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I offer long and short term therapy to help you reach your goals. I work with adults aged 18 and over, offering both short and long term work to achieve your therapeutic goals, from my home in the Eden Valley. I work with individuals and couples. I have completed a second specialist diploma training as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist. Facebook: Cumbria Counselling - Alison Goldie
01228 276923 View 01228 276923
Photo of Grace McNally, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Grace McNally
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
I specialise in working with young people or adults affected by: • Adverse childhood experiences • Relationship difficulties • Self-worth issues • Self-esteem issues • Anxiety • Depression • Suicidal thoughts • Self-harm • Body shame • PTSD • Trauma I provide inclusive support for clients within the LGBTQ+ community, alongside neurodivergent individuals.
Hi, I’m Grace and I’m glad you’re here. I offer open-ended video/telephone therapy at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you. Together we will explore your emotions and experiences. As a humanistic 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. Whatever you’re navigating I’m here to support you with warmth, respect, and honesty. • Free 15-minute initial consultation • Confidential online video/telephone sessions for adults and children. • Specialised, experienced psychotherapy • Open-ended
I specialise in working with young people or adults affected by: • Adverse childhood experiences • Relationship difficulties • Self-worth issues • Self-esteem issues • Anxiety • Depression • Suicidal thoughts • Self-harm • Body shame • PTSD • Trauma I provide inclusive support for clients within the LGBTQ+ community, alongside neurodivergent individuals.
Hi, I’m Grace and I’m glad you’re here. I offer open-ended video/telephone therapy at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you. Together we will explore your emotions and experiences. As a humanistic 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. Whatever you’re navigating I’m here to support you with warmth, respect, and honesty. • Free 15-minute initial consultation • Confidential online video/telephone sessions for adults and children. • Specialised, experienced psychotherapy • Open-ended
01506 539562 View 01506 539562
Photo of Lily Hannigan, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Lily Hannigan
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
2 Endorsed
I welcome people from all backgrounds, identities and experiences, and have particular experience with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent people.
At the heart of my approach is a non-judgemental curiosity about your experience, both inside and outside the therapy room. Together, we can explore your inner world, including the parts that are difficult to face. My role is to help this process unfold at a pace that feels right for you. While this work can be challenging, it can also meaningfully open up new ways of relating to yourself and others.
I welcome people from all backgrounds, identities and experiences, and have particular experience with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent people.
At the heart of my approach is a non-judgemental curiosity about your experience, both inside and outside the therapy room. Together, we can explore your inner world, including the parts that are difficult to face. My role is to help this process unfold at a pace that feels right for you. While this work can be challenging, it can also meaningfully open up new ways of relating to yourself and others.
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Photo of Anna Palmer, Counsellor, MCOSCA
Anna Palmer
Counsellor, MCOSCA
1 Endorsed
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, ND, a sex positive counsellor and supervisor i know the need for a safe, accepting space for what you want to bring to therapy.
I work with individuals, relationships & all family dynamics - ‘logical and biological’ - stuck communicating safely through conflict and disconnect. We work together to find a compassionate understanding of the challenges you have, how they are impacting you, and strategies to think, feel and be different in them to feel safe and secure. Knowing how to have confident relationships with those around us is how we thrive and this often means learning new ways to talk, act and self advocate within them. Communication is the lever of connection so we will learn new, different or more ways to do this with yourself and/or others.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, ND, a sex positive counsellor and supervisor i know the need for a safe, accepting space for what you want to bring to therapy.
I work with individuals, relationships & all family dynamics - ‘logical and biological’ - stuck communicating safely through conflict and disconnect. We work together to find a compassionate understanding of the challenges you have, how they are impacting you, and strategies to think, feel and be different in them to feel safe and secure. Knowing how to have confident relationships with those around us is how we thrive and this often means learning new ways to talk, act and self advocate within them. Communication is the lever of connection so we will learn new, different or more ways to do this with yourself and/or others.
07830 338267 View 07830 338267
Photo of Zoe Powell Martin, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Zoe Powell Martin
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online 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 offer general counselling and also specialised counselling for those within the LGBTQIA+ communities and University students.
I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online 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 offer general counselling and also specialised counselling for those within the LGBTQIA+ communities and University students.
01363 722166 View 01363 722166

See more therapy options for Midlothian

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.