LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselling in Penarth

Photo of Dr Rachel Davies, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Rachel Davies
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Penarth CF64
Waitlist for new clients
I have additional experience working with people who identify as LGBTQ, people in ethical non-monogamous relationships and couples impacted by health conditions e
I'm an experienced psychologist with a specialism of relationship therapy and couple counselling. So how's your relationship..... Have you lost your way together? Do you want to find a route back to each other? Do you want your relationship to fulfil its potential? Relationships can bring us the biggest joy and the hardest pain. But maybe these poles are not so far apart? In my experience difficulties can become opportunities to build the sort of relationship you want. One of the most loving things you can do for each other is to seek support when things have been tough.
I have additional experience working with people who identify as LGBTQ, people in ethical non-monogamous relationships and couples impacted by health conditions e
I'm an experienced psychologist with a specialism of relationship therapy and couple counselling. So how's your relationship..... Have you lost your way together? Do you want to find a route back to each other? Do you want your relationship to fulfil its potential? Relationships can bring us the biggest joy and the hardest pain. But maybe these poles are not so far apart? In my experience difficulties can become opportunities to build the sort of relationship you want. One of the most loving things you can do for each other is to seek support when things have been tough.
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Photo of Melissa Moulden - Psychotherapy with Melissa, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Psychotherapy with Melissa
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
You don’t need to have the words ready, sometimes we begin therapy only with the feeling that we want something to be different. We start where you are. I’m Melissa, and I'm a trainee Integrative Psychotherapist with the UKCP and the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute's Affordable Therapy Service. I aim to offer a warm, respectful, supportive and collaborative space where we can explore what matters to you. My practice is trauma informed, I prioritise safety and consent as we work with your past and present experiences.
You don’t need to have the words ready, sometimes we begin therapy only with the feeling that we want something to be different. We start where you are. I’m Melissa, and I'm a trainee Integrative Psychotherapist with the UKCP and the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute's Affordable Therapy Service. I aim to offer a warm, respectful, supportive and collaborative space where we can explore what matters to you. My practice is trauma informed, I prioritise safety and consent as we work with your past and present experiences.
029 2271 0620 View 029 2271 0620
Photo of Dr Gareth Davies, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Gareth Davies
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
2 Endorsed
Penarth CF64
I specialise in working with older adults and the LGBTQ+ community and I’m particularly experienced in working with gender identity, sexuality and wider identity concerns.
I work with individuals, couples and families and use a range of therapeutic models in practice (see below). Together we would work towards understanding how one or more of these approaches might help you. I am passionate about gender affirming healthcare and am a full member of the British Association of Gender Identity Specialists.
I specialise in working with older adults and the LGBTQ+ community and I’m particularly experienced in working with gender identity, sexuality and wider identity concerns.
I work with individuals, couples and families and use a range of therapeutic models in practice (see below). Together we would work towards understanding how one or more of these approaches might help you. I am passionate about gender affirming healthcare and am a full member of the British Association of Gender Identity Specialists.
029 2271 4421 View 029 2271 4421
Photo of Amy Medley, Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Amy Medley
Psychotherapist, MA, UKCP Trainee
Serves Area
I offer support with and have experience of working with: Depression and Anxiety, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, Shame, Trauma, Bereavement, Burnout, Adoption and whatever else emerges in our work together.
Welcome. I’m Amy, an advanced trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and qualified Relational Counsellor with 7 years of practise experience. I consider myself to be a contemporary relational Gestaltist, meaning that you and I work, explore and experience together to give you greater awareness and choice about your life. I work as creatively as you are comfortable with. If you are looking to perhaps learn and understand yourself more so that you may experience life in a new way, I would love to work with you to achieve your goals.
I offer support with and have experience of working with: Depression and Anxiety, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+, Shame, Trauma, Bereavement, Burnout, Adoption and whatever else emerges in our work together.
Welcome. I’m Amy, an advanced trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist and qualified Relational Counsellor with 7 years of practise experience. I consider myself to be a contemporary relational Gestaltist, meaning that you and I work, explore and experience together to give you greater awareness and choice about your life. I work as creatively as you are comfortable with. If you are looking to perhaps learn and understand yourself more so that you may experience life in a new way, I would love to work with you to achieve your goals.
01446 501513 View 01446 501513
Photo of Gareth Strangemore-Jones, Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Gareth Strangemore-Jones
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You may be feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low mood or burnout, holding things together on the outside while struggling within. Perhaps work, relationships or life transitions have stretched your coping capacity. You want relief, clarity and practical tools that actually work, not just coping strategies. You want to understand why you feel as you do and how to change it. Most of all, you want to feel calmer, stronger and more in control again. If you are ready to take that first step, you are exactly where you need to be.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low mood or burnout, holding things together on the outside while struggling within. Perhaps work, relationships or life transitions have stretched your coping capacity. You want relief, clarity and practical tools that actually work, not just coping strategies. You want to understand why you feel as you do and how to change it. Most of all, you want to feel calmer, stronger and more in control again. If you are ready to take that first step, you are exactly where you need to be.
029 2271 1281 View 029 2271 1281
Photo of Lily Jones, Counsellor, MBACP
Lily Jones
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
Hi, I’m Lily, a compassionate and experienced therapist. I work with people experiencing a range of challenges including anxiety, low mood, trauma, loss, or a sense of feeling stuck or unsure. You don’t need to be facing a major crisis to benefit from therapy - often it’s the quieter feelings of overwhelm or self-doubt that need time, care and undertsanding. I can help you to: Understand and manage anxiety, stress, and low mood Process trauma, loss, and difficult experiences Improve self-esteem and build self-compassion Recognise and shift patterns in relationships and behaviour Reconnect with yourself and what matters most to you
Hi, I’m Lily, a compassionate and experienced therapist. I work with people experiencing a range of challenges including anxiety, low mood, trauma, loss, or a sense of feeling stuck or unsure. You don’t need to be facing a major crisis to benefit from therapy - often it’s the quieter feelings of overwhelm or self-doubt that need time, care and undertsanding. I can help you to: Understand and manage anxiety, stress, and low mood Process trauma, loss, and difficult experiences Improve self-esteem and build self-compassion Recognise and shift patterns in relationships and behaviour Reconnect with yourself and what matters most to you
029 2271 5070 View 029 2271 5070
Photo of Annie Szary, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Annie Szary
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Online Only
Counselling & Psychotherapy help you overcome life’s problems, improve your well-being & help make positive changes to lead a more fulfilling life. I have over 12 years of working in counselling, psychotherapy & Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and over 25 years registered social work with family's . I offer CBT & counselling for many problems which affect people throughout the course of their lives. I offer help with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma & generational trauma, stress and anger issues, PTSD, insomnia, low self-esteem, self-harm, drug & alcohol issues, complex bereavement and childhood abuse.
Counselling & Psychotherapy help you overcome life’s problems, improve your well-being & help make positive changes to lead a more fulfilling life. I have over 12 years of working in counselling, psychotherapy & Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and over 25 years registered social work with family's . I offer CBT & counselling for many problems which affect people throughout the course of their lives. I offer help with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma & generational trauma, stress and anger issues, PTSD, insomnia, low self-esteem, self-harm, drug & alcohol issues, complex bereavement and childhood abuse.
029 2167 3529 View 029 2167 3529
Photo of Jeremy Young, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Jeremy Young
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Serves Area
At certain life stages we may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, feelings of a loss or meaningless, loss of direction or purpose, or difficulty with building meaningful relationships. I will work with you to identify what these symptoms mean and how they may be pointing you to discover a deeper sense of self. My approach is integrative and allows for self-discovery. My methodology offers focus, allowing you to explore and connect to a truer sense of who you are. I encourage you to develop a sense of curiosity to understand yourself more profoundly. We will work together, to support your needs.
At certain life stages we may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, feelings of a loss or meaningless, loss of direction or purpose, or difficulty with building meaningful relationships. I will work with you to identify what these symptoms mean and how they may be pointing you to discover a deeper sense of self. My approach is integrative and allows for self-discovery. My methodology offers focus, allowing you to explore and connect to a truer sense of who you are. I encourage you to develop a sense of curiosity to understand yourself more profoundly. We will work together, to support your needs.
01446 501473 View 01446 501473
Photo of Rebecca Heath, Counsellor, MBACP
Rebecca Heath
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
You might feel exhausted by your own mind, always analysing, replaying things, and worrying about what other people think. You can be thoughtful and self-aware, but it doesn’t always make things easier. If anything, it can be hard to know which thoughts are really yours, what you’re actually feeling, or what you truly want. Sometimes emotions feel like a lot, and other times it’s harder to feel anything clearly at all. When that happens, it’s easy to turn on yourself, to question, criticise, or feel like you should be handling things better. This is where having some support can make a difference.
You might feel exhausted by your own mind, always analysing, replaying things, and worrying about what other people think. You can be thoughtful and self-aware, but it doesn’t always make things easier. If anything, it can be hard to know which thoughts are really yours, what you’re actually feeling, or what you truly want. Sometimes emotions feel like a lot, and other times it’s harder to feel anything clearly at all. When that happens, it’s easy to turn on yourself, to question, criticise, or feel like you should be handling things better. This is where having some support can make a difference.
029 2271 2626 View 029 2271 2626
Photo of Paul Phillips, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Paul Phillips
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am an experienced, accredited and qualified counsellor and counselling supervisor. I will work with you to overcome challenges in your life in a supportive and effective way by providing a safe and non-judgemental environment where you will feel comfortable and able to speak openly in order to work constructively and collaboratively together to help you reach your goals by understanding your life experience. In addition to my strong Person-Centred approach to therapy I use several other therapeutic models to support my work, including CBT and Psychodynamic approaches to help clients with many issues like depression and anxiety.
I am an experienced, accredited and qualified counsellor and counselling supervisor. I will work with you to overcome challenges in your life in a supportive and effective way by providing a safe and non-judgemental environment where you will feel comfortable and able to speak openly in order to work constructively and collaboratively together to help you reach your goals by understanding your life experience. In addition to my strong Person-Centred approach to therapy I use several other therapeutic models to support my work, including CBT and Psychodynamic approaches to help clients with many issues like depression and anxiety.
01446 509150 View 01446 509150
Photo of Sara Sirati, Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Sara Sirati
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Online Only
I am a BACP accredited counsellor and supervisor with extensive experience in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. I deliver mental health awareness sessions in a variety of organisations. My line of expertise include: working with Trauma/PTSD, sexual abuse, self-harm, Domestic Abuse, issues concerning gender, identity and sexuality, anxiety and depression. You may have existing experiences of counselling, or be completely new to counselling, nonetheless I am here to support you with any challenges you may be facing. I have experience of working with young people, as well as adults on a variety issues.
I am a BACP accredited counsellor and supervisor with extensive experience in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. I deliver mental health awareness sessions in a variety of organisations. My line of expertise include: working with Trauma/PTSD, sexual abuse, self-harm, Domestic Abuse, issues concerning gender, identity and sexuality, anxiety and depression. You may have existing experiences of counselling, or be completely new to counselling, nonetheless I am here to support you with any challenges you may be facing. I have experience of working with young people, as well as adults on a variety issues.
029 2167 9526 View 029 2167 9526
Photo of Emma Phillips, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Emma Phillips
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
Hello and a warm welcome, my name is Emma and I'm a person-centred counsellor. I'm likely not the only profile you've looked at during your search, so well done for persevering, I hope whether it ends up being with me or another counsellor you find the support you need. I've worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds, each unique and approaching counselling for various reasons. Whether it be past trauma, current family or relational issues, work, confidence, body image, abuse, anxiety, studies, sexuality, DID, housing, gender, addiction, health, domestic abuse, etc. There's no right or wrong reason to seek out counselling.
Hello and a warm welcome, my name is Emma and I'm a person-centred counsellor. I'm likely not the only profile you've looked at during your search, so well done for persevering, I hope whether it ends up being with me or another counsellor you find the support you need. I've worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds, each unique and approaching counselling for various reasons. Whether it be past trauma, current family or relational issues, work, confidence, body image, abuse, anxiety, studies, sexuality, DID, housing, gender, addiction, health, domestic abuse, etc. There's no right or wrong reason to seek out counselling.
01326 332085 View 01326 332085

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mary Yeomans, Counsellor, MBACP
Mary Yeomans
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a LGBTQ affirmative practitioner and have experience in working with individuals experiencing issues and challenges around identity and orientation.
My belief as a practitioner is that as humans we are inherently good, but our circumstances and environment can impact how we view ourselves and others. Often, a person seeks therapy because they feel in conflict, moving between thinking about what they ‘should be’ and what they think they ‘are’. Events throughout life can cause us to challenge these scripts and can bring barriers and obstacles that prevent us living as our authentic selves. My role as counsellor is to offer a non-judgemental, empathic space where these thoughts can be explored and reflected upon safely and collaboratively.
I am a LGBTQ affirmative practitioner and have experience in working with individuals experiencing issues and challenges around identity and orientation.
My belief as a practitioner is that as humans we are inherently good, but our circumstances and environment can impact how we view ourselves and others. Often, a person seeks therapy because they feel in conflict, moving between thinking about what they ‘should be’ and what they think they ‘are’. Events throughout life can cause us to challenge these scripts and can bring barriers and obstacles that prevent us living as our authentic selves. My role as counsellor is to offer a non-judgemental, empathic space where these thoughts can be explored and reflected upon safely and collaboratively.
020 3835 4311 View 020 3835 4311
Photo of Lynette Brice, Counsellor, MBACP
Lynette Brice
Counsellor, MBACP
Online Only
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends.
Accepting, safe and non-judgemental counselling service from an LGBT+ ally - I work towards my clients sensing acceptance, warmth, and safety when joining me in sessions. I possess an equal and inclusive belief, which conveys into my professional practice.
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends.
Accepting, safe and non-judgemental counselling service from an LGBT+ ally - I work towards my clients sensing acceptance, warmth, and safety when joining me in sessions. I possess an equal and inclusive belief, which conveys into my professional practice.
01275 409794 View 01275 409794
Photo of Philippa Weitz, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Philippa Weitz
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bereavement, or gender dysphoria or maybe part of the LGBT community – these are some areas I specialise in.
I only work online - and work worldwide except USA and Canada. I just I love working as an online therapist and I invite you to work with me online, whatever your issues, needs or goals might be. You may live abroad or have difficulty accessing help or just prefer seeing someone online, or you may be struggling with shame and want to work with the video turned off or by live chat - text based. I am happy to work with you using the format you prefer - I am even qualified as an avatar therapist if you'd like to try this. Online work can be very rewarding and creative.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bereavement, or gender dysphoria or maybe part of the LGBT community – these are some areas I specialise in.
I only work online - and work worldwide except USA and Canada. I just I love working as an online therapist and I invite you to work with me online, whatever your issues, needs or goals might be. You may live abroad or have difficulty accessing help or just prefer seeing someone online, or you may be struggling with shame and want to work with the video turned off or by live chat - text based. I am happy to work with you using the format you prefer - I am even qualified as an avatar therapist if you'd like to try this. Online work can be very rewarding and creative.
01273 036197 View 01273 036197
Photo of Laura Seymour, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Laura Seymour
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
I am a queer and neurodivergent counsellor, experienced at working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent people.
Therapy can help you live an authentic life and feel more secure in yourself and your relationships. You can process and let go of past troubles. Are there parts of you that you've felt you had hide in life, or around certain people? Are you in a difficult situation right now and it feels like there's no solution? Maybe something from your past is still troubling you today? Express yourself in a safe environment with someone who truly listens, with no judgement, and breathe free again. I provide hypnotherapy, counselling, and bibliotherapy. Just email or text me to get started - I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
I am a queer and neurodivergent counsellor, experienced at working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent people.
Therapy can help you live an authentic life and feel more secure in yourself and your relationships. You can process and let go of past troubles. Are there parts of you that you've felt you had hide in life, or around certain people? Are you in a difficult situation right now and it feels like there's no solution? Maybe something from your past is still troubling you today? Express yourself in a safe environment with someone who truly listens, with no judgement, and breathe free again. I provide hypnotherapy, counselling, and bibliotherapy. Just email or text me to get started - I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
01372 233835 View 01372 233835
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
Photo of Vera Kong, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Vera Kong
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Online Only
With over a decade of experience in private practice and the NHS, I work with both individuals and couples seeking deeper healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change. Clients I work with tend to come to therapy at important life and relationship junctions - navigating trauma, anxiety, overwhelm, or a growing sense that old patterns no longer fit who they are becoming. My approach is holistic, relational, and trauma-informed, integrating body-mind awareness through my background in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. At the baseline, I offer a sounding board; a space that can help you grow, overcome, stabilise, and unfold safely.
With over a decade of experience in private practice and the NHS, I work with both individuals and couples seeking deeper healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change. Clients I work with tend to come to therapy at important life and relationship junctions - navigating trauma, anxiety, overwhelm, or a growing sense that old patterns no longer fit who they are becoming. My approach is holistic, relational, and trauma-informed, integrating body-mind awareness through my background in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. At the baseline, I offer a sounding board; a space that can help you grow, overcome, stabilise, and unfold safely.
01454 802737 View 01454 802737
Photo of Dr Iulian Chear, Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Dr Iulian Chear
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Online Only
My work is informed by existential philosophy, phenomenology, critical thinking (Marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, queer theory, post-colonialism), artistic movements (surrealism, symbolism, dada), and the inspiration they provide for understanding everyday life struggles.
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
My work is informed by existential philosophy, phenomenology, critical thinking (Marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, queer theory, post-colonialism), artistic movements (surrealism, symbolism, dada), and the inspiration they provide for understanding everyday life struggles.
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
0117 463 7137 View 0117 463 7137
Photo of Craig Budzik, Counsellor, MBACP
Craig Budzik
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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.
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LGBTQ+ Counsellors
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialised training, either during their degree programme or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.

Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalisation in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.

How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.

Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialised training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.