LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Bishop's Stortford, ENG
![Photo of Stephen Aravena, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab8cb523-e086-4ec0-a6d4-e1ed3c8f5e50/1/320x400.jpeg)
Given the uncertainty that surrounds us, sometimes we may feel like things are unravelling all around us and inside ourselves. It is important to remember that if you ever feel like it's all getting too much, you can get the right support to help you better understand your thoughts and feelings. I can help you to make sense of some of the difficulties you face now, as well as past life experiences. Along the way, you will get to know know yourself better and start to make changes that will help you to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
Given the uncertainty that surrounds us, sometimes we may feel like things are unravelling all around us and inside ourselves. It is important to remember that if you ever feel like it's all getting too much, you can get the right support to help you better understand your thoughts and feelings. I can help you to make sense of some of the difficulties you face now, as well as past life experiences. Along the way, you will get to know know yourself better and start to make changes that will help you to live a happier, more fulfilled life.
![Photo of Paula Jane Bantick-Ward, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/326a6e27-f083-4992-a502-316c0cf3582e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello I am Paula and my aim is to make professional counselling accessible, affordable and convenient - so anyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help. Depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelmed are words we all hear on a daily basis when generally chatting to family, friends or work colleagues . Counselling can help us cope with those over consuming feelings. Sadly we cannot avoid trauma happening but seeking help during the trauma or even months, years later may reduce risk to further illnesses that have been linked to psychological trauma. Are you in an abusive relationship or having issues as a couple?
Hello I am Paula and my aim is to make professional counselling accessible, affordable and convenient - so anyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help. Depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelmed are words we all hear on a daily basis when generally chatting to family, friends or work colleagues . Counselling can help us cope with those over consuming feelings. Sadly we cannot avoid trauma happening but seeking help during the trauma or even months, years later may reduce risk to further illnesses that have been linked to psychological trauma. Are you in an abusive relationship or having issues as a couple?
![Photo of Alison Hedger, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e049ba25-01d3-452a-8069-c4e9c75649f7/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you are at a point in life where you feel stuck or at a point of crisis, and it's preventing your ability to enjoy things as you have normally, you may be needing some extra help to find a way forward. Or if one or more of your relationships with others is becoming difficult, and you don't know why, then this can indicate you are struggling. If your inner world is feeling desperate or muddled and too difficult to manage alone, then counselling can be a positive step in trying to change that. To sit and explore your story and feelings with someone can be powerful in unblocking difficult feelings and to understand what you need.
If you are at a point in life where you feel stuck or at a point of crisis, and it's preventing your ability to enjoy things as you have normally, you may be needing some extra help to find a way forward. Or if one or more of your relationships with others is becoming difficult, and you don't know why, then this can indicate you are struggling. If your inner world is feeling desperate or muddled and too difficult to manage alone, then counselling can be a positive step in trying to change that. To sit and explore your story and feelings with someone can be powerful in unblocking difficult feelings and to understand what you need.
![Photo of Rebecca Cox, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcf41887-8161-4b08-bcba-65de9e4ce11f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for a safe, creative space to explore what might be troubling you, causing you pain, or blocking you from moving forward in your life? As a creative therapist, I provide a supportive space where you can express and understand yourself and your relationships in new and helpful ways. I hold the present and future as important as our past experiences and offer dynamic, forward looking, collaborative and creative therapy for individuals wanting more from life. Finding the right therapist is essential for successful therapy. That’s why I start all my work with an initial non-committal meeting.
Are you looking for a safe, creative space to explore what might be troubling you, causing you pain, or blocking you from moving forward in your life? As a creative therapist, I provide a supportive space where you can express and understand yourself and your relationships in new and helpful ways. I hold the present and future as important as our past experiences and offer dynamic, forward looking, collaborative and creative therapy for individuals wanting more from life. Finding the right therapist is essential for successful therapy. That’s why I start all my work with an initial non-committal meeting.
![Photo of Richie Taylor, MUKCP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53b23176-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My belief is that getting better through positive change and understanding is the aim of good therapy. Being able to share and process your inner thinking and emotional problems with a non judgemental person is key to recovery. My job as your counsellor is to provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore, work through and understand your inner issues.
My belief is that getting better through positive change and understanding is the aim of good therapy. Being able to share and process your inner thinking and emotional problems with a non judgemental person is key to recovery. My job as your counsellor is to provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore, work through and understand your inner issues.
![Photo of Susan ( Suki ) Heath, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb598ab5-9a7e-4a14-9d7e-9caafe5e8d7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jungian psychotherapy, sometimes known as depth psychology, is a form of deep reflection. It isn't problem centred but it does help to resolve deep rooted problems. The things that affect our waking life may be hidden from consciousness and experienced as a bewildering array of symptoms that appear to have no obvious cause. To complicate matters, these symptoms may be emotional, psychological or physical. Jung viewed symptoms not as problems to be fixed, but as signposts pointing to the need for change. I work on the basis that our minds and bodies have a natural drive towards healing.
Jungian psychotherapy, sometimes known as depth psychology, is a form of deep reflection. It isn't problem centred but it does help to resolve deep rooted problems. The things that affect our waking life may be hidden from consciousness and experienced as a bewildering array of symptoms that appear to have no obvious cause. To complicate matters, these symptoms may be emotional, psychological or physical. Jung viewed symptoms not as problems to be fixed, but as signposts pointing to the need for change. I work on the basis that our minds and bodies have a natural drive towards healing.
![Photo of Chris Stephen Donovan, MA, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53f75a43-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a highly qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, I work with adults, adolescents and children from the age of 5. My approach, though rooted in psychodynamic practice, can be adapted to suit your personal requirements. As a Psychodynamic Counsellor, I work with you to bring understanding to your current day anxieties, fears and beliefs. I explore your unconscious internal belief structures and try to help you make links between these and your current-day feelings and any reoccurring patterns in your life.
I am a highly qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, I work with adults, adolescents and children from the age of 5. My approach, though rooted in psychodynamic practice, can be adapted to suit your personal requirements. As a Psychodynamic Counsellor, I work with you to bring understanding to your current day anxieties, fears and beliefs. I explore your unconscious internal belief structures and try to help you make links between these and your current-day feelings and any reoccurring patterns in your life.
![Photo of Gosia Millward, MSc, BACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/91965b89-7d4f-4fa7-98db-56907c7a36a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Seeking therapy is a sign of courage in the depths of conflict. Currently, you may be troubled or overwhelmed, not knowing what is happening either within you, your partner or communicatively between your couple. To be understood and appreciated while conveying the same qualities to another person is an essential component of any satisfying relationship, but it is one that takes an emotional commitment from those involved in finding a resolution. The question I often ask my clients is, "Can you bear the difference of the other, or even tolerate the possibility that they may have a different perspective to the one in your mind?"
Seeking therapy is a sign of courage in the depths of conflict. Currently, you may be troubled or overwhelmed, not knowing what is happening either within you, your partner or communicatively between your couple. To be understood and appreciated while conveying the same qualities to another person is an essential component of any satisfying relationship, but it is one that takes an emotional commitment from those involved in finding a resolution. The question I often ask my clients is, "Can you bear the difference of the other, or even tolerate the possibility that they may have a different perspective to the one in your mind?"
![Photo of Lee Millward, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d580304-183a-47af-89e2-610083905f86/2/320x400.jpeg)
It’s not unusual to have feelings that weigh us down and reach a stage of great distress and hopelessness. Whether you feel you are in crisis or just want to get to grips with thoughts and feelings that may be disturbing you, I can help. You might feel anxiety, depression, anger or shame. You might be having relationship problems or going through big changes in your life like the loss of a loved one or a job that have a big impact on you and you need help to cope with. Or there may be something inside you that you have lived with for some time and that gets in the way and prevents you from leading a fuller and happier life.
It’s not unusual to have feelings that weigh us down and reach a stage of great distress and hopelessness. Whether you feel you are in crisis or just want to get to grips with thoughts and feelings that may be disturbing you, I can help. You might feel anxiety, depression, anger or shame. You might be having relationship problems or going through big changes in your life like the loss of a loved one or a job that have a big impact on you and you need help to cope with. Or there may be something inside you that you have lived with for some time and that gets in the way and prevents you from leading a fuller and happier life.
![Photo of Liz White, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e914e83f-2614-44af-8931-5de898c23d4a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a highly qualified and experienced Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I have spent 16 years working in NHS mental health services, and now focus on my private practice full time. With a high level of expertise, I am able to create a bespoke therapeutic experience that helps clients move towards their goals. I focus on providing high quality, evidence based therapy that enables clients to feel empowered and understood, enabling them to learn the skills needed to make positive and long lasting changes in their lives.
I am a highly qualified and experienced Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I have spent 16 years working in NHS mental health services, and now focus on my private practice full time. With a high level of expertise, I am able to create a bespoke therapeutic experience that helps clients move towards their goals. I focus on providing high quality, evidence based therapy that enables clients to feel empowered and understood, enabling them to learn the skills needed to make positive and long lasting changes in their lives.
![Photo of Alliee Reeves, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45faef2c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with both young people and adults presenting with a multitude of 'being human' experiences. I am passionate about the benefits of therapy and the exploration and understanding of ourselves that this experience provides. Together we can look at whatever is troubling you - either past or present, enabling a deeper understanding of you, freeing you to live life in the here and now. I provide a safe, confidential and non judgemental environment where we can work together to achieve this.
I work with both young people and adults presenting with a multitude of 'being human' experiences. I am passionate about the benefits of therapy and the exploration and understanding of ourselves that this experience provides. Together we can look at whatever is troubling you - either past or present, enabling a deeper understanding of you, freeing you to live life in the here and now. I provide a safe, confidential and non judgemental environment where we can work together to achieve this.
![Photo of Berenice Brown, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/578bee1e-f365-4ce0-8085-5ca689170543/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed and not sure what to do or who to trust or turn to? maybe counselling could help. Hello, my name is Berenice and I have experience working with and supporting clients with a range of life challenges, and I am here to help you. I know that seeking help can be daunting, which can evoke strong feelings of fear, sadness or even anticipation. Sometimes life can be overwhelming, stressful and feel complicated.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed and not sure what to do or who to trust or turn to? maybe counselling could help. Hello, my name is Berenice and I have experience working with and supporting clients with a range of life challenges, and I am here to help you. I know that seeking help can be daunting, which can evoke strong feelings of fear, sadness or even anticipation. Sometimes life can be overwhelming, stressful and feel complicated.
![Photo of Saira Plane - Herts and Essex Psychotherapy and Counselling, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/970fee20-01e2-492d-98ff-91bd2cf3dd3a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Herts and Essex Psychotherapy and Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bishop's Stortford CM22
Trauma and related issues are at the heart of a lot of the work I do with most clients. Whether that be Racial Trauma, or the impacts of living in our patriarchal, capitalist, oppressive, ableist, queerphobic society on other marginalised communities. It might be related to a client's experience of abuse (recent or historical), loss, or attachment issues. Or it could show up as the manifestation of unprocessed trauma by way of addiction, or family, parenting or interpersonal relationship issues, for example. Whatever you're holding, my aim is to provide a safe and healing space to help you both unburden and process.
Trauma and related issues are at the heart of a lot of the work I do with most clients. Whether that be Racial Trauma, or the impacts of living in our patriarchal, capitalist, oppressive, ableist, queerphobic society on other marginalised communities. It might be related to a client's experience of abuse (recent or historical), loss, or attachment issues. Or it could show up as the manifestation of unprocessed trauma by way of addiction, or family, parenting or interpersonal relationship issues, for example. Whatever you're holding, my aim is to provide a safe and healing space to help you both unburden and process.
![Photo of Jeanette Prever](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d37aeb1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counselling is based on establishing a safe, trusting and non judgemental therapeutic relationship offering a regular time and place to be listened to, heard and understood and an opportunity to explore emotional difficulties. It is a way to facilitate choice, enable change, reduce confusion and discover ways of living more resourcefully, developing personal awareness and increasing self confidence. Counselling gives an opportunity to speak freely and confidentially about personal concerns, these may be work issues, stress and anxiety personal relationships, bereavement, separation, divorce, redundancy confusion or life changes.
Counselling is based on establishing a safe, trusting and non judgemental therapeutic relationship offering a regular time and place to be listened to, heard and understood and an opportunity to explore emotional difficulties. It is a way to facilitate choice, enable change, reduce confusion and discover ways of living more resourcefully, developing personal awareness and increasing self confidence. Counselling gives an opportunity to speak freely and confidentially about personal concerns, these may be work issues, stress and anxiety personal relationships, bereavement, separation, divorce, redundancy confusion or life changes.
![Photo of Ken Day, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2271e74-bc66-4073-882a-f9bdb52b4e79/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have both experience and training in Grief and Bereavement (esp. loss of a child), PTSD, Anger Management, Relationships, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Addiction, Coping With Change and Personal Development. In addition I work for the NHS Acute Psychiatric Team in adult and CAMHS, nursing inpatients with a wide variety of mental health challenges
I have both experience and training in Grief and Bereavement (esp. loss of a child), PTSD, Anger Management, Relationships, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Addiction, Coping With Change and Personal Development. In addition I work for the NHS Acute Psychiatric Team in adult and CAMHS, nursing inpatients with a wide variety of mental health challenges
![Photo of Jane Jiggens - The Therapy Shed - Jane Jiggens, FD(Open), MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f42a80e-d123-45ef-adf5-eff704daee0c/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Therapy Shed - Jane Jiggens, FD(Open)
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bishop's Stortford CM22
I am a BACP Accredited counsellor. I help people have better relationships with themselves and those around them. If you have found me here life may feel overwhelming, your relationships may be strained or are breaking down, you may feel anxious, depressed, angry, lost or stuck, or do you have an inner voice that is really mean? Do your relationships keep ending the same way, do you keep feeling the same old feelings or engage in behaviours that are harmful? Do you need help to begin to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, other people and even the world?
I am a BACP Accredited counsellor. I help people have better relationships with themselves and those around them. If you have found me here life may feel overwhelming, your relationships may be strained or are breaking down, you may feel anxious, depressed, angry, lost or stuck, or do you have an inner voice that is really mean? Do your relationships keep ending the same way, do you keep feeling the same old feelings or engage in behaviours that are harmful? Do you need help to begin to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, other people and even the world?
I am an analytical psychologist, psychotherapist, and supervisor based in Cambridge. While I work with a wide variety of people who have a range of issues and concerns, each person who comes to see me is special and each problem or concern they have is unique to them. Some of the concerns and issues that bring people to contact me are deep trauma and feelings of desperation, while others find themselves faced with an unexpected situation or difficult decision or want to explore and develop a deeper understanding of their life experience.
I am an analytical psychologist, psychotherapist, and supervisor based in Cambridge. While I work with a wide variety of people who have a range of issues and concerns, each person who comes to see me is special and each problem or concern they have is unique to them. Some of the concerns and issues that bring people to contact me are deep trauma and feelings of desperation, while others find themselves faced with an unexpected situation or difficult decision or want to explore and develop a deeper understanding of their life experience.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Kroy Gabreil Ryder, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b2035a8-3c1a-449e-b7e9-5df3f5b15baf/2/320x400.jpeg)
My practice is inclusive and welcomes everybody, including LGBTQIA+ clients and thoses seeking to understand their sexuality or scars that life has given.
Everybody faces mental well-being challenges in their lifes, this is higher in neurodiverse individuals. I support the challenges faced by people with learning difficulties, this includes but is not limited to Autism, ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyscalculia and Rejection Sensitive Disorder (RSD). You may have a diagnosis or you may just want to explore the possibility of being neurodivergent. I also offer support to parents, partners or family of neurodiverse individuals as it can be hard knowing how to cope with the new needs. Speaking to a counsellor can be a transformative experience for people and can have a positive effect on the individual.
My practice is inclusive and welcomes everybody, including LGBTQIA+ clients and thoses seeking to understand their sexuality or scars that life has given.
Everybody faces mental well-being challenges in their lifes, this is higher in neurodiverse individuals. I support the challenges faced by people with learning difficulties, this includes but is not limited to Autism, ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyscalculia and Rejection Sensitive Disorder (RSD). You may have a diagnosis or you may just want to explore the possibility of being neurodivergent. I also offer support to parents, partners or family of neurodiverse individuals as it can be hard knowing how to cope with the new needs. Speaking to a counsellor can be a transformative experience for people and can have a positive effect on the individual.
![Photo of Stephen Griffiths Swgcounselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b11b8f36-9dbf-4c6f-8bc0-3ed01035c316/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Counsellor based in Manchester offering In person and online sessions. Life can be challenging, and in places it can feel intolerable and overwhelming it can be difficult to know where to start unravelling this, how to make changes, what changes, if any, we need to make, and to try to make sense of why we feel the way that we do. This can be a very painful experience but however dark it may be today, doesn't mean tomorrow won't be lighter, counselling can offer an opportunity to be heard and to be understood. I work with clients from all backgrounds but have particular experience working with Addiction and with LGBT+ issues.
I am a Counsellor based in Manchester offering In person and online sessions. Life can be challenging, and in places it can feel intolerable and overwhelming it can be difficult to know where to start unravelling this, how to make changes, what changes, if any, we need to make, and to try to make sense of why we feel the way that we do. This can be a very painful experience but however dark it may be today, doesn't mean tomorrow won't be lighter, counselling can offer an opportunity to be heard and to be understood. I work with clients from all backgrounds but have particular experience working with Addiction and with LGBT+ issues.
![Photo of Sara Gamba, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e51efff6-e3ee-4d30-a80b-c9530b1e0f6c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults, couples and young people, and with those experiencing a range of various difficulties including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, identity issues and grief. I also have experience working with survivors of trauma and sexual abuse, and the distressing ongoing effects this can have on everyday life. I also work with LGBTQ+ and GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diverse) individual and people who are questioning their gender identity, sexual orientation or relationship styles.
I work with adults, couples and young people, and with those experiencing a range of various difficulties including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, identity issues and grief. I also have experience working with survivors of trauma and sexual abuse, and the distressing ongoing effects this can have on everyday life. I also work with LGBTQ+ and GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diverse) individual and people who are questioning their gender identity, sexual orientation or relationship styles.
See more therapy options for Bishop's Stortford
Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for Bishop's Stortford
- Broxbourne
- Dunmow
- Epping
- Great Dunmow
- Harlow
- Hertford
- Hoddesdon
- Saffron Walden
- Sawbridgeworth
- Stansted
- Waltham Abbey
- Ware
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.