LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Bristol, ENG

Photo of Carly Read, BACP, Counsellor
Carly Read
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6  (Online Only)
Hi I’m Carly. I’m an integrative feminist therapist. Which basically means I don’t think there is a one size fits all approach to therapy. I specialise though in working with children & young people, survivors of trauma and the LGBTQIA+ community (of which I’m a proud member). I have years of experience working with women, children and young people, having worked for charities like National Women's Aid, The NSPCC, Rape Crisis and Off The Record. I’m also an artist, and a big believer in the healing power of play & creativity. I am happy to work with you in this way if you want to, though equally there’s no pressure to.
Hi I’m Carly. I’m an integrative feminist therapist. Which basically means I don’t think there is a one size fits all approach to therapy. I specialise though in working with children & young people, survivors of trauma and the LGBTQIA+ community (of which I’m a proud member). I have years of experience working with women, children and young people, having worked for charities like National Women's Aid, The NSPCC, Rape Crisis and Off The Record. I’m also an artist, and a big believer in the healing power of play & creativity. I am happy to work with you in this way if you want to, though equally there’s no pressure to.
0117 456 3051 View 0117 456 3051
Photo of Claudia Kent, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Claudia Kent
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS7  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Claudia (she/her), a dedicated Bristol based psychotherapist with a passion for justice and equality. I aim to create a safe and affirming space for individuals of diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, those exploring kink or polyamory, and anyone navigating questions of gender, sexuality, or identity. I approach therapy with gentleness and a genuine curiosity about the vast spectrum of human experiences. I am here to support you as you journey through your unique story, at your own pace. When you feel stuck or uncertain, I use active, compassionate listening to guide you forward.
Hello, I'm Claudia (she/her), a dedicated Bristol based psychotherapist with a passion for justice and equality. I aim to create a safe and affirming space for individuals of diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, those exploring kink or polyamory, and anyone navigating questions of gender, sexuality, or identity. I approach therapy with gentleness and a genuine curiosity about the vast spectrum of human experiences. I am here to support you as you journey through your unique story, at your own pace. When you feel stuck or uncertain, I use active, compassionate listening to guide you forward.
01273 092301 View 01273 092301
Photo of Rhodri Karim, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Rhodri Karim
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bristol BS2
I offer embodied, relational psychotherapy. My aim is to nourish a felt sense of wholeness, and support your growth in the here-and-now. I have expertise in recovery from abuse, gender and sexuality, transitions and crisis, and integration of psychedelic, spiritual and extraordinary experience. I am committed to anti-oppressive practice, affirming of trans experience, knowledgeable in issues of gender, sexual and relationship diversity (GSRD), and work with the difference that makes you who you are.
I offer embodied, relational psychotherapy. My aim is to nourish a felt sense of wholeness, and support your growth in the here-and-now. I have expertise in recovery from abuse, gender and sexuality, transitions and crisis, and integration of psychedelic, spiritual and extraordinary experience. I am committed to anti-oppressive practice, affirming of trans experience, knowledgeable in issues of gender, sexual and relationship diversity (GSRD), and work with the difference that makes you who you are.
020 3910 6822 View 020 3910 6822
Photo of Hywel Harrington, MBACP, Counsellor
Hywel Harrington
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS2
Are you a queer person that needs some support? Do you want to collaborate with a therapist, rather than feeling that they're the expert? Are you looking for someone who understands the complexity of being a queer person in today's socio-political climate?
Are you a queer person that needs some support? Do you want to collaborate with a therapist, rather than feeling that they're the expert? Are you looking for someone who understands the complexity of being a queer person in today's socio-political climate?
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Photo of Stephen Glover, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Stephen Glover
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS8
I have a particular interest in issues relating to sexuality and sexual identity and have extensive experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hi, I'm Stephen, an experienced counsellor based in Bristol, BS8. I'm currently offering in person sessions in Clifton and sessions online. My goal as a therapist is to help you find new ways to resolve issues and make more informed choices in your life. Sessions offer a safe space to explore your feelings, emotions and thoughts. As an integrative therapist I tailor my approach to each client, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches and techniques to improve wellbeing and self-awareness. As an integrative therapist I tailor my approach to each client, drawing on a range of approaches and techniques to improve wellbeing.
I have a particular interest in issues relating to sexuality and sexual identity and have extensive experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Hi, I'm Stephen, an experienced counsellor based in Bristol, BS8. I'm currently offering in person sessions in Clifton and sessions online. My goal as a therapist is to help you find new ways to resolve issues and make more informed choices in your life. Sessions offer a safe space to explore your feelings, emotions and thoughts. As an integrative therapist I tailor my approach to each client, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches and techniques to improve wellbeing and self-awareness. As an integrative therapist I tailor my approach to each client, drawing on a range of approaches and techniques to improve wellbeing.
0117 463 1329 View 0117 463 1329
Photo of Claire Nunan, MSc, SNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Claire Nunan
Counsellor, MSc, SNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
I’m Claire. I am a Senior Accredited Counsellor providing safe and supportive online counselling sessions. I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
I’m Claire. I am a Senior Accredited Counsellor providing safe and supportive online counselling sessions. I work with a wide range of people but I specialise in working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ and GSRD community, those who are neurodivergent (or think they might be) as well as Millennials and Gen Z-ers.
0117 463 4729 View 0117 463 4729
Photo of Eric William Blencowe, MBACP, Counsellor
Eric William Blencowe
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS16
uk/ for more information); living with Life-Limiting Illnesses; difficulties and challenges experienced being LGBTQ&A; and difficulties arising within mixed-race relationships.
I believe the most important thing in counselling is to develop a relationship of trust and confidence between therapist and client. I provide clients with a safe, confidential and warm space for them to reflect on the challenges they bring. Coming to counselling can be a daunting step; as a result it is that much more important to come into an accepting, empathic, non-judgemental environment. I take the view that there is no single approach that can be helpful to you in all situations. This gives more choice of how you want to look at your issues and creates flexibility to tailor therapy to your individual needs and aspirations.
uk/ for more information); living with Life-Limiting Illnesses; difficulties and challenges experienced being LGBTQ&A; and difficulties arising within mixed-race relationships.
I believe the most important thing in counselling is to develop a relationship of trust and confidence between therapist and client. I provide clients with a safe, confidential and warm space for them to reflect on the challenges they bring. Coming to counselling can be a daunting step; as a result it is that much more important to come into an accepting, empathic, non-judgemental environment. I take the view that there is no single approach that can be helpful to you in all situations. This gives more choice of how you want to look at your issues and creates flexibility to tailor therapy to your individual needs and aspirations.
0117 456 2592 View 0117 456 2592
Photo of Marc James Newton - Marc Newton Counselling, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Marc Newton Counselling
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1
People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. Whatever is going on for you, I offer a safe and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and the challenges you are going through. I have experience working with anxiety, anger, self-esteem, relationships, abuse, trauma, guilt and shame. Specialising in work with LGBTQ+ clients, I have worked with a wide range of issues around gender and sexual relationship diversity. Whilst these may or may not be the focus of our work together, I provide a space where clients can consider how these aspects of identity affect their wider lives.
People come to counselling for all sorts of reasons. Whatever is going on for you, I offer a safe and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and the challenges you are going through. I have experience working with anxiety, anger, self-esteem, relationships, abuse, trauma, guilt and shame. Specialising in work with LGBTQ+ clients, I have worked with a wide range of issues around gender and sexual relationship diversity. Whilst these may or may not be the focus of our work together, I provide a space where clients can consider how these aspects of identity affect their wider lives.
0117 463 2950 View 0117 463 2950
Photo of Ky Kepner, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Ky Kepner
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS2
Particular areas of interest/experience include living with chronic illness, the difficulties faced by neurodivergent people, and LGBTQ+ life.
I'm a trainee psychotherapist in my final year, and I've been offering clients affordable therapy in private practice for 3 years. I aim to hold a therapeutic space that allows us to build a relationship in which you feel safe enough for us to explore your experience and difficulties, what they mean to you, how they relate to one another, and how they express themselves between us. This can expand your awareness of your relationship with yourself, others, and the environment in which you live. My hope is to help you find a way forward that feels more joyful and and authentic.
Particular areas of interest/experience include living with chronic illness, the difficulties faced by neurodivergent people, and LGBTQ+ life.
I'm a trainee psychotherapist in my final year, and I've been offering clients affordable therapy in private practice for 3 years. I aim to hold a therapeutic space that allows us to build a relationship in which you feel safe enough for us to explore your experience and difficulties, what they mean to you, how they relate to one another, and how they express themselves between us. This can expand your awareness of your relationship with yourself, others, and the environment in which you live. My hope is to help you find a way forward that feels more joyful and and authentic.
0117 463 3910 View 0117 463 3910
Photo of Thomas Smithson, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Thomas Smithson
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Tom, and my aim is to offer you a supportive and kind space to experience change, healing and to help you explore whatever it is you are going through. Much of my work supports clients with depression, anxiety, relationships, connection, identity, self-esteem, existential thoughts and the search for meaning. You might also be going through life changes, looking to explore yourself or understand, challenge & change behaviours. I work with all adults and specialise in working with queer communities & those who are neurodivergent. These will be your sessions and I aim to help you work towards whatever goals you have.
Hello, my name is Tom, and my aim is to offer you a supportive and kind space to experience change, healing and to help you explore whatever it is you are going through. Much of my work supports clients with depression, anxiety, relationships, connection, identity, self-esteem, existential thoughts and the search for meaning. You might also be going through life changes, looking to explore yourself or understand, challenge & change behaviours. I work with all adults and specialise in working with queer communities & those who are neurodivergent. These will be your sessions and I aim to help you work towards whatever goals you have.
01798 305067 View 01798 305067
Photo of Laura Steele, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laura Steele
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS8  (Online Only)
I offer contemporary (LGBTQIA+ affirmative, feminist, trauma-informed, heart-centred) Person-Centred Therapy.
Are things in your life feeling overwhelming? Perhaps you have a niggling sense of unease that you can’t ignore. Maybe you are feeling the weight of an old wound, or looking to find your way through a fresh one. Depression, feeling sad, anxiety, stress, grief, bereavement, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, spirituality, gender or sexual identity, including LGBTQIA+ experiences, are just a few of the reasons that you might be seeking psychotherapy. Whatever you are feeling, you are not alone, and whatever journey you have taken to get here, you are welcome.
I offer contemporary (LGBTQIA+ affirmative, feminist, trauma-informed, heart-centred) Person-Centred Therapy.
Are things in your life feeling overwhelming? Perhaps you have a niggling sense of unease that you can’t ignore. Maybe you are feeling the weight of an old wound, or looking to find your way through a fresh one. Depression, feeling sad, anxiety, stress, grief, bereavement, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, spirituality, gender or sexual identity, including LGBTQIA+ experiences, are just a few of the reasons that you might be seeking psychotherapy. Whatever you are feeling, you are not alone, and whatever journey you have taken to get here, you are welcome.
0117 463 0552 View 0117 463 0552
Photo of Lucas Voclere - Lucas Voclere Counselling & Psychotherapy (Online)
Lucas Voclere Counselling & Psychotherapy (Online)
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Queer French Neurodivergent Online Counsellor, I focus on personal development, gender & sexual identity, relationships (including polyamory/ENM/CNM), sexuality, neurodiversity, and cultural identity (including expat life).
Are you struggling with your life, self-esteem or relationships? To understand who you are, your needs, how to cope & improve your life? Do you need an existential therapy balancing survival & aliveness dedicated to help you embrace & empower your unique diversity (Gender, Sexual, Cultural... - Polyamory/ENM/CNM - Neurodiversity - Intersectionality...)? Then you could benefit from the humanistic & integrative therapy I offer with my passion for diversity, belonging, purpose, relationships & personal development. I offer a holding safe space with no judgments and the acceptance of everything you are, have lived & want to achieve.
Queer French Neurodivergent Online Counsellor, I focus on personal development, gender & sexual identity, relationships (including polyamory/ENM/CNM), sexuality, neurodiversity, and cultural identity (including expat life).
Are you struggling with your life, self-esteem or relationships? To understand who you are, your needs, how to cope & improve your life? Do you need an existential therapy balancing survival & aliveness dedicated to help you embrace & empower your unique diversity (Gender, Sexual, Cultural... - Polyamory/ENM/CNM - Neurodiversity - Intersectionality...)? Then you could benefit from the humanistic & integrative therapy I offer with my passion for diversity, belonging, purpose, relationships & personal development. I offer a holding safe space with no judgments and the acceptance of everything you are, have lived & want to achieve.
0117 456 2963 View 0117 456 2963
Photo of Lynette Brice (In Safe Hands Counselling), MBACP, Counsellor
Lynette Brice (In Safe Hands Counselling)
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends. I can offer a non-judgemental, gentle, accepting confidential space for you to share your issues and concerns, knowing you will not be rejected or discriminated against. I have lived experience of transgender identities, as my son is transgender. I have witnessed the high mental health conditions, suicidal ideation, including self-harm, and loss faced by LGBT+ individuals that I have counselled, along with the hurdles my son has encountered during his transition. I would like to walk with you along your pathway, and consider myself privileged to do so.
I specialise with the LGBT+ community, including their family and friends. I can offer a non-judgemental, gentle, accepting confidential space for you to share your issues and concerns, knowing you will not be rejected or discriminated against. I have lived experience of transgender identities, as my son is transgender. I have witnessed the high mental health conditions, suicidal ideation, including self-harm, and loss faced by LGBT+ individuals that I have counselled, along with the hurdles my son has encountered during his transition. I would like to walk with you along your pathway, and consider myself privileged to do so.
01275 409794 View 01275 409794
Photo of Zoe Powell Martin, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Zoe Powell Martin
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I'm Zoe - it's a pleasure to meet you. I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online counselling and psychotherapy. I provide a warm, safe and nurturing space to support you on your therapeutic journey. As a therapist, I am committed to ensure that your therapy sessions are co-constructed to meet your individual therapeutic needs. Benefitting from shared-decision making, a focus on therapeutic direction as well as empathy, support, compassion and attention, you can expect a uniquely inclusive and collaborative therapeutic experience.
Hello, I'm Zoe - it's a pleasure to meet you. I am an experienced LGBTQ+ and University counsellor currently offering online counselling and psychotherapy. I provide a warm, safe and nurturing space to support you on your therapeutic journey. As a therapist, I am committed to ensure that your therapy sessions are co-constructed to meet your individual therapeutic needs. Benefitting from shared-decision making, a focus on therapeutic direction as well as empathy, support, compassion and attention, you can expect a uniquely inclusive and collaborative therapeutic experience.
01363 722166 View 01363 722166
Photo of Karl Markwell - Addiction Counselling- Karl Markwell, Counsellor
Addiction Counselling- Karl Markwell
Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
Addiction can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless. We look look to rebuild the relationships we have damaged and time that we have lost. Explore the causes and solutions to the behaviours that are causing us and those we love harm. Maybe you're a friend or family member of someone suffering from addiction and would like support and guidance on how best to help your loved one? Maybe you've been to treatment for your addiction and wish to continue the work you have started, or you are in long-term recovery and need the support of someone who understands your past. Perhaps you need a therapist that specialises in LGBTQ+ issues.
Addiction can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless. We look look to rebuild the relationships we have damaged and time that we have lost. Explore the causes and solutions to the behaviours that are causing us and those we love harm. Maybe you're a friend or family member of someone suffering from addiction and would like support and guidance on how best to help your loved one? Maybe you've been to treatment for your addiction and wish to continue the work you have started, or you are in long-term recovery and need the support of someone who understands your past. Perhaps you need a therapist that specialises in LGBTQ+ issues.
023 9200 1784 View 023 9200 1784
Photo of Ricardo Goni, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Ricardo Goni
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS6
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
ONLINE clients. 19 years of experience as a psychotherapist. Broad experience with young adults and individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem and others. Minority groups, neurodiverse, creative individuals, LGBTQ are welcome! Free consultation. Feeling sad, anxious or trapped and ready for a change? let's work together, on your own pace, step by step, exploring your emotions and traumatic events in a way that is safe for you. Gestalt therapy is a very dynamic approach that grounds you in the present, helps you to let go or reclaim emotions and to close cycles or unfinished businesses.
0117 463 7926 View 0117 463 7926
Photo of Ceinwen Birrell, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Ceinwen Birrell
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS5
My work is trauma informed, socially engaged and intersectional in its focus with the intention of being a safer space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
I facilitate space that allows co-created sessions, that suit the individual needs of those that I work with. There is no pressure to make art within the sessions but there is always a selection of art materials such as clay, painting, drawing and collage materials, alongside other creative tools to aid exploration of your inner world. Through the therapy, my clients are able to build a stronger sense of who they are and of the patterns that have formed in their lives and too consequently, begin to make the changes in their life and in their relationships that they desire.
My work is trauma informed, socially engaged and intersectional in its focus with the intention of being a safer space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
I facilitate space that allows co-created sessions, that suit the individual needs of those that I work with. There is no pressure to make art within the sessions but there is always a selection of art materials such as clay, painting, drawing and collage materials, alongside other creative tools to aid exploration of your inner world. Through the therapy, my clients are able to build a stronger sense of who they are and of the patterns that have formed in their lives and too consequently, begin to make the changes in their life and in their relationships that they desire.
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Photo of Sarah Jane Leonard, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sarah Jane Leonard
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS3
Accredited member of the BACP: Face to face or video call. Over 16 years of experience. Relaxed and personable therapy where I Welcome you to my home or online where I offer a confidential, safe, professional, positive, supportive environment each session. I have been working in Counselling/psychotherapy for it’s my life’s passion. Let’s go back to your childhood and develop new skills to help you manage. I am down to earth and off a ray of understanding and guidance through difficult times. LGBTQ friendly.
Accredited member of the BACP: Face to face or video call. Over 16 years of experience. Relaxed and personable therapy where I Welcome you to my home or online where I offer a confidential, safe, professional, positive, supportive environment each session. I have been working in Counselling/psychotherapy for it’s my life’s passion. Let’s go back to your childhood and develop new skills to help you manage. I am down to earth and off a ray of understanding and guidance through difficult times. LGBTQ friendly.
0117 325 5728 View 0117 325 5728
Photo of Charlotte Rose, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Charlotte Rose
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
As a feminist; anti-racist; queer-affirmative therapist, I offer a non-pathologising approach.
Sometimes life is hard - and we can easily get trapped in trying to feel in control while at the same time losing contact with what's important. Therapy can provide an opportunity to carefully think things through when your attempts to get by are tiring you out and no longer working. Therapy is about teamwork: we both listen out for patterns or themes; try to understand where problems might have come from; and get a sense of your personal and social sources of stress and strength. We can also consider what meaningful change might look like, and I can support you to plan and work towards this in a safe and manageable way.
As a feminist; anti-racist; queer-affirmative therapist, I offer a non-pathologising approach.
Sometimes life is hard - and we can easily get trapped in trying to feel in control while at the same time losing contact with what's important. Therapy can provide an opportunity to carefully think things through when your attempts to get by are tiring you out and no longer working. Therapy is about teamwork: we both listen out for patterns or themes; try to understand where problems might have come from; and get a sense of your personal and social sources of stress and strength. We can also consider what meaningful change might look like, and I can support you to plan and work towards this in a safe and manageable way.
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Photo of Anne Amara, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Anne Amara
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS15  (Online Only)
I offer a confidential and non-judgemental space for people who wish to deepen their understanding and awareness of themselves, to find support in a time of distress or to address a particular issue. I tailor my work to your specific needs. I work with each person in a unique and individual way, at a pace that suits them. You will be heard in confidence, without judgement and with your needs at the heart of our time together. I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and am a dedicated and compassionate counsellor with a deep understanding and commitment to serving the diverse needs of this community.
I offer a confidential and non-judgemental space for people who wish to deepen their understanding and awareness of themselves, to find support in a time of distress or to address a particular issue. I tailor my work to your specific needs. I work with each person in a unique and individual way, at a pace that suits them. You will be heard in confidence, without judgement and with your needs at the heart of our time together. I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and am a dedicated and compassionate counsellor with a deep understanding and commitment to serving the diverse needs of this community.
0117 463 2213 View 0117 463 2213
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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.