LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Cheltenham, ENG

Photo of Rachel Hunter - Rachel Hunter Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Hunter Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Professional Couples and Individual Zoom counselling from the comfort of your own home. No travel time, no parking. Establishing a good counselling relationship is vital so that feelings can be explored in a safe, confidential space. I won’t judge you and will listen to your own unique story with empathy and kindness. I will endeavour to help you process pain from the past and present and reinforce your resilience and hope for the future. The longer-term aim is to help you to move forward towards your personal goals. I work with women, men, non-binary people and couples. LGBTQIA + and all clients warmly welcomed.
Professional Couples and Individual Zoom counselling from the comfort of your own home. No travel time, no parking. Establishing a good counselling relationship is vital so that feelings can be explored in a safe, confidential space. I won’t judge you and will listen to your own unique story with empathy and kindness. I will endeavour to help you process pain from the past and present and reinforce your resilience and hope for the future. The longer-term aim is to help you to move forward towards your personal goals. I work with women, men, non-binary people and couples. LGBTQIA + and all clients warmly welcomed.
01242 395316 View 01242 395316
Photo of Ricardo Goni, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Ricardo Goni
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
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 Sarah Bolton-Locke, DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Sarah Bolton-Locke
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
I have a face to face and online counselling practice based in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering warm and accepting therapy for adults and children. Having a non-judgmental and safe space will give you the opportunity to explore whatever you may be struggling with.
I have a face to face and online counselling practice based in Cheltenham and Gloucester, offering warm and accepting therapy for adults and children. Having a non-judgmental and safe space will give you the opportunity to explore whatever you may be struggling with.
01452 934579 View 01452 934579
Photo of Hannah Lock, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Hannah Lock
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50  (Online Only)
Therapy can support us through specific difficulties and towards our goals or help us to explore and understand ourselves better. My role is to support you through the process in a safe and supportive space at your own pace. I offer online sessions for individuals and students.
Therapy can support us through specific difficulties and towards our goals or help us to explore and understand ourselves better. My role is to support you through the process in a safe and supportive space at your own pace. I offer online sessions for individuals and students.
0117 463 6771 View 0117 463 6771
Photo of Nicola Holmes, MBACP, Counsellor
Nicola Holmes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I provide counselling for the challenges of life that neurotypical and neurodiverse people experience including autistic/ADHD adults, children and young people. I work sensitively and adapt to the needs of the individual. Often this involves working with the person and their environment to reduce the distress caused by sensory inputs. I work with clients and therapists in an open and authentic way; offering warmth, creativity and challenge using ourselves, nature and animals to facilitate our work.
I provide counselling for the challenges of life that neurotypical and neurodiverse people experience including autistic/ADHD adults, children and young people. I work sensitively and adapt to the needs of the individual. Often this involves working with the person and their environment to reduce the distress caused by sensory inputs. I work with clients and therapists in an open and authentic way; offering warmth, creativity and challenge using ourselves, nature and animals to facilitate our work.
01684 219793 View 01684 219793
Photo of Louise Anne Morrow - Cotswoldmindwell, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Cotswoldmindwell
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL50
As your therapist it is important to me that we work together explore the problem, understand how it developed and through psychoeducation, developing strategies and coping mechanisms we can understand, and work towards enabling you to reach your goal to wellness.
As your therapist it is important to me that we work together explore the problem, understand how it developed and through psychoeducation, developing strategies and coping mechanisms we can understand, and work towards enabling you to reach your goal to wellness.
01386 577394 View 01386 577394
Photo of Ting Chiu, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Ting Chiu
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL53  (Online Only)
Having worked with many clients over the years, I have a good understanding of what human distress looks like. Often, we try to push the difficult feelings (both physical and emotional) aside and just ‘get on with it’. Sure enough, it works for a while, but then there comes a point when the usual coping strategies just stop working, and reaching out for help feels somehow wrong too; life feels stuck in vicious circles. If this sounds frustratingly familiar, then you are not alone. With my extensive experience, I can support you to reach your goals, or simply to figure out together first what the goals might be.
Having worked with many clients over the years, I have a good understanding of what human distress looks like. Often, we try to push the difficult feelings (both physical and emotional) aside and just ‘get on with it’. Sure enough, it works for a while, but then there comes a point when the usual coping strategies just stop working, and reaching out for help feels somehow wrong too; life feels stuck in vicious circles. If this sounds frustratingly familiar, then you are not alone. With my extensive experience, I can support you to reach your goals, or simply to figure out together first what the goals might be.
01684 218544 View 01684 218544
Photo of Reece Bolton-Locke - 'Pay What You Can' Counselling , MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
'Pay What You Can' Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Welcome...we are a 'pay what you can' counselling service supporting adults living in Gloucestershire. We aim to provide an inclusive, easy-to-access service, where the fee you pay is an amount that takes into account your individual circumstances on a sliding scale between £15.00-£50.00. Deciding to access counselling can be a difficult step and we want to be here to guide you through this process as easily as possible. Our waiting times are short as we are a good size team, with only around a week to wait from the day you make contact.
Welcome...we are a 'pay what you can' counselling service supporting adults living in Gloucestershire. We aim to provide an inclusive, easy-to-access service, where the fee you pay is an amount that takes into account your individual circumstances on a sliding scale between £15.00-£50.00. Deciding to access counselling can be a difficult step and we want to be here to guide you through this process as easily as possible. Our waiting times are short as we are a good size team, with only around a week to wait from the day you make contact.
01452 923126 View 01452 923126
Photo of Julie Ingram, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Julie Ingram
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Hello, and welcome to my page. I have been qualified as a psychotherapist and supervisor for over 18 years, with previous experience in mental health and Social Work Management. I work with adults, children, adolescents and have expertise in working with family issues. I can help with a wide range of matters including: anxiety and depression, self esteem, family difficulties, relationship issues, Childhood abuse, Childhood neglect, Life threatening events, eating disorders, self harm, suicide and trauma. I provide a welcoming, safe space (indoors or out doors) which provides a relationship based approach to working together.
Hello, and welcome to my page. I have been qualified as a psychotherapist and supervisor for over 18 years, with previous experience in mental health and Social Work Management. I work with adults, children, adolescents and have expertise in working with family issues. I can help with a wide range of matters including: anxiety and depression, self esteem, family difficulties, relationship issues, Childhood abuse, Childhood neglect, Life threatening events, eating disorders, self harm, suicide and trauma. I provide a welcoming, safe space (indoors or out doors) which provides a relationship based approach to working together.
01981 200129 View 01981 200129
Photo of Dr Jane Spurr, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Jane Spurr
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Do you ever feel that your life could be better? Maybe there is not enough satisfaction and joy in your life, maybe you feel stuck, perhaps because you have been unable to create the life you want, or because relationships, either at home or work, seem to repeat in unhelpful ways without resolution. Sometimes these circumstances can interact with anxiety, depression or other difficulties, causing an unhelpful spiral which leave you feeling even less able to make positive change. Contacting a therapist may feel difficult, but it can be the first step towards understanding the blocks preventing you from living the life you want.
Do you ever feel that your life could be better? Maybe there is not enough satisfaction and joy in your life, maybe you feel stuck, perhaps because you have been unable to create the life you want, or because relationships, either at home or work, seem to repeat in unhelpful ways without resolution. Sometimes these circumstances can interact with anxiety, depression or other difficulties, causing an unhelpful spiral which leave you feeling even less able to make positive change. Contacting a therapist may feel difficult, but it can be the first step towards understanding the blocks preventing you from living the life you want.
01242 506292 View 01242 506292
Photo of Saskia Penrose
Saskia Penrose
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL51
Adults, as well as young adults and teenagers, know to find me, as I have professionally trained for both. I am a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), a well-known evidence based psychotherapy, which has a very practical approach. My clients feel they gain strategies, practical & emotional, which help them deal with what was hindering/hurting them. Issues my clients and I work with most, are Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Depression, Perfectionism, OCD tendencies, Self Harm, Suicidal thoughts. 20 Years ago I started training as an NLP practitioner, which means I have a wide range of tools on my therapeutic tool belt.
Adults, as well as young adults and teenagers, know to find me, as I have professionally trained for both. I am a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), a well-known evidence based psychotherapy, which has a very practical approach. My clients feel they gain strategies, practical & emotional, which help them deal with what was hindering/hurting them. Issues my clients and I work with most, are Low Self Esteem, Anxiety, Depression, Perfectionism, OCD tendencies, Self Harm, Suicidal thoughts. 20 Years ago I started training as an NLP practitioner, which means I have a wide range of tools on my therapeutic tool belt.
015242 36646 View 015242 36646
Photo of Jaimie Marc Cahlil - Jaimie Cahlil, PsychD, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Jaimie Cahlil
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Here you are, searching for something that feels right for you. So, to introduce my way of working: as a transpersonal (psychospiritual) psychotherapist, the work of psychotherapy is placed within the immense context, or ultimate reality, of oneness. As you read my words, you may be feeling anxious, depressed, sad, angry, confused, imprisoned, disconnected, numb, lost....or yet something else. However, as you read these words, I suggest you assess your readiness for the spiritual self-development I offer: a courageously self-honest, open-mindedly questioning, process of deepening awakening consciousness.
Here you are, searching for something that feels right for you. So, to introduce my way of working: as a transpersonal (psychospiritual) psychotherapist, the work of psychotherapy is placed within the immense context, or ultimate reality, of oneness. As you read my words, you may be feeling anxious, depressed, sad, angry, confused, imprisoned, disconnected, numb, lost....or yet something else. However, as you read these words, I suggest you assess your readiness for the spiritual self-development I offer: a courageously self-honest, open-mindedly questioning, process of deepening awakening consciousness.
01242 903238 View 01242 903238
Photo of Anne Coats, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Anne Coats
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
I am a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist and supervisor working with adults, adolescents and relationships. Sometimes life can be challenging, we can feel lost or stuck or that we have no control over what is happening. Counselling can provide vital relief. If you suffer with depression, anxiety,relationship issues, grief, trauma or anger management, I am hear to support you. I offer a warm, reflective, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I will provide the compassionate support you need to find effective solutions to any issue you may have. ​
I am a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist and supervisor working with adults, adolescents and relationships. Sometimes life can be challenging, we can feel lost or stuck or that we have no control over what is happening. Counselling can provide vital relief. If you suffer with depression, anxiety,relationship issues, grief, trauma or anger management, I am hear to support you. I offer a warm, reflective, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I will provide the compassionate support you need to find effective solutions to any issue you may have. ​
01242 903657 View 01242 903657
Photo of Rachel Power The Walk And Talk Therapist, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Rachel Power The Walk And Talk Therapist
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.
I am an experienced counsellor PROVIDING THERAPY IN THE OUTDOORS. Sometimes we want to talk but sitting in a counselling room might not feel like the right space for you. WALKING WHILST TALKING might just give you the space and freedom to begin to understand some uncomfortable feelings and past experiences in the safe hands of myself within nature. Being in nature will help you to learn how to resource yourself whilst processing the past giving you a clearer feel of the future. You may feel anxious or depressed, struggling with relationships. I work from Pittville Park, The Cotswolds and Crickley Hill. I also do home visits.
07961 627500 View 07961 627500
Photo of Paul Gould, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Paul Gould
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cheltenham GL54
Taking the first steps to seek out a counsellor can be a fearful time and we as therapists will not be the correct match for every individual. My aim would be to offer you counselling and support in a safe place, where we can work together and give you the opportunity to speak freely without fear of what others might think? When someone looks for a counsellor it is often because there is something happening in life they want to explore, this maybe: low self-worth, lacking in confidence, generally feeling of unhappiness, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, or other mental health concerns. We can work together at your pace.
Taking the first steps to seek out a counsellor can be a fearful time and we as therapists will not be the correct match for every individual. My aim would be to offer you counselling and support in a safe place, where we can work together and give you the opportunity to speak freely without fear of what others might think? When someone looks for a counsellor it is often because there is something happening in life they want to explore, this maybe: low self-worth, lacking in confidence, generally feeling of unhappiness, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, or other mental health concerns. We can work together at your pace.
01242 507909 View 01242 507909
Photo of Max Knowles, BACP, Counsellor
Max Knowles
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Hi, I am Max ( Qualified Person Centred Therapist) and I know from my own experience, that life can sometimes be a struggle. Events and experiences can leave us feeling lost, isolated or directionless . At such times, reaching out for help can feel very difficult and it is important that your search leads you to someone you feel you can trust . Counselling is an opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings ,which might be affecting many different areas of your life. With careful and empathic listening, I endeavour to support you in finding your own way through what is often too complex and difficult to manage alone.
Hi, I am Max ( Qualified Person Centred Therapist) and I know from my own experience, that life can sometimes be a struggle. Events and experiences can leave us feeling lost, isolated or directionless . At such times, reaching out for help can feel very difficult and it is important that your search leads you to someone you feel you can trust . Counselling is an opportunity to explore thoughts and feelings ,which might be affecting many different areas of your life. With careful and empathic listening, I endeavour to support you in finding your own way through what is often too complex and difficult to manage alone.
01242 903640 View 01242 903640
Photo of Elizabeth Shaw, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Elizabeth Shaw
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL52
Life is often confusing, painful and overwhelming.  Therapy can provide a safe space to explore these feelings and manage them. Hi I’m Liz. I am a Relational Integrative Psychotherapist.  I can draw on a variety of therapeutic styles to meet your unique needs. I aim to provide a supportive, empathic and non-judgemental relationship, through which you can better understand yourself. I am here to listen. If you choose to call you can expect an initial consultation in which we will establish what you would like to address and whether you would like to work with me.
Life is often confusing, painful and overwhelming.  Therapy can provide a safe space to explore these feelings and manage them. Hi I’m Liz. I am a Relational Integrative Psychotherapist.  I can draw on a variety of therapeutic styles to meet your unique needs. I aim to provide a supportive, empathic and non-judgemental relationship, through which you can better understand yourself. I am here to listen. If you choose to call you can expect an initial consultation in which we will establish what you would like to address and whether you would like to work with me.
01242 503626 View 01242 503626
Photo of Rachel Power, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Power
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
I work with adults and children and young people who want to be able to explore their feelings and their thoughts in a safe place. Have you been struggling with feelings that are overwhelming? Maybe you know what is bothering you and you would like to explore the past and how it is affecting your present situation? Sometimes we just don’t know why we are experiencing anxiety and depression or why each day is such a struggle. Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships? I am here to offer you a guiding hand to enable you to explore in a space that is full of love and understanding and not judgemental.
I work with adults and children and young people who want to be able to explore their feelings and their thoughts in a safe place. Have you been struggling with feelings that are overwhelming? Maybe you know what is bothering you and you would like to explore the past and how it is affecting your present situation? Sometimes we just don’t know why we are experiencing anxiety and depression or why each day is such a struggle. Maybe you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships? I am here to offer you a guiding hand to enable you to explore in a space that is full of love and understanding and not judgemental.
07961 627500 View 07961 627500
Photo of Shelley Marie Alcock - Cheltenham’s Counselling Centre  , DCounsPsych, BACP, Counsellor
Cheltenham’s Counselling Centre
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
Hello my name is Shelley and I am a qualified adult and child Therapeutic Counsellor. I have a vast amount of experience as a pastoral worker working in schools and as a counsellor working for a charity. I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and offer face to face or online sessions . These sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment where clients can feel safe and explore the work through any emotional or life difficulties. I believe by offering online counselling this gives each individual the ability to reach their true potential within the safety of their chosen space.
01242 339245 View 01242 339245
Photo of Martyn Pars, MBACP, Counsellor
Martyn Pars
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
My Offer To You: Being heard, understood, believed in and supported. We all need this kind of support at some point in our lives. This is my offer to you. I am an accredited professional counsellor (PNCPS acc.) registered through the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP reg) which means I am held on the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register thus ensuring protection to the public and helping to ensure their health and wellbeing. I have a particular interest in those with later in life ADHD diagnosis or if you suspect you might be. I am also a professional executive coach.
My Offer To You: Being heard, understood, believed in and supported. We all need this kind of support at some point in our lives. This is my offer to you. I am an accredited professional counsellor (PNCPS acc.) registered through the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP reg) which means I am held on the Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register thus ensuring protection to the public and helping to ensure their health and wellbeing. I have a particular interest in those with later in life ADHD diagnosis or if you suspect you might be. I am also a professional executive coach.
01242 507893 View 01242 507893

See more therapy options for Cheltenham

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.