LGBTQ+ Counselling in Central London, London

Photo of Siobhan Snowden, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Siobhan Snowden
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC1V
(she/her) I am an LGBTQ+ Person-Centred Counsellor, accredited with BACP.
I understand that seeking therapy can be daunting but if you are at the stage in your life where you need the space to explore painful feelings, it may well help you come to terms with or make sense of things like: absence, loss, uncertainty, anger, fear, isolation and accept or make the changes that are right for you. I won't tell you which way to turn but I will offer you the right therapeutic relationship which feels safe to explore yourself and your world of feelings. I will work alongside you every step of the way,
(she/her) I am an LGBTQ+ Person-Centred Counsellor, accredited with BACP.
I understand that seeking therapy can be daunting but if you are at the stage in your life where you need the space to explore painful feelings, it may well help you come to terms with or make sense of things like: absence, loss, uncertainty, anger, fear, isolation and accept or make the changes that are right for you. I won't tell you which way to turn but I will offer you the right therapeutic relationship which feels safe to explore yourself and your world of feelings. I will work alongside you every step of the way,
020 3835 5412 View 020 3835 5412
Photo of Rosie Sharville, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Rosie Sharville
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1A
I have expertise in working with identity, gender & sexuality & work with LGBTQ+ communities.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with a warm, down-to-earth and compassionate style of therapy. My practice is relaxed, reflective & sensitive, but with space for connection and creativity. I believe that having a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial to doing good therapy and will work with you to establish a trusting bond. I aim to help you understand your current stressors & emotional strains. We will explore your relationship to yourself, others & the world, work on difficult emotions, outline practical steps & connect with what makes you feel alive. Understanding yourself in this deeper way can allow for resilience & healing.
I have expertise in working with identity, gender & sexuality & work with LGBTQ+ communities.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with a warm, down-to-earth and compassionate style of therapy. My practice is relaxed, reflective & sensitive, but with space for connection and creativity. I believe that having a strong therapeutic relationship is crucial to doing good therapy and will work with you to establish a trusting bond. I aim to help you understand your current stressors & emotional strains. We will explore your relationship to yourself, others & the world, work on difficult emotions, outline practical steps & connect with what makes you feel alive. Understanding yourself in this deeper way can allow for resilience & healing.
020 3667 9631 View 020 3667 9631
Photo of Luke Bannister, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Luke Bannister
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1A  (Online Only)
I work affirmatively with the LGBTQ+ communities and value the ways in which our diverse experiences can impact our wellbeing.
I'm a Counselling Psychologist with experience working in the NHS, third sector services and private practice. I will work collaboratively with you to explore your current difficulties and help you understand why you might be struggling. We will explore your past & flesh out how they may contribute to what you are currently experiencing. We will also work to understand the many different aspects of your being including what goes on in your thoughts, mind, emotions and physical body. I will work with you to develop deep insight about yourself as well as speak pragmatically on what needs to change and how to go about doing that.
I work affirmatively with the LGBTQ+ communities and value the ways in which our diverse experiences can impact our wellbeing.
I'm a Counselling Psychologist with experience working in the NHS, third sector services and private practice. I will work collaboratively with you to explore your current difficulties and help you understand why you might be struggling. We will explore your past & flesh out how they may contribute to what you are currently experiencing. We will also work to understand the many different aspects of your being including what goes on in your thoughts, mind, emotions and physical body. I will work with you to develop deep insight about yourself as well as speak pragmatically on what needs to change and how to go about doing that.
020 3835 4805 View 020 3835 4805
Photo of Nicolas Burden, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Nicolas Burden
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1A
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of experience. I maintain an open-minded, warm and non-judgmental approach to the struggles that people have. I aim to make my clients feel safe and work hard to establish a strong therapeutic relationship, knowing that this is crucial in supporting people to make important changes. I work with adults, couples and families and those struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship strain, family strain, stress, trauma & low self-esteem. I have specialised expertise in working with LGBTQ+ communities, Gay Men and relationship diversity (GSRD).
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of experience. I maintain an open-minded, warm and non-judgmental approach to the struggles that people have. I aim to make my clients feel safe and work hard to establish a strong therapeutic relationship, knowing that this is crucial in supporting people to make important changes. I work with adults, couples and families and those struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship strain, family strain, stress, trauma & low self-esteem. I have specialised expertise in working with LGBTQ+ communities, Gay Men and relationship diversity (GSRD).
020 3667 9906 View 020 3667 9906
Photo of Navdeep Kaur - Nav Therapy LGBTQ+  and BAME Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Nav Therapy LGBTQ+ and BAME Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Central London, London WC1X
Hi, My name is Nav (she/her) and I am a therapist who works with people who are anxious, depressed and often struggling with identity and self esteem. Grief and loss are themes that often emerge, as I help you examine the shame you may have felt your whole life. My clients are predominantly from the LGBTQ+ community and are often BAME also. I have over time developed a specialism for helping those with layered intersectionality and the challenges this brings when navigating the world, which can be a lonely and difficult place. We can work together and help you to establish better relationships and a clearer sense of self.
Hi, My name is Nav (she/her) and I am a therapist who works with people who are anxious, depressed and often struggling with identity and self esteem. Grief and loss are themes that often emerge, as I help you examine the shame you may have felt your whole life. My clients are predominantly from the LGBTQ+ community and are often BAME also. I have over time developed a specialism for helping those with layered intersectionality and the challenges this brings when navigating the world, which can be a lonely and difficult place. We can work together and help you to establish better relationships and a clearer sense of self.
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Photo of Nicholas Little, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Nicholas Little
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1A  (Online Only)
I am a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience working in the helping professions. I approach my clinical work from a compassionate perspective, mindful of how difficult it can be to speak openly about struggling. I have experience of working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, bereavement, shame, low self-esteem, trauma, perfectionism, OCD, relationship difficulties, stress, burnout and abuse, amongst other things. I also have expertise working affirmatively with LGBTQ+ communities, gay men, GSRD, diversity & inclusion and intersectionality.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience working in the helping professions. I approach my clinical work from a compassionate perspective, mindful of how difficult it can be to speak openly about struggling. I have experience of working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, bereavement, shame, low self-esteem, trauma, perfectionism, OCD, relationship difficulties, stress, burnout and abuse, amongst other things. I also have expertise working affirmatively with LGBTQ+ communities, gay men, GSRD, diversity & inclusion and intersectionality.
020 3912 7453 View 020 3912 7453
Photo of Ryan Powell, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Ryan Powell
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London EC4R
I specialize in anxiety and depression; however I am experienced with LGBTQ+ clients, addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders and much more.
I am trained in both couple’s therapy and individual therapy and also offer Supervision. As an Integrative Counsellor, I am here to walk beside you on your journey. My approach is empathetic and compassionate; however I will challenge my clients to help them achieve their goals. I have worked within the NHS and now within a university conducting short term solution focused therapy. I have created a successful private practice and I want the sessions to focus on my clients needs. I will provide the platform for you to discuss what you need to discuss and the safety of a confidential, caring and warm space.
I specialize in anxiety and depression; however I am experienced with LGBTQ+ clients, addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders and much more.
I am trained in both couple’s therapy and individual therapy and also offer Supervision. As an Integrative Counsellor, I am here to walk beside you on your journey. My approach is empathetic and compassionate; however I will challenge my clients to help them achieve their goals. I have worked within the NHS and now within a university conducting short term solution focused therapy. I have created a successful private practice and I want the sessions to focus on my clients needs. I will provide the platform for you to discuss what you need to discuss and the safety of a confidential, caring and warm space.
020 4538 8657 View 020 4538 8657
Photo of Danielle D'Mello, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Danielle D'Mello
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2M  (Online Only)
People seek therapy for many reasons at different times in their life, and finding the right fit with a therapist can be important. I am a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) and a chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I specialise in trauma informed approaches, including EMDR. I identify as queer and mixed race. I have experience of working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including people who feel more comfortable working with a therapist from the same LGBTQI+ or POC community as them.
People seek therapy for many reasons at different times in their life, and finding the right fit with a therapist can be important. I am a Counselling Psychologist registered with the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) and a chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I specialise in trauma informed approaches, including EMDR. I identify as queer and mixed race. I have experience of working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including people who feel more comfortable working with a therapist from the same LGBTQI+ or POC community as them.
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Photo of Marc Mason, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Marc Mason
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1V
I am part of the LGBTQ+ community and have experience of working with clients who have experiences associated with living ‘against the grain'.
Together we will work with whatever you bring to therapy. This may be an issue that is clear and well defined. You might want change in your relationship or in your work, or you may want support dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or shame, for example. But it might also be something much vaguer, it may be a general interest in exploring aspects of your life or way of relating to the world, or it might be a sense of confusion, stuckness, dissatisfaction or unfinished business.
I am part of the LGBTQ+ community and have experience of working with clients who have experiences associated with living ‘against the grain'.
Together we will work with whatever you bring to therapy. This may be an issue that is clear and well defined. You might want change in your relationship or in your work, or you may want support dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or shame, for example. But it might also be something much vaguer, it may be a general interest in exploring aspects of your life or way of relating to the world, or it might be a sense of confusion, stuckness, dissatisfaction or unfinished business.
020 4538 6090 View 020 4538 6090
Photo of Marek Sarnecki, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Marek Sarnecki
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London EC4N
I have an extensive experience in working with and supporting the LGBTQ+ community and their unique life challenges like coming out, internalised homophobia, self-esteem issues and other day-to-day struggles.
My name is Marek and I am a Psychotherapist and a Sex and Relationship Therapist who works in a private practice and in a higher education institution in London. I believe therapy helps people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to become free of old patterns, or simply find ways to process pain or memories that have kept them feeling stuck. I strongly believe that we simply repeat what we don't repair. I have a heart and a passion for the work I do in creating effective change. My clinical experience includes working for: NHS, a community counselling services, and a suicidal respite centre.
I have an extensive experience in working with and supporting the LGBTQ+ community and their unique life challenges like coming out, internalised homophobia, self-esteem issues and other day-to-day struggles.
My name is Marek and I am a Psychotherapist and a Sex and Relationship Therapist who works in a private practice and in a higher education institution in London. I believe therapy helps people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships to become free of old patterns, or simply find ways to process pain or memories that have kept them feeling stuck. I strongly believe that we simply repeat what we don't repair. I have a heart and a passion for the work I do in creating effective change. My clinical experience includes working for: NHS, a community counselling services, and a suicidal respite centre.
020 3962 2243 View 020 3962 2243
Photo of Matthew Jadavji - A New Hope Therapy: LGBTQ+ and ADHD Psychotherapy, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
A New Hope Therapy: LGBTQ+ and ADHD Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Central London, London WC1X  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Matthew (he/him). I offer support for anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. My specialisation is working with people who are LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent, however, I offer a warm welcome to everyone. Having personally experienced the challenges of living in a heteronormative and neurotypical world, I understand the difficulties of coping with feelings of shame and rejection. I believe these feelings can be overcome and offer a new hope for living comfortably and authentically.
Hello, I'm Matthew (he/him). I offer support for anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. My specialisation is working with people who are LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent, however, I offer a warm welcome to everyone. Having personally experienced the challenges of living in a heteronormative and neurotypical world, I understand the difficulties of coping with feelings of shame and rejection. I believe these feelings can be overcome and offer a new hope for living comfortably and authentically.
020 3823 6649 View 020 3823 6649
Photo of David Weale, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
David Weale
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1H
I am experienced in supporting LGBTQ+ clients, particularly gay men.
I am a transactional analysis psychotherapist and counsellor. I always appreciate that it takes courage to seek support and the first step can seem daunting. Therapy can help to organise your thoughts and feelings and free you from repeated patterns of behaviour that prevent you from leading a happier and more fulfilling life. You can learn to understand why those patterns are there and how to change them, so that they no longer control what you are trying to achieve for yourself. Following the pandemic, I work online and face to face (depending on availability of space). The virtual setting is calm, confidential and safe.
I am experienced in supporting LGBTQ+ clients, particularly gay men.
I am a transactional analysis psychotherapist and counsellor. I always appreciate that it takes courage to seek support and the first step can seem daunting. Therapy can help to organise your thoughts and feelings and free you from repeated patterns of behaviour that prevent you from leading a happier and more fulfilling life. You can learn to understand why those patterns are there and how to change them, so that they no longer control what you are trying to achieve for yourself. Following the pandemic, I work online and face to face (depending on availability of space). The virtual setting is calm, confidential and safe.
020 3917 4167 View 020 3917 4167
Photo of Will Hardy, MBACP, Counsellor
Will Hardy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2M
Hello! I am based online and in South and East London - I provide LGBTQ+ therapy and counselling for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, questioning, polyamorous, kink, ace etc. I offer short or long term individual therapy for adults and my work is queer positive, sex affirming, collaborative and fluid. I work primarily with individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, however, this is not exclusively. My approach to therapeutic work is within an open and non judgemental mindset.
Hello! I am based online and in South and East London - I provide LGBTQ+ therapy and counselling for those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, questioning, polyamorous, kink, ace etc. I offer short or long term individual therapy for adults and my work is queer positive, sex affirming, collaborative and fluid. I work primarily with individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, however, this is not exclusively. My approach to therapeutic work is within an open and non judgemental mindset.
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Photo of Rachel Jane Cooke, MA, Counsellor
Rachel Jane Cooke
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London EC2M
You may be feeling overwhelmed & disconnected in your relationships & work, &/or experiencing anxiety & despair about the state of the world - the climate crisis, the political landscape, the “never enough” of grind culture capitalism, the multitude of oppressive systems that plague us (racism, cisheteropatriarchy etc). I’ve been practicing for 15 years & find it especially rewarding working with those who are highly sensitive, empathic, artists, activists, queer, non monogamous, those struggling with a dysregulated nervous system, anxious attachment, poor boundaries & people pleasing. I work somatically alongside talk therapy.
You may be feeling overwhelmed & disconnected in your relationships & work, &/or experiencing anxiety & despair about the state of the world - the climate crisis, the political landscape, the “never enough” of grind culture capitalism, the multitude of oppressive systems that plague us (racism, cisheteropatriarchy etc). I’ve been practicing for 15 years & find it especially rewarding working with those who are highly sensitive, empathic, artists, activists, queer, non monogamous, those struggling with a dysregulated nervous system, anxious attachment, poor boundaries & people pleasing. I work somatically alongside talk therapy.
020 3974 1046 View 020 3974 1046
Photo of Salvo La Rosa, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Salvo La Rosa
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1A
I specialize in working with stress and trauma, working with neurodivergent people and LGBTQ+ people.
My name is Salvo La Rosa and I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist, EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Whatever your wound or life struggle, I will offer a calm and professional space to help you navigate through your current circumstances and towards a direction that is true and right for you. I would work with you to understand where you'd like to get to and to help you build on your own resilience and resources. I work in a compassionate way with the legacy of the past and to assist you as you expand your coping skills and achieve more and more of your qualities and potential.
I specialize in working with stress and trauma, working with neurodivergent people and LGBTQ+ people.
My name is Salvo La Rosa and I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist, EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Whatever your wound or life struggle, I will offer a calm and professional space to help you navigate through your current circumstances and towards a direction that is true and right for you. I would work with you to understand where you'd like to get to and to help you build on your own resilience and resources. I work in a compassionate way with the legacy of the past and to assist you as you expand your coping skills and achieve more and more of your qualities and potential.
020 3984 9536 View 020 3984 9536
Photo of Daniel Dennehy, MBACP, Counsellor
Daniel Dennehy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London EC2M
I have spent many years working in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly with gay men.
Hi I'm Daniel (He/Him). I'm a counsellor who provides support for people that are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety and grief. I work with people seeking support with difficult life decisions and challenges in their relationships. Often people attend because they are feeling 'stuck'; finding themselves arriving at the same place, despite trying really hard to change. Perhaps they are drinking, shopping or eating to cope or escape. The sex and relationships they're having has stopped feeling safe or fulfilling. They're doing things to 'feel better' while avoiding people, places or decisions due to fear or shame.
I have spent many years working in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly with gay men.
Hi I'm Daniel (He/Him). I'm a counsellor who provides support for people that are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety and grief. I work with people seeking support with difficult life decisions and challenges in their relationships. Often people attend because they are feeling 'stuck'; finding themselves arriving at the same place, despite trying really hard to change. Perhaps they are drinking, shopping or eating to cope or escape. The sex and relationships they're having has stopped feeling safe or fulfilling. They're doing things to 'feel better' while avoiding people, places or decisions due to fear or shame.
020 3879 4294 View 020 3879 4294
Photo of Mauricio Alvarez, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Mauricio Alvarez
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Central London, London WC1A  (Online Only)
Throughout my clinical and research career, I've been interested in identity, attachment, and trauma, primarily in LGBTQIA+ communities.
I work with a wide range of clients, however, most clients reach out to me when they are looking to work around relationships, low mood or anxiety, and difficulties in adjusting to change. Overall, my aim is to help my clients gain insight into their struggles and find different ways of thinking, behaving, and feeling about life and their circumstances. Change can sometimes be a painful and scary process, but working with someone willing to walk alongside you and help you develop the skills to manage the process can certainly make the therapeutic journey a pleasant and enjoyable one.
Throughout my clinical and research career, I've been interested in identity, attachment, and trauma, primarily in LGBTQIA+ communities.
I work with a wide range of clients, however, most clients reach out to me when they are looking to work around relationships, low mood or anxiety, and difficulties in adjusting to change. Overall, my aim is to help my clients gain insight into their struggles and find different ways of thinking, behaving, and feeling about life and their circumstances. Change can sometimes be a painful and scary process, but working with someone willing to walk alongside you and help you develop the skills to manage the process can certainly make the therapeutic journey a pleasant and enjoyable one.
020 3835 6065 View 020 3835 6065
Photo of Ethan Monroe, MBACP, Counsellor
Ethan Monroe
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London EC1A
I am a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist specialising in working with anxiety, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ folks, however, everybody is welcome.
You might be feeling anxious or flat, maybe you are experiencing unresolved grief, feeling stuck, or perhaps you are unhappy within your relationships (romantic, familial or friendship), whatever it may be, we can begin to acknowledge it together. I will be a facilitator in your therapeutic journey. Together, we will discover the tools and insights that will enable you to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with individuals, couples and intimate partners. I assist couples and partners in navigating differences in desire and trust concerns, while also aiding those seeking improved communication, security, and connection.
I am a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist specialising in working with anxiety, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ folks, however, everybody is welcome.
You might be feeling anxious or flat, maybe you are experiencing unresolved grief, feeling stuck, or perhaps you are unhappy within your relationships (romantic, familial or friendship), whatever it may be, we can begin to acknowledge it together. I will be a facilitator in your therapeutic journey. Together, we will discover the tools and insights that will enable you to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with individuals, couples and intimate partners. I assist couples and partners in navigating differences in desire and trust concerns, while also aiding those seeking improved communication, security, and connection.
020 3728 8272 View 020 3728 8272
Photo of Rebekah Banks, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Rebekah Banks
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Central London, London WC1A  (Online Only)
I understand and trust that my clients are the experts of their own lives and encourage their ability to make positive decisions for their growth and development. I have gained a wealth of experience working with people from all walks of life in a variety of situations and practices. However, my special interest is working with minority groups and I have an expertise in therapeutically supporting the LGBTQ+ community and people of colour living in the UK.
I understand and trust that my clients are the experts of their own lives and encourage their ability to make positive decisions for their growth and development. I have gained a wealth of experience working with people from all walks of life in a variety of situations and practices. However, my special interest is working with minority groups and I have an expertise in therapeutically supporting the LGBTQ+ community and people of colour living in the UK.
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Photo of Paul Vigg, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Paul Vigg
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Central London, London EC1A
I identify as a gay man and part of the queer, LGBTQ+ and GSRD communities.
We're living through a strange and uncertain time. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you're continuing on your journey with self-exploration, know that I am available to support you and that change is possible. In my counselling practice, I believe in the transformative potential within each individual. I offer a safe haven for exploration and creative self-discovery. Whether you're navigating through challenges or seeking personal growth, I will accompany you on your journey. I embrace all aspects of your experience – whether it's distress, confusion, or pain, as well as joy, love, and self-acceptance.
I identify as a gay man and part of the queer, LGBTQ+ and GSRD communities.
We're living through a strange and uncertain time. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you're continuing on your journey with self-exploration, know that I am available to support you and that change is possible. In my counselling practice, I believe in the transformative potential within each individual. I offer a safe haven for exploration and creative self-discovery. Whether you're navigating through challenges or seeking personal growth, I will accompany you on your journey. I embrace all aspects of your experience – whether it's distress, confusion, or pain, as well as joy, love, and self-acceptance.
01273 121192 View 01273 121192

See more therapy options for Central London, London

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.