LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Sawbridgeworth, ENG

Photo of Jeanette Prever
Jeanette Prever
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
Counselling is based on establishing a safe, trusting and non judgemental therapeutic relationship offering a regular time and place to be listened to, heard and understood and an opportunity to explore emotional difficulties. It is a way to facilitate choice, enable change, reduce confusion and discover ways of living more resourcefully, developing personal awareness and increasing self confidence. Counselling gives an opportunity to speak freely and confidentially about personal concerns, these may be work issues, stress and anxiety personal relationships, bereavement, separation, divorce, redundancy confusion or life changes.
Counselling is based on establishing a safe, trusting and non judgemental therapeutic relationship offering a regular time and place to be listened to, heard and understood and an opportunity to explore emotional difficulties. It is a way to facilitate choice, enable change, reduce confusion and discover ways of living more resourcefully, developing personal awareness and increasing self confidence. Counselling gives an opportunity to speak freely and confidentially about personal concerns, these may be work issues, stress and anxiety personal relationships, bereavement, separation, divorce, redundancy confusion or life changes.
01279 351983 View 01279 351983
Photo of Katy Bradbury, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Katy Bradbury
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
I provide therapy for individuals, couples or family groups. I am experienced at dealing with a range of client issues and can work with several models of counselling to suit your specific needs. I have particular experience in working with anxiety, depression, addiction, childhood abuse, trauma and relationship issues. I am happy to help you to deal with anything you are going through and have worked with a wide variety of clients. I am also a qualified supervisor and provide supervisory support for counsellors and therapists working with adolescents, adults and couples
I provide therapy for individuals, couples or family groups. I am experienced at dealing with a range of client issues and can work with several models of counselling to suit your specific needs. I have particular experience in working with anxiety, depression, addiction, childhood abuse, trauma and relationship issues. I am happy to help you to deal with anything you are going through and have worked with a wide variety of clients. I am also a qualified supervisor and provide supervisory support for counsellors and therapists working with adolescents, adults and couples
01279 598046 View 01279 598046
Photo of Saira Plane - Herts and Essex Psychotherapy and Counselling, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Herts and Essex Psychotherapy and Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
Trauma and related issues are at the heart of a lot of the work I do with most clients. Whether that be Racial Trauma, or the impacts of living in our patriarchal, capitalist, oppressive, ableist, queerphobic society on other marginalised communities. It might be related to a client's experience of abuse (recent or historical), loss, or attachment issues. Or it could show up as the manifestation of unprocessed trauma by way of addiction, or family, parenting or interpersonal relationship issues, for example. Whatever you're holding, my aim is to provide a safe and healing space to help you both unburden and process.
Trauma and related issues are at the heart of a lot of the work I do with most clients. Whether that be Racial Trauma, or the impacts of living in our patriarchal, capitalist, oppressive, ableist, queerphobic society on other marginalised communities. It might be related to a client's experience of abuse (recent or historical), loss, or attachment issues. Or it could show up as the manifestation of unprocessed trauma by way of addiction, or family, parenting or interpersonal relationship issues, for example. Whatever you're holding, my aim is to provide a safe and healing space to help you both unburden and process.
01279 211970 View 01279 211970
Photo of Richie Taylor, MUKCP, Counsellor
Richie Taylor
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
My belief is that getting better through positive change and understanding is the aim of good therapy. Being able to share and process your inner thinking and emotional problems with a non judgemental person is key to recovery. My job as your counsellor is to provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore, work through and understand your inner issues.
My belief is that getting better through positive change and understanding is the aim of good therapy. Being able to share and process your inner thinking and emotional problems with a non judgemental person is key to recovery. My job as your counsellor is to provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore, work through and understand your inner issues.
01206 239976 View 01206 239976
Photo of Berenice Brown, BACP, Counsellor
Berenice Brown
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed and not sure what to do or who to trust or turn to? maybe counselling could help. Hello, my name is Berenice and I have experience working with and supporting clients with a range of life challenges, and I am here to help you. I know that seeking help can be daunting, which can evoke strong feelings of fear, sadness or even anticipation. Sometimes life can be overwhelming, stressful and feel complicated.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed and not sure what to do or who to trust or turn to? maybe counselling could help. Hello, my name is Berenice and I have experience working with and supporting clients with a range of life challenges, and I am here to help you. I know that seeking help can be daunting, which can evoke strong feelings of fear, sadness or even anticipation. Sometimes life can be overwhelming, stressful and feel complicated.
01279 598387 View 01279 598387
Photo of Sarah Michelle Jarvis, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Sarah Michelle Jarvis
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
I'm an accredited CBT Therapist with the BABCP. I offer highly effective, NICE recommended CBT for a wide range of problems. I have worked with adults and children with anxiety, depression, OCD and low self-esteem. I am highly experienced and specialise in treating eating disorders and body image concerns. I tailor the treatment to suit your own personal situation and work collaboratively alongside you to solve the problem. I hope to help you feel better as soon as possible.
I'm an accredited CBT Therapist with the BABCP. I offer highly effective, NICE recommended CBT for a wide range of problems. I have worked with adults and children with anxiety, depression, OCD and low self-esteem. I am highly experienced and specialise in treating eating disorders and body image concerns. I tailor the treatment to suit your own personal situation and work collaboratively alongside you to solve the problem. I hope to help you feel better as soon as possible.
01279 976199 View 01279 976199
Photo of Alison Hedger, MBACP, Counsellor
Alison Hedger
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
If you are at a point in life where you feel stuck or at a point of crisis, and it's preventing your ability to enjoy things as you have normally, you may be needing some extra help to find a way forward. Or if one or more of your relationships with others is becoming difficult, and you don't know why, then this can indicate you are struggling. If your inner world is feeling desperate or muddled and too difficult to manage alone, then counselling can be a positive step in trying to change that. To sit and explore your story and feelings with someone can be powerful in unblocking difficult feelings and to understand what you need.
If you are at a point in life where you feel stuck or at a point of crisis, and it's preventing your ability to enjoy things as you have normally, you may be needing some extra help to find a way forward. Or if one or more of your relationships with others is becoming difficult, and you don't know why, then this can indicate you are struggling. If your inner world is feeling desperate or muddled and too difficult to manage alone, then counselling can be a positive step in trying to change that. To sit and explore your story and feelings with someone can be powerful in unblocking difficult feelings and to understand what you need.
01279 598445 View 01279 598445
Photo of Chris Stephen Donovan, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Chris Stephen Donovan
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sawbridgeworth CM21
I am a highly qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, I work with adults, adolescents and children from the age of 5. My approach, though rooted in psychodynamic practice, can be adapted to suit your personal requirements. As a Psychodynamic Counsellor, I work with you to bring understanding to your current day anxieties, fears and beliefs. I explore your unconscious internal belief structures and try to help you make links between these and your current-day feelings and any reoccurring patterns in your life.
I am a highly qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, I work with adults, adolescents and children from the age of 5. My approach, though rooted in psychodynamic practice, can be adapted to suit your personal requirements. As a Psychodynamic Counsellor, I work with you to bring understanding to your current day anxieties, fears and beliefs. I explore your unconscious internal belief structures and try to help you make links between these and your current-day feelings and any reoccurring patterns in your life.
07479 276651 View 07479 276651
Photo of Gosia Millward, MSc, BACP, Psychotherapist
Gosia Millward
Psychotherapist, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21
Seeking therapy is a sign of courage in the depths of conflict. Currently, you may be troubled or overwhelmed, not knowing what is happening either within you, your partner or communicatively between your couple. To be understood and appreciated while conveying the same qualities to another person is an essential component of any satisfying relationship, but it is one that takes an emotional commitment from those involved in finding a resolution. The question I often ask my clients is, "Can you bear the difference of the other, or even tolerate the possibility that they may have a different perspective to the one in your mind?"
Seeking therapy is a sign of courage in the depths of conflict. Currently, you may be troubled or overwhelmed, not knowing what is happening either within you, your partner or communicatively between your couple. To be understood and appreciated while conveying the same qualities to another person is an essential component of any satisfying relationship, but it is one that takes an emotional commitment from those involved in finding a resolution. The question I often ask my clients is, "Can you bear the difference of the other, or even tolerate the possibility that they may have a different perspective to the one in your mind?"
07446 510752 View 07446 510752
Photo of Elena Morris - Hope Psychology Service - Dr Elena Morris, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Hope Psychology Service - Dr Elena Morris
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Sawbridgeworth CM21  (Online Only)
Are you or someone you love, living with chronic pain or physical illness? Have you or your loved one experienced traumatic life experiences that get triggered and impact on day to day life? Are you living with uncertainty, physical discomfort, fear, depression, fatigue, or limitations on living your life? I have 20 years experience, much of it working with people with chronic pain, physical illness, or traumatic stress (incl PTSD) or those that are caring for them, helping them to get their life back on track.
Are you or someone you love, living with chronic pain or physical illness? Have you or your loved one experienced traumatic life experiences that get triggered and impact on day to day life? Are you living with uncertainty, physical discomfort, fear, depression, fatigue, or limitations on living your life? I have 20 years experience, much of it working with people with chronic pain, physical illness, or traumatic stress (incl PTSD) or those that are caring for them, helping them to get their life back on track.
01279 976036 View 01279 976036

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kroy Gabreil Ryder, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Kroy Gabreil Ryder
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London CM22
My practice is inclusive and welcomes everybody, including LGBTQIA+ clients and thoses seeking to understand their sexuality or scars that life has given.
Everybody faces mental well-being challenges in their lifes, this is higher in neurodiverse individuals. I support the challenges faced by people with learning difficulties, this includes but is not limited to Autism, ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyscalculia and Rejection Sensitive Disorder (RSD). You may have a diagnosis or you may just want to explore the possibility of being neurodivergent. I also offer support to parents, partners or family of neurodiverse individuals as it can be hard knowing how to cope with the new needs. Speaking to a counsellor can be a transformative experience for people and can have a positive effect on the individual.
My practice is inclusive and welcomes everybody, including LGBTQIA+ clients and thoses seeking to understand their sexuality or scars that life has given.
Everybody faces mental well-being challenges in their lifes, this is higher in neurodiverse individuals. I support the challenges faced by people with learning difficulties, this includes but is not limited to Autism, ADHD,Dyslexia,Dyscalculia and Rejection Sensitive Disorder (RSD). You may have a diagnosis or you may just want to explore the possibility of being neurodivergent. I also offer support to parents, partners or family of neurodiverse individuals as it can be hard knowing how to cope with the new needs. Speaking to a counsellor can be a transformative experience for people and can have a positive effect on the individual.
01292 430615 View 01292 430615
Photo of Lisa Williams, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Lisa Williams
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Broxbourne EN10
As part of the LGBT community, I am particularly interested in issues that impact us such as trauma, anxiety, identity, intimacy, relationships, parenting and substance misuse challenges.
Hi I'm Lisa a fully qualified BACP/NCPS registered counsellor. I have 10+ years of experience in many areas of mental health, such as anxiety, panic, depression, intimacy and relationship issues, family issues, and low self-esteem. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches & use a range of techniques and interventions tailored to meet your unique needs & ways of working. In our collaborative work together, we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of the ways your experiences, past or present impact you.
As part of the LGBT community, I am particularly interested in issues that impact us such as trauma, anxiety, identity, intimacy, relationships, parenting and substance misuse challenges.
Hi I'm Lisa a fully qualified BACP/NCPS registered counsellor. I have 10+ years of experience in many areas of mental health, such as anxiety, panic, depression, intimacy and relationship issues, family issues, and low self-esteem. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches & use a range of techniques and interventions tailored to meet your unique needs & ways of working. In our collaborative work together, we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of the ways your experiences, past or present impact you.
07732 767168 View 07732 767168
Photo of Stephen Griffiths Swgcounselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Stephen Griffiths Swgcounselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London CM22
I am a Counsellor based in Manchester offering In person and online sessions. Life can be challenging, and in places it can feel intolerable and overwhelming it can be difficult to know where to start unravelling this, how to make changes, what changes, if any, we need to make, and to try to make sense of why we feel the way that we do. This can be a very painful experience but however dark it may be today, doesn't mean tomorrow won't be lighter, counselling can offer an opportunity to be heard and to be understood. I work with clients from all backgrounds but have particular experience working with Addiction and with LGBT+ issues.
I am a Counsellor based in Manchester offering In person and online sessions. Life can be challenging, and in places it can feel intolerable and overwhelming it can be difficult to know where to start unravelling this, how to make changes, what changes, if any, we need to make, and to try to make sense of why we feel the way that we do. This can be a very painful experience but however dark it may be today, doesn't mean tomorrow won't be lighter, counselling can offer an opportunity to be heard and to be understood. I work with clients from all backgrounds but have particular experience working with Addiction and with LGBT+ issues.
01707 247146 View 01707 247146
Photo of Jennifer O'Neil, MBACP, Counsellor
Jennifer O'Neil
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hoddesdon EN11
Some of the issues I work with are; relationships - the way we connect and attach to others, self esteem, sexual issues and health for both men and women, parenting concerns, addiction, codependence, anxiety in it's many forms, depression, loss of meaning and purpose in life, suicidal thoughts, career/work stress, loss/bereavement, LGBTQ+ issues.
Some of the issues I work with are; relationships - the way we connect and attach to others, self esteem, sexual issues and health for both men and women, parenting concerns, addiction, codependence, anxiety in it's many forms, depression, loss of meaning and purpose in life, suicidal thoughts, career/work stress, loss/bereavement, LGBTQ+ issues.
01992 940702 View 01992 940702
Photo of Nina Jellinek, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Nina Jellinek
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Farnham CM23
Accredited Counsellor for adults, young people, and couples. Counselling Supervisor. LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse friendly (with lived and professional experience of both, including experience of autism, PDA profile, ADHD, OCD). I am experienced in working with clients with a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, support for neurodiversity, support re sexuality or identity, trauma, bereavement, childhood issues, domestic violence. I am a Systemic Counsellor, which means I believe in understanding your inner beliefs but also your wider context. I offer a safe space to explore feelings and to look at coping strategies.
Accredited Counsellor for adults, young people, and couples. Counselling Supervisor. LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse friendly (with lived and professional experience of both, including experience of autism, PDA profile, ADHD, OCD). I am experienced in working with clients with a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, support for neurodiversity, support re sexuality or identity, trauma, bereavement, childhood issues, domestic violence. I am a Systemic Counsellor, which means I believe in understanding your inner beliefs but also your wider context. I offer a safe space to explore feelings and to look at coping strategies.
01252 986156 View 01252 986156
Photo of Sara Gamba, MBACP, Counsellor
Sara Gamba
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London CM22
I work with adults, couples and young people, and with those experiencing a range of various difficulties including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, identity issues and grief. I also have experience working with survivors of trauma and sexual abuse, and the distressing ongoing effects this can have on everyday life. I also work with LGBTQ+ and GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diverse) individual and people who are questioning their gender identity, sexual orientation or relationship styles.
I work with adults, couples and young people, and with those experiencing a range of various difficulties including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationships, self-esteem, identity issues and grief. I also have experience working with survivors of trauma and sexual abuse, and the distressing ongoing effects this can have on everyday life. I also work with LGBTQ+ and GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diverse) individual and people who are questioning their gender identity, sexual orientation or relationship styles.
01442 971871 View 01442 971871
Photo of Nicholas Jagels - Nicholas Jagels Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Nicholas Jagels Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hertford SG13
Additionally, I am experienced in working with LGBTQ+ isuues.
I provide a safe, gentle and non judgemental space to talk. As an integrative counsellor, I accept that as individuals we are all unique and have different needs when seeking therapy and support. I believe that it is ultimately the relationship between the client and therapist that is fundamental for a trusting, understanding and safe therapeutic alliance and this allows for the opportunity to explore your feelings, emotions, relationships, ways of thinking and patterns of behaviour.
Additionally, I am experienced in working with LGBTQ+ isuues.
I provide a safe, gentle and non judgemental space to talk. As an integrative counsellor, I accept that as individuals we are all unique and have different needs when seeking therapy and support. I believe that it is ultimately the relationship between the client and therapist that is fundamental for a trusting, understanding and safe therapeutic alliance and this allows for the opportunity to explore your feelings, emotions, relationships, ways of thinking and patterns of behaviour.
01920 452580 View 01920 452580
Photo of Ryan Apollo Ryder, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Ryan Apollo Ryder
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London CM22
My name is Ryan, and I am a Pluralistic counsellor. I also have 41 years of experience as a music teacher helping young people to reach their goals. I can provide you with a safe and supportive environment from which you’ll be listened to and helped to frame the difficult questions. I can help you explore your emotional landscape at a pace that is right for you, without making judgments. Many people experience emotional difficulties at some point in their lives and need to talk through issues to help find a way through. Whatever the issues you are facing, taking the first step can be the hardest.
My name is Ryan, and I am a Pluralistic counsellor. I also have 41 years of experience as a music teacher helping young people to reach their goals. I can provide you with a safe and supportive environment from which you’ll be listened to and helped to frame the difficult questions. I can help you explore your emotional landscape at a pace that is right for you, without making judgments. Many people experience emotional difficulties at some point in their lives and need to talk through issues to help find a way through. Whatever the issues you are facing, taking the first step can be the hardest.
01205 337797 View 01205 337797
Photo of Karen Batchelor, MBACP, Counsellor
Karen Batchelor
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hertford SG14
As we continue to live our lives day after day sometimes this journey can begin to feel like an up hill climb. I am here to listen to any worries, concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing. Are you struggling to cope with a loss, whether it be a bereavement, a relationship, a job or just feeling that your life is passing you by and it is not working out how you had hoped. Sometimes we may find it hard to talk to or confide in our friends and loved ones, worried about upsetting them and not wanting to burden them or perhaps you fear being judged or may think that your problems are not as bad as theirs.
As we continue to live our lives day after day sometimes this journey can begin to feel like an up hill climb. I am here to listen to any worries, concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing. Are you struggling to cope with a loss, whether it be a bereavement, a relationship, a job or just feeling that your life is passing you by and it is not working out how you had hoped. Sometimes we may find it hard to talk to or confide in our friends and loved ones, worried about upsetting them and not wanting to burden them or perhaps you fear being judged or may think that your problems are not as bad as theirs.
01707 959061 View 01707 959061
Photo of Sarah Trenam, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Sarah Trenam
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Epping CM16
Are you experiencing a low mood and feeling overwhelmed, stressed, sad or anxious? I will support you to explore these through offering flexible therapy that works around you through face to face, online, or phone counselling. There maybe other aspects of your life that you may want support with, such as; relationship difficulties, grief, self esteem, the pressure of modern day life, work challenges, becoming a new parent. I am experienced in offering support with more complex issues such as addiction, dual diagnosis, supporting prenatal and postnatal women.
Are you experiencing a low mood and feeling overwhelmed, stressed, sad or anxious? I will support you to explore these through offering flexible therapy that works around you through face to face, online, or phone counselling. There maybe other aspects of your life that you may want support with, such as; relationship difficulties, grief, self esteem, the pressure of modern day life, work challenges, becoming a new parent. I am experienced in offering support with more complex issues such as addiction, dual diagnosis, supporting prenatal and postnatal women.
07723 431750 View 07723 431750

See more therapy options for Sawbridgeworth

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.