LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Windlesham, ENG

Photo of Lesley Weir Davies, DCounsPsych, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor
Lesley Weir Davies
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Windlesham GU20
I aim to treat each individual equally to ensure that they are treated as unique and will be seen regardless of age,culture,gender,disability,sexual orientation or background.
I aim to treat each individual equally to ensure that they are treated as unique and will be seen regardless of age,culture,gender,disability,sexual orientation or background.
01483 940029 View 01483 940029
Photo of Catherine Moss, MBACP, Counsellor
Catherine Moss
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Windlesham GU20
I work with adults 1 to 1 and also couples to focus on relationships both with yourself and others. I'll provide a gentle, safe, supportive therapeutic relationship where you gain a deeper understanding of your own needs and the needs of others. I'll be beside you as you make sense of things and understand yourself and your relationships better. We can work together to recognise unhelpful patterns that where the past is affecting your present and future. Therapy is your space to untangle hard feelings, difficult situations or work through past, painful experiences.
I work with adults 1 to 1 and also couples to focus on relationships both with yourself and others. I'll provide a gentle, safe, supportive therapeutic relationship where you gain a deeper understanding of your own needs and the needs of others. I'll be beside you as you make sense of things and understand yourself and your relationships better. We can work together to recognise unhelpful patterns that where the past is affecting your present and future. Therapy is your space to untangle hard feelings, difficult situations or work through past, painful experiences.
01276 748061 View 01276 748061
Photo of Lisa Prentice - By Your Side Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
By Your Side Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Windlesham GU20
Life can offer wonderful experiences, but it can also present challenges that can be difficult to manage. Similarly, the people in our lives can bring us joy but relationships can be stressful and can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Navigating life's journey isn't always straightforward, and discovering our own path can be difficult. Sometimes we may need help in order to make sense of it all, this is where I can support you.
Life can offer wonderful experiences, but it can also present challenges that can be difficult to manage. Similarly, the people in our lives can bring us joy but relationships can be stressful and can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Navigating life's journey isn't always straightforward, and discovering our own path can be difficult. Sometimes we may need help in order to make sense of it all, this is where I can support you.
01344 959679 View 01344 959679

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rob Millist - Rob Millist Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Rob Millist Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ascot SL5
Trauma-Wise / ADHD Autism / LGBTQ+ Counsellor available on Thursdays and Fridays for face to face sessions in Ascot or other days via Zoom / Phone. I'm trained and experienced in helping young people (11+) and adults who are struggling with their mental health. I’m also an experienced Schools Counsellor, a role I muchly enjoy. Are you experiencing difficulty on an every day level that is getting in the way of how you'd truly like to be? If you want to work on your issues and goals with me, let's team up and explore what you need, in line with your values, and how we can get you there.
Trauma-Wise / ADHD Autism / LGBTQ+ Counsellor available on Thursdays and Fridays for face to face sessions in Ascot or other days via Zoom / Phone. I'm trained and experienced in helping young people (11+) and adults who are struggling with their mental health. I’m also an experienced Schools Counsellor, a role I muchly enjoy. Are you experiencing difficulty on an every day level that is getting in the way of how you'd truly like to be? If you want to work on your issues and goals with me, let's team up and explore what you need, in line with your values, and how we can get you there.
01784 918298 View 01784 918298
Photo of Josiah Twiselton - Josiah at Off Beat Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Josiah at Off Beat Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Guildford GU1
I offer a lived experience perspective when working with queer, trans and autistic clients.
Welcome, I'm Josiah. I am passionate about providing counselling to all, with a particular focus on serving those who may not feel comfortable or accepted at traditional therapy services. My clients are typically looking for someone who understands the complexity of being 'different' and 'other' in our society. I see clients both online and in Farnham, Surrey.
I offer a lived experience perspective when working with queer, trans and autistic clients.
Welcome, I'm Josiah. I am passionate about providing counselling to all, with a particular focus on serving those who may not feel comfortable or accepted at traditional therapy services. My clients are typically looking for someone who understands the complexity of being 'different' and 'other' in our society. I see clients both online and in Farnham, Surrey.
01252 414813 View 01252 414813
Photo of Miles Chinnachart Poola-Or, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Miles Chinnachart Poola-Or
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4  (Online Only)
Whether you are BAME, LGBTQIA+, an immigrant, an international student who is struggling to find their place in the UK, a high achieving individual who feels you’re not enough, couples who are experiencing challenges due to cultural and lifestyles differences, or an individual who is striving for personal growth, I am here to help you along the way.
As a therapist, I believe our personal experiences have a profound impact on how we perceive and interact with the world around us. We receive messages on how we should live our lives, and we learn to accommodate those messages in hopes to "fit in" with society. As an Asian gay man and being sent to boarding school, I understand the challenges of living authentically while also trying to honour the norms, values, and expectations of the community you come from.
Whether you are BAME, LGBTQIA+, an immigrant, an international student who is struggling to find their place in the UK, a high achieving individual who feels you’re not enough, couples who are experiencing challenges due to cultural and lifestyles differences, or an individual who is striving for personal growth, I am here to help you along the way.
As a therapist, I believe our personal experiences have a profound impact on how we perceive and interact with the world around us. We receive messages on how we should live our lives, and we learn to accommodate those messages in hopes to "fit in" with society. As an Asian gay man and being sent to boarding school, I understand the challenges of living authentically while also trying to honour the norms, values, and expectations of the community you come from.
020 3823 6238 View 020 3823 6238
Photo of Olivia Rose Shaw - Olivia Rose Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
Olivia Rose Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bracknell RG12  (Online Only)
Not being accepted for your full identity, experiencing the turmoil of family conflict or disconnection, or healing from abuse may have lead to you feeling confused, anxious, angry, ashamed or frustrated, or just completely fed up. You might wonder if you're good enough, or "normal". I am particularly passionate about helping people who feel like an 'other', with a profound sense of difference from family, friends or community. I have professional and lived experience and understanding of the LGBT+ community, neurodiverse individuals and survivors of parental abuse and neglect, as well as sexual abuse.
Not being accepted for your full identity, experiencing the turmoil of family conflict or disconnection, or healing from abuse may have lead to you feeling confused, anxious, angry, ashamed or frustrated, or just completely fed up. You might wonder if you're good enough, or "normal". I am particularly passionate about helping people who feel like an 'other', with a profound sense of difference from family, friends or community. I have professional and lived experience and understanding of the LGBT+ community, neurodiverse individuals and survivors of parental abuse and neglect, as well as sexual abuse.
01344 951381 View 01344 951381
Photo of Charlotte Ord, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Charlotte Ord
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Guildford GU1
Having spent over a decade working in the health and fitness industry prior to training as a psychologist, I have a particular interest in issues relating to the body, including weight, eating disorders, and body dissatisfaction. I have extensive experience working with people in larger bodies and am an advocate of health at every size and body diversity. I also have a strong interest in LGBTQ+ issues and am experienced in working with clients who struggle with a range of other difficulties including anxiety, depression, loneliness, bereavement and life transitions. I am able to support adults and young people aged sixteen +.
Having spent over a decade working in the health and fitness industry prior to training as a psychologist, I have a particular interest in issues relating to the body, including weight, eating disorders, and body dissatisfaction. I have extensive experience working with people in larger bodies and am an advocate of health at every size and body diversity. I also have a strong interest in LGBTQ+ issues and am experienced in working with clients who struggle with a range of other difficulties including anxiety, depression, loneliness, bereavement and life transitions. I am able to support adults and young people aged sixteen +.
01483 930169 View 01483 930169
Photo of Adriana Prado, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Adriana Prado
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bracknell RG12
I'm trained and experienced in helping young people (13+) and adults who are struggling with their mental health, and in gently assisting them in their search for the roots of those feelings. I work closely with LGBTQ+ folk, and with those who are and/or love neurodivergent people (ASD, ADHD, AuDHD, etc). I'm also an experienced School Counsellor, a role I greatly enjoy. I'm trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and culturally attuned. We will use your personal values and beliefs as our reference points during therapy, so that we can safely explore what's going on for you from the only appropriate perspective: your own.
I'm trained and experienced in helping young people (13+) and adults who are struggling with their mental health, and in gently assisting them in their search for the roots of those feelings. I work closely with LGBTQ+ folk, and with those who are and/or love neurodivergent people (ASD, ADHD, AuDHD, etc). I'm also an experienced School Counsellor, a role I greatly enjoy. I'm trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and culturally attuned. We will use your personal values and beliefs as our reference points during therapy, so that we can safely explore what's going on for you from the only appropriate perspective: your own.
01344 951451 View 01344 951451
Photo of Carole Carter, MRes, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Carole Carter
Psychologist, MRes, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
I offer an accepting space for LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous (ENM) and kinky people that's grounded in knowledge of these different communities and the unique experiences they face.
The people I work with face a number of the following: being burntout, feeling like they’re buried by the demands of life and lost the spark for life, struggling with stress, unsure about their identity, feeling like they don’t know themselves, wrestling with self critical thoughts and a lack of self acceptance, dealing with gender dysphoria, unsure about coming out to people, facing some tough reactions from others, wanting some support in adopting a new relationship structure or philosophy towards relationships, struggling with insecurities, experiencing difficult emotions like jealousy, anger and resentment.
I offer an accepting space for LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous (ENM) and kinky people that's grounded in knowledge of these different communities and the unique experiences they face.
The people I work with face a number of the following: being burntout, feeling like they’re buried by the demands of life and lost the spark for life, struggling with stress, unsure about their identity, feeling like they don’t know themselves, wrestling with self critical thoughts and a lack of self acceptance, dealing with gender dysphoria, unsure about coming out to people, facing some tough reactions from others, wanting some support in adopting a new relationship structure or philosophy towards relationships, struggling with insecurities, experiencing difficult emotions like jealousy, anger and resentment.
01628 965491 View 01628 965491
Photo of Nina Jellinek, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Nina Jellinek
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Aldershot GU12
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 Sue Hughes, MBACP, Counsellor
Sue Hughes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Woking GU24
I have also worked with teenagers at a College, working with many issues such as transgender, abuse and exam worries.
Life experiences can overwhelm us. They may leave us feeling confused as to how to move forward, or unable to cope with a past or present day situation. Counselling offers clients the opportunity to explore these troubling situations in a non-judgemental and safe environment, free from criticism. I believe everyone is unique, therefore sessions are tailored to each individual. They are taken at your pace, allowing time for you to process your thoughts and feelings. Counselling allows you to be understood, and heard, and helps YOU find the answers.
I have also worked with teenagers at a College, working with many issues such as transgender, abuse and exam worries.
Life experiences can overwhelm us. They may leave us feeling confused as to how to move forward, or unable to cope with a past or present day situation. Counselling offers clients the opportunity to explore these troubling situations in a non-judgemental and safe environment, free from criticism. I believe everyone is unique, therefore sessions are tailored to each individual. They are taken at your pace, allowing time for you to process your thoughts and feelings. Counselling allows you to be understood, and heard, and helps YOU find the answers.
01276 740190 View 01276 740190
Photo of Aude Ayliffe - Aude Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Aude Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Guildford GU1
I believe my multi-cultural background, personal life journey and wide professional experience mean that I offer a safe and non-judgemental approach rooted in compassion around a wide range of presenting issues: mostly Anxiety, ADHD, ASD, Trauma, Abuse, LGBTQ+, etc.
Hello my name is Aude and I am a BACP registered Psychotherapist and Transformational Coach with over a decade of professional experience in private practice, specialist schools, colleges and charities. I aim to offer a unique dual approach rooted in compassion and understanding to fit your needs, challenges and concerns. As a multi-disciplinary therapist for adults and young people (from 11y old), my approach incorporates humanistic, person-centred, psychodynamic, transformational coaching, mindfulness, and CBT modalities, depending on my client's individual needs.
I believe my multi-cultural background, personal life journey and wide professional experience mean that I offer a safe and non-judgemental approach rooted in compassion around a wide range of presenting issues: mostly Anxiety, ADHD, ASD, Trauma, Abuse, LGBTQ+, etc.
Hello my name is Aude and I am a BACP registered Psychotherapist and Transformational Coach with over a decade of professional experience in private practice, specialist schools, colleges and charities. I aim to offer a unique dual approach rooted in compassion and understanding to fit your needs, challenges and concerns. As a multi-disciplinary therapist for adults and young people (from 11y old), my approach incorporates humanistic, person-centred, psychodynamic, transformational coaching, mindfulness, and CBT modalities, depending on my client's individual needs.
01793 540243 View 01793 540243
Photo of Ishpal Kaur Kharay - Dr Ishpal Kharay, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Ishpal Kharay
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Weybridge KT13
My name is Ishpal and I am a Senior Counselling Psychologist and I offer individual and couple therapy. I have specialist experience in sexual health and HIV, as well as other long term health conditions, and sexual difficulties, depression and anxiety. I am an anti-racist psychologist and an active ally of the LGBTQ+ communities. I offer psychological therapy for individuals and couples and I work using an integrative approach, drawing on a number of theories, including: humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, narrative, and psychosexual therapies.
My name is Ishpal and I am a Senior Counselling Psychologist and I offer individual and couple therapy. I have specialist experience in sexual health and HIV, as well as other long term health conditions, and sexual difficulties, depression and anxiety. I am an anti-racist psychologist and an active ally of the LGBTQ+ communities. I offer psychological therapy for individuals and couples and I work using an integrative approach, drawing on a number of theories, including: humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, narrative, and psychosexual therapies.
01372 234147 View 01372 234147
Photo of Nidhish Parikh, MBACP, Counsellor
Nidhish Parikh
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bagshot GU19
Individual & Couples counselling. Please call or email for a free introductory session, to discuss your needs, my practice and how we may work. I'm a BACP registered Integrative Counsellor supporting adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, low-mood, low confidence or self-esteem, anger issues, panic attacks, relationships, racism, LGBTQ+, work, family and school life difficulties. Life happens, at times not in a good way. We wear a public face concealing a very personal struggle. I offer the needed personal space to express those deep innermost feelings without doubt or judgement.
Individual & Couples counselling. Please call or email for a free introductory session, to discuss your needs, my practice and how we may work. I'm a BACP registered Integrative Counsellor supporting adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, low-mood, low confidence or self-esteem, anger issues, panic attacks, relationships, racism, LGBTQ+, work, family and school life difficulties. Life happens, at times not in a good way. We wear a public face concealing a very personal struggle. I offer the needed personal space to express those deep innermost feelings without doubt or judgement.
01276 535698 View 01276 535698
Photo of Helen Drysdale, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Helen Drysdale
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Camberley GU15
Specialist areas include ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, ASC Challenges, Bereavement and Loss, LGBTQ+ Issues, Loneliness, Low Self-esteem, Menopause, Relationship Issues, Stress, Suicidal Thoughts and Work-related Concerns including Conflict, Redundancy and Career Changes.
Looking to make a real change? I offer a friendly, welcoming and safe environment in which to explore your concerns, identify their root causes, evolve your sense of self-worth and gain a greater sense of autonomy. I can help you view your life through a different lens and strengthen your ability to develop resilience when dealing with challenging circumstances. My counselling rooms are in Farnham, Surrey, with nearby parking facilities and links to public transport. I also offer counselling sessions via Zoom, WhatsApp and telephone and work with individuals aged 18 to 80+.
Specialist areas include ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, ASC Challenges, Bereavement and Loss, LGBTQ+ Issues, Loneliness, Low Self-esteem, Menopause, Relationship Issues, Stress, Suicidal Thoughts and Work-related Concerns including Conflict, Redundancy and Career Changes.
Looking to make a real change? I offer a friendly, welcoming and safe environment in which to explore your concerns, identify their root causes, evolve your sense of self-worth and gain a greater sense of autonomy. I can help you view your life through a different lens and strengthen your ability to develop resilience when dealing with challenging circumstances. My counselling rooms are in Farnham, Surrey, with nearby parking facilities and links to public transport. I also offer counselling sessions via Zoom, WhatsApp and telephone and work with individuals aged 18 to 80+.
01252 988518 View 01252 988518
Photo of Helen Dicketts, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Dicketts
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Woking GU22
I have worked with clients through Relate since 1995, first of all only with couples and adult individuals and then since 2013 with Young People aged 10 to 18 through a contract with CAHMS. The couple work has included working with divorce and separation, affairs, extended family issues, parenting, illness, work pressures, communication issues and sexual problems. Clients might start with a clear agenda or we might spend some time establishing the focus of the therapy as it develops. Amongst other things, the work through CAMHS has covered anxiety, suicidal ideation, family issues, sexuality and transgender issues.
I have worked with clients through Relate since 1995, first of all only with couples and adult individuals and then since 2013 with Young People aged 10 to 18 through a contract with CAHMS. The couple work has included working with divorce and separation, affairs, extended family issues, parenting, illness, work pressures, communication issues and sexual problems. Clients might start with a clear agenda or we might spend some time establishing the focus of the therapy as it develops. Amongst other things, the work through CAMHS has covered anxiety, suicidal ideation, family issues, sexuality and transgender issues.
01483 802347 View 01483 802347
Photo of Lina Helena Milner, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Lina Helena Milner
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
I work with couples and individuals (heterosexual, LGBTQ+) in short and long-term therapy from my online private practice and face-to-face therapy rooms in North and Central London.
My specialism is relationship and sex therapy for couples and individuals. Every relationship has a challenge, but if you feel that the problem has persisted for too long and caused a lot of distress for you, do contact me and we can have a conversation about the type of counselling that will suit your needs. I also work with individuals who and trying get over break up or have difficulties in forming or ending relationships. I offer an empathetic, safe, and professional environment within which we can work together to facilitate the potential for change in the relationship and work towards sexual health, happiness and well-being.
I work with couples and individuals (heterosexual, LGBTQ+) in short and long-term therapy from my online private practice and face-to-face therapy rooms in North and Central London.
My specialism is relationship and sex therapy for couples and individuals. Every relationship has a challenge, but if you feel that the problem has persisted for too long and caused a lot of distress for you, do contact me and we can have a conversation about the type of counselling that will suit your needs. I also work with individuals who and trying get over break up or have difficulties in forming or ending relationships. I offer an empathetic, safe, and professional environment within which we can work together to facilitate the potential for change in the relationship and work towards sexual health, happiness and well-being.
07723 456237 View 07723 456237
Photo of Sarah Comerford, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Comerford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wokingham RG40
I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and affirmative counsellor.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may have something specific that you are looking to change or gain help with. It may be that you're feeling stuck, experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, uncertainty and/or feeling overwhelmed. You may have experienced trauma and feel ready to explore this further. Maybe you are looking for an opportunity to get to know yourself better. Counselling allows you to do all of these things, it is a time and space for you. It is an invitation to escape distractions, pressures and your external demands and explore who you are.
I am an LGBTQIA+ ally and affirmative counsellor.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may have something specific that you are looking to change or gain help with. It may be that you're feeling stuck, experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, uncertainty and/or feeling overwhelmed. You may have experienced trauma and feel ready to explore this further. Maybe you are looking for an opportunity to get to know yourself better. Counselling allows you to do all of these things, it is a time and space for you. It is an invitation to escape distractions, pressures and your external demands and explore who you are.
01344 596171 View 01344 596171
Photo of Emma L Jaye - Roots & Horizons Psychotherapy, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Roots & Horizons Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Warfield RG42
I am proud to offer an LGBTQIA+ friendly, TGNC-affirming and neurodivergent-inclusive practice.
Hi, I'm Emma Ironside, Founder of Roots & Horizons. I'm so pleased you've found me! I am a Level 7 BACP registered psychotherapist, and a practitioner psychologist, in the final stages of completing my Doctorate training in Counselling Psychology. I offer individual and couples therapy to to those who may be experiencing relationship issues, or who notice they keep getting stuck in the same patterns in relationships. I help people to implement healthy boundaries with themselves and others, and support people to explore and understand their identity and experiences, without judgement. I offer a warm, inclusive and welcoming practice!
I am proud to offer an LGBTQIA+ friendly, TGNC-affirming and neurodivergent-inclusive practice.
Hi, I'm Emma Ironside, Founder of Roots & Horizons. I'm so pleased you've found me! I am a Level 7 BACP registered psychotherapist, and a practitioner psychologist, in the final stages of completing my Doctorate training in Counselling Psychology. I offer individual and couples therapy to to those who may be experiencing relationship issues, or who notice they keep getting stuck in the same patterns in relationships. I help people to implement healthy boundaries with themselves and others, and support people to explore and understand their identity and experiences, without judgement. I offer a warm, inclusive and welcoming practice!
01344 964063 View 01344 964063

See more therapy options for Windlesham

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.