Transgender Counselling in Aberdeen

Photo of Gavin McDonald, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Gavin McDonald
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB10
Do you feel like you live in a world that doesn’t accept who you are? A dear friend of mine once summed up this feeling beautifully: “Being LGBTIQ+ is not my issue, it’s living in a world where others take issue with me being LGBTIQ+”. When we live in a society that does not see or respect our difference we internalize a lot of messages and beliefs about who we should, or should not, be. Trying to shape ourselves into an image that doesn’t fit isn’t just exhausting - it’s traumatizing! Hi, my name is Gavin and I identify as a gender non-conforming Queer person.
Do you feel like you live in a world that doesn’t accept who you are? A dear friend of mine once summed up this feeling beautifully: “Being LGBTIQ+ is not my issue, it’s living in a world where others take issue with me being LGBTIQ+”. When we live in a society that does not see or respect our difference we internalize a lot of messages and beliefs about who we should, or should not, be. Trying to shape ourselves into an image that doesn’t fit isn’t just exhausting - it’s traumatizing! Hi, my name is Gavin and I identify as a gender non-conforming Queer person.
0141 483 7489 View 0141 483 7489
Photo of Patricia McIntosh, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Patricia McIntosh
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB15
Want to find a way forward that works for you? If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement, bullying, relationship difficulties, trauma, family issues, lack of self-esteem, current or historic abuse. From time to time everyone struggles and together we can find a way forward that works for you and your life.
Want to find a way forward that works for you? If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement, bullying, relationship difficulties, trauma, family issues, lack of self-esteem, current or historic abuse. From time to time everyone struggles and together we can find a way forward that works for you and your life.
01224 548474 View 01224 548474
Photo of Gabriela Valecillos, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Gabriela Valecillos
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aberdeen AB10
Hi, I am Gaby, a person-centred counsellor with nearly 20 years of experience working with people of all ages covering a wide range of issues: a local charity working with people and their families affected by cancer, loss and bereavement; young person’s counselling both in a mental health charity and high schools; and, currently, I am working as a counsellor in a university for staff and students.
Hi, I am Gaby, a person-centred counsellor with nearly 20 years of experience working with people of all ages covering a wide range of issues: a local charity working with people and their families affected by cancer, loss and bereavement; young person’s counselling both in a mental health charity and high schools; and, currently, I am working as a counsellor in a university for staff and students.
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Photo of Paul Matthew, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Paul Matthew
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB10
Hi I'm Paul and I'm a Pluralistic Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I am experienced and flexible to work with any presenting issue. I can offer short or longer term therapy and work with you to find the best route for you. I have experience in Anxiety, Cancer and Long term illness, Depression, low mood, Feeling Sad, Uni Students, Relational issues, Bereavement, older Teenagers, Work related stress and redundancy, I can also work with anger, trauma and any other presenting issue.
Hi I'm Paul and I'm a Pluralistic Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I am experienced and flexible to work with any presenting issue. I can offer short or longer term therapy and work with you to find the best route for you. I have experience in Anxiety, Cancer and Long term illness, Depression, low mood, Feeling Sad, Uni Students, Relational issues, Bereavement, older Teenagers, Work related stress and redundancy, I can also work with anger, trauma and any other presenting issue.
01382 919373 View 01382 919373
Photo of Dr Robert Dow, PhD, MBACP, Counsellor
Dr Robert Dow
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB10
I believe that therapy can be a truly transformative and profound process. My goal is to provide a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment within which we can collaborate, exploring the issues that you decide to bring to therapy. Through our open dialogue, at a pace that feels right for you, we can uncover new possibilities that begin to foster meaningful and lasting change.
I believe that therapy can be a truly transformative and profound process. My goal is to provide a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment within which we can collaborate, exploring the issues that you decide to bring to therapy. Through our open dialogue, at a pace that feels right for you, we can uncover new possibilities that begin to foster meaningful and lasting change.
0131 381 5405 View 0131 381 5405
Photo of Rae Moss, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Rae Moss
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB10  (Online Only)
You’re here because you want something in your life to be different. This could be your environments, the way you feel / think about yourself, your relationships with others, and / or your world. It can be difficult to know where to turn and sometimes you can feel very alone, struggling to open up to those around you for fear of being burdensome, not understood or accepted. Therapy is an empowering process, supporting you to become more aware of and connect with yourself and others. Through it you'll reframe past wounds, identify and prioritise your needs, enhancing the feeling of security within yourself and relationships.
You’re here because you want something in your life to be different. This could be your environments, the way you feel / think about yourself, your relationships with others, and / or your world. It can be difficult to know where to turn and sometimes you can feel very alone, struggling to open up to those around you for fear of being burdensome, not understood or accepted. Therapy is an empowering process, supporting you to become more aware of and connect with yourself and others. Through it you'll reframe past wounds, identify and prioritise your needs, enhancing the feeling of security within yourself and relationships.
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Photo of Polly Booth - Minds Matter Counselling - Polly Booth, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Minds Matter Counselling - Polly Booth
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB15
I'm Polly, a BACP-accredited  Psychotherapist, Counsellor, and registered counsellor/member of COSCA, adhering to their ethical framework and the their confidentiality standards. Discovering inner peace and finding ways to better cope with emotions, feelings, and your way of being is achievable through empathic support to work through personal worries in a safe, accepting and non-judgemental relationship. It can be challenging to talk to someone, I aim to make it as inviting as possible for you to experience. I offer a free one-hour consultation session for new clients. Sessions can be in-person, online or over the phone.
I'm Polly, a BACP-accredited  Psychotherapist, Counsellor, and registered counsellor/member of COSCA, adhering to their ethical framework and the their confidentiality standards. Discovering inner peace and finding ways to better cope with emotions, feelings, and your way of being is achievable through empathic support to work through personal worries in a safe, accepting and non-judgemental relationship. It can be challenging to talk to someone, I aim to make it as inviting as possible for you to experience. I offer a free one-hour consultation session for new clients. Sessions can be in-person, online or over the phone.
01224 007361 View 01224 007361
Photo of Carol Dobbins, MBACP, Counsellor
Carol Dobbins
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB10
Hello. I’m Carol and welcome to my profile. Are you someone who has experienced difficult challenges in your life that may have left you feeling “stuck”, "lost", anxious or afraid and finding it hard to cope with day to day activities? I am here for you to provide you with a safe, confidential space as we work together to help you gain insight, self-awareness, clarity, confidence and positive growth towards greater fulfilment. My work as a psychodynamic therapist is to help you find your way again by unravelling hidden or unconscious aspects of you. Whatever the issue we can explore them in-person or online or by telephone.
Hello. I’m Carol and welcome to my profile. Are you someone who has experienced difficult challenges in your life that may have left you feeling “stuck”, "lost", anxious or afraid and finding it hard to cope with day to day activities? I am here for you to provide you with a safe, confidential space as we work together to help you gain insight, self-awareness, clarity, confidence and positive growth towards greater fulfilment. My work as a psychodynamic therapist is to help you find your way again by unravelling hidden or unconscious aspects of you. Whatever the issue we can explore them in-person or online or by telephone.
01355 201303 View 01355 201303
Photo of Linda Smith, MBACP, Counsellor
Linda Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB12
Sometimes we experience changes or traumas that leave us struggling with the pressures of life, relationships, work, or studies. This can affect our self-esteem, our sense of identity, and our ability to cope. This can become overwhelming and may lead us to unhelpful or harmful thoughts and behaviours. With help, we can overcome our difficulties and learn to manage our emotions more effectively. With compassion, empathy, respect, and a safe space, we feel heard, considered, and valued. By understanding our thoughts and behaviours we can feel empowered to make positive changes that can lead us to fuller and more enjoyable lives.
Sometimes we experience changes or traumas that leave us struggling with the pressures of life, relationships, work, or studies. This can affect our self-esteem, our sense of identity, and our ability to cope. This can become overwhelming and may lead us to unhelpful or harmful thoughts and behaviours. With help, we can overcome our difficulties and learn to manage our emotions more effectively. With compassion, empathy, respect, and a safe space, we feel heard, considered, and valued. By understanding our thoughts and behaviours we can feel empowered to make positive changes that can lead us to fuller and more enjoyable lives.
0141 673 0253 View 0141 673 0253
Photo of Claire Crilly, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Claire Crilly
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aberdeen AB10  (Online Only)
Front Line Workers Specialism: Is the toll of your work grinding you down? Do you experience burnout? Has witnessing death and trauma impacted you in ways which are difficult to describe? Is there a sense of losing who you once were? Witnessing devastation, shift work, mistrust in management, lack of sleep, feeling undervalued, high workloads, poor work culture, relationship difficulties, dynamic stressful working environments and intrusive negative memories all contribute to an ever increasing proportion of emergency service workers suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicide ideation and suicide. So who helps the helper?
Front Line Workers Specialism: Is the toll of your work grinding you down? Do you experience burnout? Has witnessing death and trauma impacted you in ways which are difficult to describe? Is there a sense of losing who you once were? Witnessing devastation, shift work, mistrust in management, lack of sleep, feeling undervalued, high workloads, poor work culture, relationship difficulties, dynamic stressful working environments and intrusive negative memories all contribute to an ever increasing proportion of emergency service workers suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicide ideation and suicide. So who helps the helper?
01923 961134 View 01923 961134

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Samuel Herbert, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Samuel Herbert
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Redhill AB32  (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! My name is Sam. I'm a registered Mental Health Nurse and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I provide online therapy sessions working with adults over the age of 16 who might be struggling with a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety and low mood.
Hello and welcome! My name is Sam. I'm a registered Mental Health Nurse and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. I provide online therapy sessions working with adults over the age of 16 who might be struggling with a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety and low mood.
01293 222217 View 01293 222217
Photo of Jo Douglas - Collective Psychology, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Collective Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Redhill AB32
We are a multi-award winning psychological therapies clinic based in Cobham offering fast and effective, evidence-based treatment to support people of all ages and with a variety of mental health difficulties. Our team consists of clinical and counselling psychologists, psychotherapists, an ADHD coach and family therapy. Our beautiful clinic rooms offer a tranquil setting for your sessions. We know the value of the therapeutic relationship and think that it is vital to find a therapist you 'click' with. Our team are personable, warm and empathetic which has helped many people overcome the difficulties holding them back in life.
We are a multi-award winning psychological therapies clinic based in Cobham offering fast and effective, evidence-based treatment to support people of all ages and with a variety of mental health difficulties. Our team consists of clinical and counselling psychologists, psychotherapists, an ADHD coach and family therapy. Our beautiful clinic rooms offer a tranquil setting for your sessions. We know the value of the therapeutic relationship and think that it is vital to find a therapist you 'click' with. Our team are personable, warm and empathetic which has helped many people overcome the difficulties holding them back in life.
01932 504224 View 01932 504224
Photo of Laura Hall, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laura Hall
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westhill AB32  (Online Only)
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience, especially if things are tough for you right now, but you have taken the first step! I have experienced many times, both as a counsellor and personally in therapy, how people begin to feel less burdened and overwhelmed in their life when they feel really heard and accepted without judgement or criticism. I believe that the counselling relationship is a collaborative and dynamic process, and I am always receptive to feedback, as it can shape the dynamic between us. I feel that therapy can be proactive, and not just reactive. I have no expectations on what we speak about.
Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience, especially if things are tough for you right now, but you have taken the first step! I have experienced many times, both as a counsellor and personally in therapy, how people begin to feel less burdened and overwhelmed in their life when they feel really heard and accepted without judgement or criticism. I believe that the counselling relationship is a collaborative and dynamic process, and I am always receptive to feedback, as it can shape the dynamic between us. I feel that therapy can be proactive, and not just reactive. I have no expectations on what we speak about.
07479 065444 View 07479 065444

Online Therapists

Photo of Melanie Peele, BACP, Counsellor
Melanie Peele
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH14  (Online Only)
While there is so much joy in getting to know ourselves deeply and authentically, living as a queer and/or transgender person in this world is not always easy. I specialise in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity. I work with adults and older adolescents who are LGBTQIA+/gender non-conforming, or questioning their identities. I also specialise in trauma recovery, treating healthcare professionals, and working with English speaking immigrants. I work from multiple affirming perspectives, including Health at Every Size, neurodiversity affirming, disability affirming, and fat-positive perspectives.
While there is so much joy in getting to know ourselves deeply and authentically, living as a queer and/or transgender person in this world is not always easy. I specialise in gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity. I work with adults and older adolescents who are LGBTQIA+/gender non-conforming, or questioning their identities. I also specialise in trauma recovery, treating healthcare professionals, and working with English speaking immigrants. I work from multiple affirming perspectives, including Health at Every Size, neurodiversity affirming, disability affirming, and fat-positive perspectives.
0131 381 4596 View 0131 381 4596
Photo of Priyanka Pookadan, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Priyanka Pookadan
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH1
I have an affirmative stance on working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and polyamorous clients and welcome clients of all races, genders, sexual orientations and relationship styles.
Sometimes life throws challenges in front of us which we may struggle to cope with. This could be a sudden and unexpected change like a loss or bereavement. It could be something that we have always struggled with that is making it challenging to move forward with life. Situations such as these can be stressful, and sometimes we can't shake off the anxiety and depression or we may even experience anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure in usually pleasurable activities). It might also be a past trauma or abuse that is causing the challenges in the present life, revealing itself as panic for example.
I have an affirmative stance on working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) and polyamorous clients and welcome clients of all races, genders, sexual orientations and relationship styles.
Sometimes life throws challenges in front of us which we may struggle to cope with. This could be a sudden and unexpected change like a loss or bereavement. It could be something that we have always struggled with that is making it challenging to move forward with life. Situations such as these can be stressful, and sometimes we can't shake off the anxiety and depression or we may even experience anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure in usually pleasurable activities). It might also be a past trauma or abuse that is causing the challenges in the present life, revealing itself as panic for example.
01764 915906 View 01764 915906
Photo of Isabella Burns Msc, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Isabella Burns Msc
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Perth PH2
I completed an MSc (Transactional Analysis Counselling) on working with Transgender clients.
I am an experienced counsellor with over 10 years experience of working with adult individuals and couples. I work with clients who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, panic, relationship issues, gender identity, life changes. I provide a safe and confidential environment for clients online. Each person is unique and experiences life in different ways. If your particular problem isn't listed here, don't let this put you off contacting me. I can offer short or long term counselling.
I completed an MSc (Transactional Analysis Counselling) on working with Transgender clients.
I am an experienced counsellor with over 10 years experience of working with adult individuals and couples. I work with clients who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, panic, relationship issues, gender identity, life changes. I provide a safe and confidential environment for clients online. Each person is unique and experiences life in different ways. If your particular problem isn't listed here, don't let this put you off contacting me. I can offer short or long term counselling.
07998 073623 View 07998 073623
Photo of Tara Beazley - Art Therapy with T, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Art Therapy with T
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH6
Hello, my name is Tara (They/them) but I go by T! I'm an Integrative Art psychotherapist offering in person sessions in Edinburgh and online. I'm dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized young people, parents, and adults. My expertise lies in psycho-educative work, bespoke therapeutic support with a strong Anti-oppressive/trauma informed base. As a proud AuDHD, Non-binary, Queer and polyamorous Therapist, I believe in the power of lived experience informing best clinical practise. This includes having access to therapists who we feel represented by and can challenge the status quo.
Hello, my name is Tara (They/them) but I go by T! I'm an Integrative Art psychotherapist offering in person sessions in Edinburgh and online. I'm dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized young people, parents, and adults. My expertise lies in psycho-educative work, bespoke therapeutic support with a strong Anti-oppressive/trauma informed base. As a proud AuDHD, Non-binary, Queer and polyamorous Therapist, I believe in the power of lived experience informing best clinical practise. This includes having access to therapists who we feel represented by and can challenge the status quo.
Photo of Louise McBride, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Louise McBride
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH7
Whatever your reasons for being here, you are very welcome. I provide a very safe and confidential space to people from ALL walks of life. Whatever difficulties you are experiencing I can help you to gain insight into why they exist and persist. Psychodynamic therapy helps you to bring that which is unconscious into conscious awareness which helps you to understand and resolve internal conflicts that cause suffering. These internal conflicts manifest as, for example, anxiety, depression and self-destructive behaviours, particularly in relationship with others. Psychodynamic therapy is effective in enabling life long change.
Whatever your reasons for being here, you are very welcome. I provide a very safe and confidential space to people from ALL walks of life. Whatever difficulties you are experiencing I can help you to gain insight into why they exist and persist. Psychodynamic therapy helps you to bring that which is unconscious into conscious awareness which helps you to understand and resolve internal conflicts that cause suffering. These internal conflicts manifest as, for example, anxiety, depression and self-destructive behaviours, particularly in relationship with others. Psychodynamic therapy is effective in enabling life long change.
0131 381 0828 View 0131 381 0828
Photo of Sophie Winter, BACP, Psychotherapist
Sophie Winter
Psychotherapist, BACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH12  (Online Only)
I offer Internal Family Systems therapy. The core idea of IFS is that the different parts of our personality are like an inner family, and the key to healing is to respect, understand and love every part of us. I believe all parts of you, including parts that might cause difficulties for yourself or for others, are worthy of compassion, understanding, safety and fulfilment. I think of therapy as a space for you to feel heard, make sense of your past experiences, and build self-compassion, self-knowledge, and the skills needed to live in greater alignment with your needs and desires.
I offer Internal Family Systems therapy. The core idea of IFS is that the different parts of our personality are like an inner family, and the key to healing is to respect, understand and love every part of us. I believe all parts of you, including parts that might cause difficulties for yourself or for others, are worthy of compassion, understanding, safety and fulfilment. I think of therapy as a space for you to feel heard, make sense of your past experiences, and build self-compassion, self-knowledge, and the skills needed to live in greater alignment with your needs and desires.
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Photo of Han Smith, MBACP, Counsellor
Han Smith
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH6
Are you going through a difficult transition? Struggling to make sense of relationships or experiences? I may be able to help. My name is Han, and I'm a therapist based in Edinburgh with years of experience counselling adults and young people. I have specific experience working with LGBTQ+ clients as well as trauma and dissociation. In the counselling room, I bring with me this clinical perspective as well as my own understanding of the world and what it is to be human.
Are you going through a difficult transition? Struggling to make sense of relationships or experiences? I may be able to help. My name is Han, and I'm a therapist based in Edinburgh with years of experience counselling adults and young people. I have specific experience working with LGBTQ+ clients as well as trauma and dissociation. In the counselling room, I bring with me this clinical perspective as well as my own understanding of the world and what it is to be human.
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See more therapy options for Aberdeen

Transgender Counsellors

As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?

A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.

What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?

Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.

How can I recognise a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?

An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognise a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.

How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?

Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.