Transgender Counselling in Edinburgh
![Photo of Melanie Peele, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb05a85b-3ed9-4749-be76-d2332291940d/2/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Priyanka Pookadan, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59e8ce2d-1fa9-4d68-95e8-39ace5005a23/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Zoe Chouliara, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b977492-14fe-43f5-89b9-9843de553c59/3/320x400.jpeg)
‘You are not just a catalogue of adversities that you are faced with in life. You are not just the ‘damage’ that you have been told you suffered from. You are not even the pathology or the series of labels and diagnoses that have been given to you. You are a creature of immeasurable strength with the innate ability to grow and trust again and keep trusting and even learning to trust for a first time. You are hard wired and geared to connect with other and through that connection to protect your mental health and recover. You are a Growing Truster.’ Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
‘You are not just a catalogue of adversities that you are faced with in life. You are not just the ‘damage’ that you have been told you suffered from. You are not even the pathology or the series of labels and diagnoses that have been given to you. You are a creature of immeasurable strength with the innate ability to grow and trust again and keep trusting and even learning to trust for a first time. You are hard wired and geared to connect with other and through that connection to protect your mental health and recover. You are a Growing Truster.’ Prof. Dr Zoë Chouliara Formerly Professor in Mental Health, Consultant Psychologist
![Photo of Debbie Clements - Debbie Clements MA. Gender, LGBT+, Relational., MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9840c2d-70bc-4643-8564-5f660961bd30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Debbie Clements MA. Gender, LGBT+, Relational.
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1 (Online Only)
10+ years in practice (25years mental health support). Are you coming out/transitioning? Navigating polyamory/non monogamy? Queer? LGBT+? Questioning? When we're unable to safely be our authentic selves we experience poor mental health and may suffer with stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties. You'll find a confidential, exploratory, listening space welcoming of diversity so you can relax and get on with addressing what's going on for you.
10+ years in practice (25years mental health support). Are you coming out/transitioning? Navigating polyamory/non monogamy? Queer? LGBT+? Questioning? When we're unable to safely be our authentic selves we experience poor mental health and may suffer with stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties. You'll find a confidential, exploratory, listening space welcoming of diversity so you can relax and get on with addressing what's going on for you.
![Photo of Gavin McDonald, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8eb6f7bc-4d04-415d-a71b-2d35be59d4be/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Louise McBride, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/554f7784-f4f8-4f37-b93f-25988112f096/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Stephanie Saunders, MA, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c6097f4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Edinburgh based Sex and relationship counsellor working full time in private practice with individuals & couples. My practice is based in central Edinburgh however I am currently working online. I specialise in explorative & action based proactive talk therapy aimed at helping you achieve the changes you would like to make in your life & to help you gain clarity & understanding to the life experiences you would like to work with.
I am an Edinburgh based Sex and relationship counsellor working full time in private practice with individuals & couples. My practice is based in central Edinburgh however I am currently working online. I specialise in explorative & action based proactive talk therapy aimed at helping you achieve the changes you would like to make in your life & to help you gain clarity & understanding to the life experiences you would like to work with.
![Photo of Sally Harris, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70150604-b7f3-4481-b19c-9a0491915df3/2/320x400.jpeg)
You’re probably experiencing some difficulties at the moment, either as a couple or as an individual, and looking for a space to explore what is going on for you, understand why you feel as you do, and perhaps put in place some strategies for making a positive change. You may be looking to communicate better with your partner, or thinking about ending a relationship. You may be going through the stress of infertility, or have experienced the loss of a baby, and are looking for a place to talk through your thoughts and feelings. You are not alone in looking for support, so there is no need to feel uncomfortable in doing so.
You’re probably experiencing some difficulties at the moment, either as a couple or as an individual, and looking for a space to explore what is going on for you, understand why you feel as you do, and perhaps put in place some strategies for making a positive change. You may be looking to communicate better with your partner, or thinking about ending a relationship. You may be going through the stress of infertility, or have experienced the loss of a baby, and are looking for a place to talk through your thoughts and feelings. You are not alone in looking for support, so there is no need to feel uncomfortable in doing so.
![Photo of Dr Robert Dow, PhD, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfc90bad-47a6-45d8-8363-e2d513573003/1/320x400.png)
Therapy can be genuinely transformative. My aim is to create a safe, accepting, non-judgemental and confidential space for you. Here, we can begin to work co-operatively to explore and create meaning from what we talk about together. Through our dialogue, we can begin to recognise new, emerging possibilities and the potential for genuine change.
Therapy can be genuinely transformative. My aim is to create a safe, accepting, non-judgemental and confidential space for you. Here, we can begin to work co-operatively to explore and create meaning from what we talk about together. Through our dialogue, we can begin to recognise new, emerging possibilities and the potential for genuine change.
![Photo of Vessela Ivkova, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93523d7f-204d-4c9f-b7f6-46677505f2b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
In my practice, I work with people who find it difficult to know and express what they want. I also work with clients who have experienced loss, trauma and displacement and therefore lack a sense of safety and belonging. I am experienced in working with people who find it challenging to regulate their emotions and fall into uncontrollable outbursts of confusion, anger, terror and worry. Finally, I specialise in working with individuals who struggle to form and sustain satisfying relationships and so suffer from feelings of worthlessness and emptiness.
In my practice, I work with people who find it difficult to know and express what they want. I also work with clients who have experienced loss, trauma and displacement and therefore lack a sense of safety and belonging. I am experienced in working with people who find it challenging to regulate their emotions and fall into uncontrollable outbursts of confusion, anger, terror and worry. Finally, I specialise in working with individuals who struggle to form and sustain satisfying relationships and so suffer from feelings of worthlessness and emptiness.
![Photo of Rhiannon King - Dr Rhiannon King Couples & Relationship Therapy, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0745bab8-e84e-428c-9c0e-3c92e6119da8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Rhiannon King Couples & Relationship Therapy
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10 (Online Only)
Your relationship matters! Are you struggling with relationship, marital or family issues? Are you wanting to improve or enhance your relationship? Perhaps you’re both at a crossroads where your future as a couple seems uncertain? Maybe you’re considering separating or divorce? Are you feeling hurt, disconnected, stuck, anxious, frustrated, angry, lonely, misunderstood, overwhelmed, sad or scared? Are you struggling to communicate, connect, manage conflicts or difficult emotions, heal from loss of trust or an infidelity, establish or maintain healthy boundaries, manage family issues or adapt to change, life events or transitions?
Your relationship matters! Are you struggling with relationship, marital or family issues? Are you wanting to improve or enhance your relationship? Perhaps you’re both at a crossroads where your future as a couple seems uncertain? Maybe you’re considering separating or divorce? Are you feeling hurt, disconnected, stuck, anxious, frustrated, angry, lonely, misunderstood, overwhelmed, sad or scared? Are you struggling to communicate, connect, manage conflicts or difficult emotions, heal from loss of trust or an infidelity, establish or maintain healthy boundaries, manage family issues or adapt to change, life events or transitions?
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![Photo of Celeste Micciche, MSc, BACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1506bda3-8070-41d8-a45b-4ffe9d0bd8d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am an Italian psychologist and psychotherapist based in Edinburgh and Whitburn, Bathgate. Given my training in these two areas, I work with various issues that may afflict you, such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, relationship issues, etc. Also, I use an affirmative approach in my work. This means that I validate and support the needs of people of sexual and gender minorities, promoting the search and the expression of an authentic dimension of themselves and their own identity.
I am an Italian psychologist and psychotherapist based in Edinburgh and Whitburn, Bathgate. Given my training in these two areas, I work with various issues that may afflict you, such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, relationship issues, etc. Also, I use an affirmative approach in my work. This means that I validate and support the needs of people of sexual and gender minorities, promoting the search and the expression of an authentic dimension of themselves and their own identity.
![Photo of Robyn Spice-Reid, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d1c88a5-05e8-4ed0-91a6-3425da2e9d29/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialise in the treatment of anxiety disorders, low mood, trauma, issues facing the LGBT+ community & sports performance. My clinical education has included studies in gender and body image, CBT theory, IFS theory, sports performance, EMDR, group therapy, the impact of trauma on the LGBTQ+ community, and trauma response. As a therapist, I look to show acceptance, genuineness, and empathy. I believe that each of us has the capacity to work through our suffering and has the potential to turn this into resilience and growth. I use a variety of different approaches including EMDR Therapy. Sessions will take place online.
I specialise in the treatment of anxiety disorders, low mood, trauma, issues facing the LGBT+ community & sports performance. My clinical education has included studies in gender and body image, CBT theory, IFS theory, sports performance, EMDR, group therapy, the impact of trauma on the LGBTQ+ community, and trauma response. As a therapist, I look to show acceptance, genuineness, and empathy. I believe that each of us has the capacity to work through our suffering and has the potential to turn this into resilience and growth. I use a variety of different approaches including EMDR Therapy. Sessions will take place online.
![Photo of Paula Straube - Paula Straube Therapy](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1144f1e3-bbfa-4c38-a19b-48be26773361/1/320x400.jpeg)
Navigating the complexities of our world can be overwhelming, both personally and societally. Challenges often arise, putting pressure on our sense of identity and our relationships. It's common to feel a range of emotions in response – anxiety, depression, alienation, hostility, or numbness. These are all deeply human reactions, highlighting our capacity for thought and emotion. While your coping mechanisms may have served you in the past, they might no longer support your pursuit of a more autonomous and satisfying life. Seeking therapy is an empowering step toward personal growth and navigating life's challenges.
Navigating the complexities of our world can be overwhelming, both personally and societally. Challenges often arise, putting pressure on our sense of identity and our relationships. It's common to feel a range of emotions in response – anxiety, depression, alienation, hostility, or numbness. These are all deeply human reactions, highlighting our capacity for thought and emotion. While your coping mechanisms may have served you in the past, they might no longer support your pursuit of a more autonomous and satisfying life. Seeking therapy is an empowering step toward personal growth and navigating life's challenges.
![Photo of Marian Willoner, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f652b08d-d054-4870-a2ee-7fa6fa017ad9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have some availability for both in person and online sessions - do get in touch. Are you finding it all too much? Stressed out? Not sure which direction to take? Or maybe you are struggling with isolation or lack of confidence in social situations? Maybe you are dealing with being neuro-diverse (ADHD or autism) in a neuro-typical world? Perhaps you want to be more your authentic self or make a transition in your life? Are you trying to cope with a difficult situation such as grief, loss, illness, caring or a break up? In all these situations I can listen to you, support you and help you to find ways forward.
I have some availability for both in person and online sessions - do get in touch. Are you finding it all too much? Stressed out? Not sure which direction to take? Or maybe you are struggling with isolation or lack of confidence in social situations? Maybe you are dealing with being neuro-diverse (ADHD or autism) in a neuro-typical world? Perhaps you want to be more your authentic self or make a transition in your life? Are you trying to cope with a difficult situation such as grief, loss, illness, caring or a break up? In all these situations I can listen to you, support you and help you to find ways forward.
![Photo of Iyetomi Adenekan, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e63387af-8ea2-468f-bfdb-2e147746185a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome. You’re probably considering making some changes in your life, or you are looking for help to address some difficulties that may be hindering your personal growth. It may be that you are not yet sure what you are looking for. My aim is to support you with compassion and empathy, and help you explore and better understand whatever is going on for you. I will stay alongside you and help you to challenge yourself as you come to terms with past decisions and make some new ones.
Hello and welcome. You’re probably considering making some changes in your life, or you are looking for help to address some difficulties that may be hindering your personal growth. It may be that you are not yet sure what you are looking for. My aim is to support you with compassion and empathy, and help you explore and better understand whatever is going on for you. I will stay alongside you and help you to challenge yourself as you come to terms with past decisions and make some new ones.
![Photo of Lynn Hunter, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a45f632-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer therapy to individuals and couples facing difficulties with their relationships, life and career choices. I believe communication, or lack of, is often at the root of many problems. It can be difficult to express our feelings and often we don't feel that we are heard or understood by the the important people in our lives. It may be that you have low self esteem and find relationships of all kinds difficult. You may be scared or perhaps you don't feel valued or cherished in your relationship. I will help you to explore the reasons behind this and work with you so that you can become the person you would like to be.
I offer therapy to individuals and couples facing difficulties with their relationships, life and career choices. I believe communication, or lack of, is often at the root of many problems. It can be difficult to express our feelings and often we don't feel that we are heard or understood by the the important people in our lives. It may be that you have low self esteem and find relationships of all kinds difficult. You may be scared or perhaps you don't feel valued or cherished in your relationship. I will help you to explore the reasons behind this and work with you so that you can become the person you would like to be.
![Photo of Alison Cooper, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/519f872e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for a space to talk, be listened to and make sense of how you feel? I understand it can be hard to open up to someone. I'll provide a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental place where you will be supported to explore any issues which may be affecting your life and help you to find a way to move forwards. I believe that we all have the ability to grow and achieve our potential and that a positive therapeutic relationship can greatly aid this process.
Are you looking for a space to talk, be listened to and make sense of how you feel? I understand it can be hard to open up to someone. I'll provide a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental place where you will be supported to explore any issues which may be affecting your life and help you to find a way to move forwards. I believe that we all have the ability to grow and achieve our potential and that a positive therapeutic relationship can greatly aid this process.
![Photo of Tom Lawrence, MHGI, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/521d9a53-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help. Difficulties can often be resolved within only a few sessions – sometimes just one – and in this way can provide good value for money.
If you are suffering from anxiety - depression/low mood - stress - anger problems - panic attacks - phobias - low self-esteem - self-harming - eating disorders - post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, including military) - addiction (all kinds) - obsessions (OCD) - sleep problems - relationship problems, I can help. Difficulties can often be resolved within only a few sessions – sometimes just one – and in this way can provide good value for money.
![Photo of DANIEL Killeen - Daniel Killeen Counselling & Psychotherapy , MSc, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d79b91f9-85e2-4282-a781-d279bd8f2d27/1/320x400.jpeg)
In-person and online. I offer down-to-earth counselling & psychotherapy and welcome people from any background, gender, race, status or culture who are looking to find support and make a change to how they feel in their life.
In-person and online. I offer down-to-earth counselling & psychotherapy and welcome people from any background, gender, race, status or culture who are looking to find support and make a change to how they feel in their life.
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Nearby Transgender Counsellors Searches for Edinburgh
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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.