Come As You Are

If you are coming to counselling as someone whose sexuality or gender identity makes you a minority, it is crucial that your therapist does not 'tolerate' but fully accepts and celebrates you. You need to be able to come into therapy as yourself- authentically, and without shame. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community my approach is non-pathologising and queer positive. I have considerable experience working with people from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary and queer backgrounds.

You may identify as LGBTQ+ but not feel this is something you need to discuss in therapy. It may just be nice to know that you won't need to explain yourself to your therapist. This is a safe space, and I know how much that matters.

Sexuality
There can be many reasons that your sexuality is a factor in you seeking therapy. Coming out may have caused tensions or breakdowns in significant relationships. Perhaps there are cultural or religious reasons that your sexuality is or was not understood or accepted. You may have experienced homophobia or biphobia while being out in the world. Sometimes we internalise this without realising we're doing so and experience discomfort in relation to our sexual orientation, and even self-hatred, as a result.

In 1992 homosexuality was still considered a mental illness by the World Health Organisation. Though this is no longer the case, the impact of such societal attitudes still affect the LGBTQ+ community.


Gender
You may have been prompted to seek counselling because of discomfort, confusion or curiosity around your gender identity. Perhaps the gender you were assigned at birth does not match the gender you identify with. It may be that you want to explore undergoing surgery and/or taking hormones. You may have experienced transphobia. You could want to experiment with cross-dressing. Maybe you don't fit into the binary categories of 'male' or 'female' and find that uncomfortable.

Exploring your gender identity in a safe therapeutic space is imperative. I am trans-positive and accepting of all genders and have worked with trans and gender non-conforming clients over many years. An understanding and empathetic counselling relationship can be a place to experiment and safely explore your relationship to your gender.