Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQI+) Counselling in London

Life is already challenging at times. If we identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex, it can mean we have to deal with additional life stressors, too.

We can struggle to come to terms with our sexuality and gender, face discrimination or bullying, feel uncomfortable in the body we were born into, or suffer rejection from colleagues or the ones we love, just for being who we are. 

Why does LGBTQI+ support matter? 

Being LGBTQI+ doesn't cause mental health issues, or automatically mean you will have them. But it does raise your risk of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, self-harm, and suicidal thinking. And this can mean your relationships suffer, you don't reach life goals, or you struggle in your career. 

Research by British charity Stonewall found that over 50 per cent of those surveyed struggled with depression, and that 41 per cent of those who identified as non-binary had self-harmed in the last year.  

How can therapy help with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues?

A therapist trained in LGBTQI+ issues creates a safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment for you to finally feel supported, seen, accepted, and listened to. It's a chance for you to stop just surviving, and start thriving.

Your therapist will help you explore your complex and painful emotions, and to finally find words to voice what you have lived through. They will also teach you tools and strategies to cope better in the face of future challenges. 

Benefits of LGBTQI+ counselling 

Benefits of LGBTQI+ counselling can mean that you:

• understand yourself better
• communicate your wants and needs in ways that are heard
• develop tailor-made coping strategies to manage distressing situations like homophobia or hostility
• learn tools to manage your emotions safely
• get clear on sex and relationship issues including domestic abuse
• feel supported in the process of 'coming out' or transitioning 
• make better choices and set goals that matter
• get help for depression, anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders
• feel better and more confident about being you. 

Your therapist can also offer couples counselling, if both you and your partner feel this would be of benefit to your relationship.

LGBTQI+ Therapists at Harley Therapy™, London

When you work with a psychologist or psychotherapist at Harley Therapy, you are in safe hands. Your therapist will see you as the unique, resourceful individual that you are.

All of our therapists have a minimum of ten years experience and are trained in several forms of talk therapy, so can target your sessions to suit your needs.  We also have psychiatrists on the team who can help with any additional issues that arise. 

Our welcoming central London therapy clinics

We offer LGBTQI+ therapy at three central London locations. As well as our main clinic on the renowned Harley Street in W1, we also have therapy rooms at London Bridge, SE1 and near Liverpool Street, EC2.

If you’re unable, or prefer not to come for therapy in person, online therapy is another way to seek support from an accredited therapist with Harley Therapy. All therapists offer online therapy sessions using platforms such as Skype, Facetime, Zoom, etc. Therapy sessions last 50 minutes and our fee structure is very simple.

Whether looking for a face to face or online appointment the booking process options are the same. Call our experienced support team to discuss your options or use our online booking form to make your first appointment.

Issues suited to LGBTQI+ Counselling:

• anger problems 
• anxiety or low self-esteem
• confusion about your sexual orientation or gender
• coming out or transitioning 
• depression and mood swings
• domestic conflict 
• eating disorders
• family relationships 
• fidelity, trust and jealousy issues
• identity issues 
• living with illnesses
• relationship problems
• self-harming
• intimacy problems
• substance issues
• trauma such as bullying, discrimination, and stigma.