Welcome

….‘Where would you like to begin?’

…I open sessions with this question to honour the unique experiences and hopes each client brings to therapy, and the question is offered in the same spirit here. I understand finding a therapist can be a daunting process: it’s also a great opportunity to take stock and get curious about what you need from a supportive relationship right now. On this page I explain who I am, how I practice and what I am committed to, to help you decide whether I am the right fit for you.

 

A Practice with Inclusion, Compassion and Empowerment at its Heart

About Me

 

My name’s Cj (they/them pronouns). An experienced practitioner, I specialise in providing affirmative support to LGBTQ+/ Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) and neurodivergent clients. I hold advanced accreditation with Pink Therapy, awarded on the basis of my depth of experience and training in working with LGBTQ+/ GSRD clients.

My calling to practice GSRD affirmative psychotherapy was inspired by my own lived experience being queer, non-binary and trans, so I understand how important finding a therapist who shares your lived experience can be when exploring issues concerning your gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship style or neurotype.

How can the therapy I offer help?

 

At the core of the psychotherapy I offer is the belief that when people are shown empathy, unconditional acceptance and emotional honesty they can learn to foster these positive qualities in their relationship to themselves, and live more authentically, with greater access to their human potential.

I offer a secure, confidential, and professionally-informed therapeutic relationship, adapted to what you need in the moment. Sometimes this means lending a compassionate listening ear, at other times holding a ‘mirror’ up so you can see your patterns more clearly, or challenging your usual ways of framing your experience.

I recognise that clients who are LGBTQ+/ GSRD often face unique additional challenges, such as discrimination, lack of understanding, microagressions, or navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and my skills, experience and training are adapted to meet these needs. I work in a person-centred, compassion focused and trauma informed way.

My Commitment

With the values of inclusion, compassion and empowerment at its heart, in my practice I’m committed to:

  • Treating you with empathy and unconditional acceptance

  • Being authentic in my relationship with you

  • Empowering you in achieving your therapeutic goals

  • Understanding and respecting your identities and unique lived experiences

  • Working compassionately and fostering a sense of belonging

  • CJ has supported our service users within the counselling service skilfully, with respect, compassion and with the highest ethical standard. CJ has been able to hold some of our most vulnerable clients in a safe, boundaried space, enabling them to begin their journey to empowerment.

    Rosella Nicosia, Mental Health Lead, LGBT Foundation

  • CJ created an inclusive, compassionate, supportive environment for my work and growth in therapy.

    Non-binary client

  • As a queer trans person I always felt safe and understood at times when I needed to unload some frustration about the realities of living in the UK as myself.

    Non-binary client

  • Therapy work with CJ has been incredibly valuable and has helped me work through some immense difficulties to arrive at a place of kindness and skill to manage my mental health.

    Non-binary client

  • CJ is amazing. They have given me my confidence back fully and I appreciate everything they have done for me!

    18 year old client, Manchester Mind

Get in touch

 

if you have any questions about how Rain or Shine can support you with whatever you’re experiencing, you are welcome to email Cj at cj@rainorshinetherapy.co.uk. We would be delighted to hear from you! Alternatively, if you already know you would like to join the waiting list, the next step is to fill in a short questionnaire

What I Offer

Find out more about my therapeutic approach on this page.

LBGTQ and GSRD | Rain or Shine

Background and Experience

Read about my counselling and psychotherapeutic experience here.

F.A.Q.s

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.