My LGBTQ+/ GSRD Practice

What is an LGBTQ+/ GSRD Inclusive Practice?

My practice is inclusive of LGBTQ+/ GSRD (Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diverse) people. Under this banner, I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual and asexual people; trans, non-binary, intersex, genderqueer and agender people; people in polyamorous and open relationships; people who identify as kinky, fetishists or interested in BDSM; and people who are questioning their gender identity, sexual orientation or relationship styles.

Why are the benefits of LGBTQ+/ GSRD Inclusive Therapy?

Time and again I have worked with LGBTQ+ and GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diverse) clients who say that they have felt ‘missed’ by previous therapists. My practice exists to address this lack.

Through my experience in working in LGBTQ+ mental health support, I have observed that LGBTQ+/ GSRD clients are more likely to experience secondary issues, such as isolation, shame and trauma, for example. LGBTQ+ clients also often identify as neurodiverse. To support clients holistically, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapists need to be informed around these issues.

How I work in an LGBTQ+ Affirmative Way: Key Points

• I offer a non-judgemental space to explore your identity and experience

• You do not have to educate me about your experiences- I have a comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ+/ GSRD identities and practices. If there is something I don’t understand I educate myself about it.

• I am experienced in working with additional issues that LGBTQ+ people commonly experience, such as shame, isolation and trauma

• I am experienced in working with neurodiversity

• I work using the minority stress model (see below for more info)

My Background in LGBTQ+ Work and Activism

For the past 16 years, I have been involved in work and activist projects supporting LGBTQ+ people and communities. This has ranged from helping out at cafes, to running book groups, to staffing helplines. Through my experience working as a helpline worker at the LGBT Foundation, I have a well-rounded understanding of the issues impacting LGBTQ+ people’s mental health, wellbeing and safety, as well as local and national LGBTQ+ affirmative support organisations. Through Trans Advocacy Officer role at LGBT Foundation I helped trans, non-binary and gender diverse people overcome barriers to services and tackle discrimination, and as a volunteer at Gendered Intelligence I have supported trans, non-binary and gender diverse youth. Through these roles I have developed particular expertise in working with trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.

I have also spoken at LGBTQ+ events. You can find out more about this here.

My work with Trans and Non-Binary People

As someone who has experienced first-hand the challenges of accepting oneself, coming out and navigating the world as a trans and non-binary person, I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse people to individually realise their authentic selves and collectively achieve trans liberation.

Through my work as a trans advocate, and as a trans affirmative psychotherapist, I have witnessed the level of stress and discrimination which trans and non-binary people face on a daily basis, not only as we navigate our relationships to our bodies and identities, but also to our friends, families, colleagues and wider society. Through my private practice I seek to create a safer space where trans and non-binary people can feel seen and validated, and can have the opportunity to process their experience with someone who ‘gets it’.

In the face of social and medical narratives which often pathologise us or reinforce stereotypes, I feel passionate about supporting trans, gender diverse and non-binary people find more nuanced, authentic and helpful ways of articulating their personal and our shared experiences.

I am also committed to helping trans and non-binary activist communities stay resilient and effective, through addressing burnout and promoting effective collaboration.

My Personal Identity

I identify as trans masculine, queer and non-binary. I am white and able-bodied. I am neuro-diverse ( specifically, dyspraxic). I am a Buddhist. I use they/ them pronouns.