NI Counselling provides support to our LGBTQI+ Communities

Counselling and psychotherapy should be a safe space to explore your own unique identity, sexuality and sense of self. NI Counselling have therapists who are competent and confident in supporting gender, sexual and relationship diverse clients. For some clients this will mean being curious about or identifying under the broad spectrum of LGBTQI+ identities.

We work in an affirmative and inclusive manner with LGBTQI+ identifying clients, working sensitively and without judgement with people unsure of or exploring their particular gender and sexual identity. Being LGBTQI+ isn’t a mental illness, but it does raise your risk of mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, addiction issues and suicidal ideation. This can be exacerbated by societal attitudes or internalised queerphobia and have a negative impact on your relationships and life goals.

Our LGBTQI+ therapists hold professional qualifications in counselling/psychotherapy and have significant experience and specific training in working with sexual and gender minority clients. We can help you develop the internal resilience and acceptance of self to live your life authentically.

Decades of psychotherapeutic research shows the best indicator of positive outcomes in therapy is feeling comfortable, safe, and connected with your therapist. For this reason, we offer the support of LGBTQI+ identifying counsellors, for clients seeking therapists with lived experience of gender, sexual and relationship diversity.

Benefits of Counselling for LGBTQI+ issues:

Confidential, non-judgemental environment to discuss your emotions and feelings.
Support with the process of ‘coming out’ to friends and family, if this is what you wish.
Discuss and work through difficult issues, such as low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
Provides a safe environment to explore private and sensitive issues, such as sex and relationship issues.
We can also offer support to family members who may have difficulty coming to terms with your sexuality.
Our therapists follow a code of practice and ethics approved by their registered body.

All practitioners have regular supervision and maintain an active interest and participation in the discourse about sexuality, gender, counselling and psychotherapy.