Welcome to Edinburgh Therapy Service, a counselling practice affirming and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community. You’ll find not just a counselling practice but a safe space – a place that is secure, empathetic, non-judgmental, and open-minded. Your concerns and difficulties are met with understanding, and we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey.
Being part of the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t automatically mean encountering mental health challenges. However, those within this community often find themselves more vulnerable to experiencing poorer mental health and well-being. The reasons behind these elevated rates are multifaceted. The emotional toll of coming out, with the potential for feelings of isolation or alienation, is significant, particularly in unsupportive environments. Additionally, the presence of discrimination, prejudice, and the fear of social rejection can further amplify stress levels.
You may be dealing with some of these challenges or facing unrelated issues, such as work-related anxieties, grief, or conditions like OCD, panic disorder, and more. Regardless of the nature of your concerns, it’s crucial to seek the support you require in an environment where your gender and sexuality are accepted and respected. We are here to provide that support.
Our counselling practice actively recognises, supports, and respects people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or various other sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that may not be explicitly covered by the initial letters (LGBTQ+). Our priority is to create a safe and inclusive space that acknowledges the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. As a result, we adhere to the following attitude:
Respect for diversity: Acknowledge and celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Recognise that individuals may identify with different sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Non-judgmental: Maintain a non-judgmental and accepting stance towards clients’ sexual orientations and gender identities. Avoid making assumptions or imposing societal norms on their experiences.
Inclusive language: Use inclusive and affirming language and respect individuals’ chosen names and pronouns.
Creating a safe space: Foster an environment where clients feel safe and comfortable expressing their authentic selves.
Understanding stigma: Be aware of the impact of societal stigma on the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals. Work collaboratively with clients to explore and address these challenges.
Confidentiality is a fundamental foundation of the therapeutic relationship, establishing trust and ensuring a secure space for clients. Adhering to ethical standards, we prioritise client privacy, maintaining the confidentiality of information shared during sessions unless explicit consent for disclosure is provided.
Exceptions to this confidentiality arise in situations involving an immediate threat of harm to the client or others, suspicions of abuse to a vulnerable person, or when court orders or legal requirements mandate disclosure.
Additionally, in the UK, professional bodies require therapists to undergo regular clinical supervision. During these sessions, therapists discuss cases, seek guidance, and receive support from another qualified therapist, contributing to the continual improvement of their therapeutic practice.
At our therapy practice, we provide evidence-based and scientifically proven therapeutic approaches to ensure the most effective support for our clients. We specialise in well-established methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a widely recognized approach with a strong empirical foundation. Additionally, we incorporate the latest advancements in therapeutic interventions, including third-wave CBT therapies. This includes acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which focuses on acceptance of thoughts and feelings, compassion-focused therapy (CFT), emphasising self-compassion, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), combining cognitive therapy with mindfulness strategies.
We offer online therapy for LGBTQ+ to ensure accessibility and flexibility for people seeking support. Online therapy allows clients to engage in therapy from the comfort of their own space, eliminating geographical constraints. This option is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or living in remote areas where accessing in-person sessions might be difficult.
Online LGBTQ+ therapy maintains the same high standard of care, providing a confidential and supportive environment for you to explore your concerns, navigate your identity, and develop positive mental health. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to the online realm, ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can access the therapeutic support they require.
LGBTQ+ individuals, like anyone else, can face a spectrum of mental health challenges. Some common issues include:
➤ Relationship difficulties
➤ Coming out
➤ Gender and sexuality
➤ Stigma and discrimination
➤ Abuse and trauma
We can also help with a variety of psychological issues, including:
➤ OCD
➤ Panic disorder and agoraphobia
➤ Burnout
➤ And more
The Edinburgh Therapy Service is a psychotherapy and counseling practice based in Edinburgh, Scotland (United Kingdom). We offer therapy both in-person in Edinburgh and online, available in English and Spanish.
Contact us for more information or to book your first appointment: [email protected]
