Our LGBTQI+ affirmative therapy service is available to access in person in Brighton and Hove or online from all over the UK. We offer individual therapy and couples therapy tailored to the specific needs of the LGBTQI+ community.
There are many therapists that are LGBTQI+ friendly but this is not the same as offering LGBTQI+ affirmative therapy. Affirmative therapy embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) identities and relationships and aims to address the negative impact that experiences of homophobia, transphobia and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQI+ people.
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What is unique about our approach is that we are a queer-led psychological practice and therefore understand the challenges LGBTQI+ people face from a position of lived experience and not just through our psychological training.
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The benefits of psychological therapy
People who identify as LGBTQI+ are more likely to experience mental health difficulties. This is usually due to the fact that people from the LGBTQI+ community still sadly experience discrimination, social isolation, rejection, bullying and harrassment and can have difficult experiences of coming out.
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All of these factors can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, difficulties with self-esteem and your sense of identity. A recent study by Stonewall found that over the previous year:
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50% LGBTQI+ people had experienced depression and three in five had experienced anxiety;
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one in eight LGBTQI+ people aged 18 to 24 had attempted to end their life;
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almost 50% of trans people had thought about ending their life.
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Talking through your experiences with a qualified mental health professional can be beneficial in supporting you to manage the emotional distress you are experiencing and start the journey to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.
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Our psychologists can support you with fears about coming out, ways to deal with discrimination, relational difficulties and other issues you may be facing.
What can I do if I am worried about my mental health?
If you are worried about your mental health, it is important to remember that help is available. If you have seriously harmed yourself or you don't feel that you can keep yourself safe right not, call 999 or go straight to your nearest Accidents and Emergencies department (A&E; click here to find your nearest A&E department).
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If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and need support, you can:
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Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment;
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call NHS 111 for out of hours help;
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contact your local mental health crisis team.
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There are support organisations for LGBTQI+ people, which might be a good place to start if you feel you need support and want to connect with your community:
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The Clare Project (Brighton & Hove and East Sussex) - a charity run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-variant and gender-questioning people offering psychosocial support groups, information sessions, workshops and excursions and connecting people to affirmative peer support, psychotherapy and healthcare.
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Allsorts Youth Project - support for people under the age of 16 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and their families.
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Imaan - support for LGBTQI+ Muslims.
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Switchboard LGBT helpline - offering information and support to the LGBTQI+ community.
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Mind UK - a list of organisations offering support to LGBTQI+ people.
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