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I offer flexible appointment times to try and fit around work, study, caring responsibilities, or other commitments.

Sessions are available both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. Online sessions can be a helpful option if you prefer the comfort and privacy of your own space or have a busy schedule.

I offer a free 15 minute introductory call so we can get a feel for whether we’re the right fit before committing to therapy. There's no pressure or obligation to continue after the introductory call.

Hi, I’m Gavin. I’m an integrative therapist offering affirming therapy for LGBTQ+ adults.

I know that many LGBTQ+ people grow up feeling different, misunderstood, judged, or like they have to hide parts of themselves in order to feel accepted. Over time, this can affect confidence, relationships, self worth, anxiety levels, and the way we relate to ourselves and others.

I offer a warm, supportive and non judgemental space where you can talk openly and be fully yourself without fear of judgement.

I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ clients and understand some of the unique challenges that can come with identity, relationships, minority stress, shame, discrimination, family dynamics, or coming out later in life.

My approach is integrative, with the therapeutic relationship at the centre of how I work. I also draw from trauma informed approaches, attachment theory, compassion focused therapy, and psychoeducation around emotional regulation and the nervous system where helpful.

I hold a BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling with First Class Honours, alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity Therapy. I am also qualified to work with complex trauma.

I also hold Advanced Accreditation with Pink Therapy as a GSRD Therapist, recognising advanced competence and affirmative practice in working with LGBTQ+ people.

If you’d like to get more of a feel for me and the way I work, you’re welcome to explore my LGBTQ+ mental health blog and social media pages, where I regularly share articles, videos, and reflections around LGBTQ+ mental health, relationships, shame, minority stress, attachment, boundaries, self worth, and emotional wellbeing. Many clients find this helpful in getting a sense of whether I feel like the right therapist for them

Facebook - Bee Proud Counselling

Instagram - bee_proud_counselling

Tiktok - bee_proud_counsel6

Youtube - BeeProudCounselling

I work with LGBTQ+ adults experiencing anxiety, shame, low self esteem, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, identity struggles, and the impact of minority stress.

Many of the people I work with have spent years adapting to environments where they didn’t feel fully accepted or emotionally safe. This can lead to people pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, self criticism, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself and other people.

I have experience supporting clients with:

• Anxiety and overthinking

• Shame and self criticism

• Low self esteem and confidence

• Boundaries and people pleasing

• Relationship and attachment difficulties

• Coming out later in life

• Exploring sexuality or gender identity

• Chemsex and sexual wellbeing

• Trauma and emotional regulation

• Working affirmatively with trans and non binary clients

Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate and paced around you. I aim to create a space where you can explore things openly, better understand yourself, and begin making changes that feel meaningful and sustainable.

You may have found your way here through a recommendation or perhaps through an online search. Whatever the route, I’d encourage you not to choose a counsellor simply because theirs was the first profile you came across, or because their qualifications sound impressive.

Finding the right therapist is a personal process, and it’s important to think about what feels important to you. You may be looking for someone with experience in particular areas such as LGBTQ+ identities, trauma, addiction, relationships, or emotional wellbeing. You might also find yourself considering whether a therapist’s age, gender, sexuality, or life experience matters to you.

Therapists are as individual as the people we work with, and with so many different approaches, qualifications, directories and profiles out there, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Alongside training and experience, it can be helpful to pay attention to how a therapist makes you feel when reading their profile. Do they sound like someone you could feel comfortable talking to? Do you feel understood, safe, or able to be yourself?

The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of therapy, and that begins with finding someone you feel comfortable working alongside.

I offer a free 15 minute introductory session so we can get a feel for whether we’re the right fit for each other.