LGBTQ Therapy in Manchester
Navigating life as an LGBTQIA+ person can bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to identity, relationships, discrimination or being misunderstood. Whether you’re exploring who you are or carrying the weight of difficult experiences, therapy can offer a safe and affirming space to reflect and feel heard.
As a BACP-registered therapist, I provide one-to-one LGBTQ counselling in Manchester. My approach is inclusive, respectful and shaped by your needs. You don’t have to educate or explain — you are welcome as you are, and our work together will focus on what matters to you.
If you’re looking for a LGBT affirmative therapist, I’m here when you’re ready.
Understanding LGBTQIA+ Experiences
Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community can bring a deep sense of identity, connection and pride. But it can also come with challenges, including shame, rejection, isolation or fear of being misunderstood. Whether or not these experiences are part of your everyday life now, they may have shaped how you see yourself, how you relate to others, or how safe it feels to be fully open.
You might be exploring your sexuality or gender identity, processing a difficult coming out experience, navigating family or cultural expectations, or simply looking for a space where you don’t have to edit yourself. You may also be dealing with anxiety, depression, or low self-worth that’s been made harder by discrimination or erasure.
You don’t need to justify your identity or explain why support might be helpful. Therapy can be a place where you’re recognised, accepted and able to speak freely.
How LGBTQ Therapy Can Help
Affirmative therapy provides a safe, non-judgemental space to explore whatever you’re going through, not just as a set of “issues,” but in the context of your identity, history and lived experience.
Together, we might explore:
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Identity, self-acceptance and internalised shame
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The impact of discrimination, exclusion or homophobia/transphobia
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Relationship dynamics, including chosen family or non-traditional structures
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Navigating coming out, social transition or gender expression
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The effects of past trauma, rejection or isolation
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General emotional wellbeing, including anxiety, low mood or confidence
Whether you want to focus on LGBTQIA+ related experiences or something else entirely, therapy can be a space where you don’t have to compartmentalise. All of you is welcome here.
My Approach
Many LGBTQIA+ people have had experiences of being judged, dismissed or pathologised. In our sessions, you won’t have to explain or defend who you are. My role is to offer a steady, respectful space where your identity is affirmed and your experiences are taken seriously.
I work from a person-centred approach, meaning you set the direction and the pace. If you’re not sure what to talk about, that’s okay. We can start wherever feels most important to you. When helpful, I may bring in ideas from Transactional Analysis (TA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or trauma-informed practice — especially if we’re working with long-standing patterns or emotional wounds that have been shaped by your environment.
We’ll work together in a way that supports your autonomy, safety and sense of self, without assumptions and without pressure.
Why work with me
I’m a Level-4 certified BACP-registered therapist (you can see my credentials here) with experience supporting clients across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. I offer a confidential, inclusive space where you can speak freely about your identity, relationships and emotional wellbeing, whether you’re out, questioning, or still figuring things out.
You won’t be expected to educate me or hold back parts of yourself. My goal is to provide support that feels not only safe, but also affirming, and to meet you with care, honesty and respect at every step.
Ready to begin?
If you're LGBTQ and looking for a therapist who will meet you with respect, openness and affirmation, I offer a free 15-minute consultation. You're welcome to ask questions, talk a little about what brings you here, or simply see how it feels to connect.
There’s no pressure, just a space to begin, in your own time.
Based in North Manchester, here to support you
I’m based in North Manchester and work with LGBTQ clients from all across the surrounding areas, including Whitefield, Prestwich, Bury, Radcliffe, Crumpsall, Blackley, Middleton, Salford, and many more local communities. Wherever you're from, if you're looking for support with your mental health, you're welcome here.
Finding me
I offer in-person LGBT counselling sessions at my therapy room in Whitefield, North Manchester. It’s a calm, private space that’s easy to reach from across the city and surrounding areas.
Address: 229 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 8GW. Find me with W3W or via Google
Getting here:
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By car: Free on-street parking is usually available nearby.
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By tram: About a 30-second walk from the Whitefield Metrolink stop.
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By bus: Local buses stop just a short walk away.
If you’re unsure about directions or access, feel free to get in touch - I’m happy to help you plan your visit.
Not local?
If you're not based near North Manchester - or simply prefer not to travel - I also offer counselling sessions by telephone or secure video call. This can be a helpful option if you're juggling a busy schedule, live further away, or feel more comfortable accessing support from home.
Common Questions about LGBTQ Therapy
Do I need to be out to start LGBTQIA+ therapy?
No. You don’t need to be out to anyone (or to everyone) to start therapy. A lot of people come to sessions while they’re still figuring out what feels safe, what feels true, and who they want to share it with.
We can talk about what “being out” would mean for you, including the practical realities (family, work, culture, safety). There’s no pressure to move faster than you’re ready for, and we can take things one step at a time.
What if I’m questioning my sexuality or gender?
That’s a really common reason people reach out, and you don’t need to have the answers before you start. Questioning can bring a lot up: relief, fear, grief, excitement, confusion, or all of it at once.
Therapy can give you a steady place to explore what you’re feeling without being pushed towards a label, a decision, or a timeline. We can focus on what you’re noticing in yourself, what feels comfortable or uncomfortable, and what you might need to feel more grounded while you work it through.
Do you work with trans and non-binary clients?
Yes. If you’re trans or non-binary, you’re welcome here. You don’t need to “prove” anything, explain yourself, or justify who you are.
If there are particular concerns you want support with (for example, dysphoria, stress, family reactions, visibility, safety, healthcare experiences, or simply feeling exhausted by it all), we can centre those in a way that feels supportive and respectful. You stay in control of what we talk about and how we talk about it.
Can I bring my pronouns and the language I use for myself into sessions?
Absolutely. You can tell me your pronouns and the language that feels right for you, and you can change that over time if things shift. It’s your space, and I want you to feel able to show up as yourself.
If I ever get something wrong, you can correct me. Some people prefer to correct it in the moment, others prefer a quieter “just a note” approach. We can agree what feels easiest for you, so it doesn’t become another thing you have to manage.
What does “LGBTQIA+ affirming” therapy mean in practice?
It means I won’t treat your identity as a problem to be fixed. I won’t make assumptions about your relationships, your body, your values, or what you “should” want. I also won’t steer you towards any particular outcome — therapy is about supporting you to understand yourself and make choices that feel right for you.
In practice, that often looks like: using the language you use, respecting your pace, exploring the impact of discrimination or rejection without minimising it, and making space for the realities of LGBTQIA+ life (family dynamics, shame, belonging, safety, dating, identity stress, and confidence). You don’t have to educate me to be understood.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a gentle starting point, not a test. You can share what’s been going on, what you’re struggling with, and what you’re hoping therapy might help with. If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s fine — we can start with what feels most present.
I’ll also explain how I work, confidentiality, and what sessions can look like, and you can ask anything you need to feel comfortable. If you’re looking for therapy in Manchester, we can also talk through what format suits you best — in-person sessions or online — and make sure the plan feels manageable.
How much do sessions cost, and how long are they?
My session fees are £60 for a clinical hour (50 minutes) and £30 for half a clinical hour (25 minutes). Most people choose 50 minutes, but shorter sessions can be a good option if you want something more manageable, whether that’s emotionally, practically, or financially.
If you’re unsure what to book, we can talk it through. The aim is to find a rhythm that supports you without adding pressure.
How do confidentiality and privacy work?
Confidentiality is a big part of therapy feeling safe. What you share in sessions is private, and I take that seriously. It’s your space to talk openly without worrying it will go elsewhere.
There are a small number of exceptions, usually linked to serious risk of harm, safeguarding concerns, or legal requirements. I’ll explain these clearly at the start, and if anything ever came up that affected confidentiality, I would aim to talk it through with you wherever possible.
If you have any further questions or concerns about LGBTQ therapy, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am here to provide warm, professional support to help you navigate your journey with confidence and compassion.
Related Therapies
I understand that every individual's LGBTQ journey is unique and may require different approaches to address their specific challenges. That's why I offer a range of related therapies tailored to your needs, all delivered with warmth, compassion, and understanding. If you haven't found what you're looking for here, these therapies may also help.
Useful Resources
At Jodie James Counselling Services, I understand that taking the first step towards seeking help for lgbtq-related-issues can be incredibly challenging. I want you to know that you're not alone, and there are many resources available to support you on your journey towards healing. If you're not quite ready to get in touch with me, I encourage you to explore these external resources that may provide valuable insights, coping strategies, and comfort during this time:
LGBTQ Help, Support & Guidance
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