Gender, sexual and relationship diverse clients

Historically the World Health Organisation medicalised and pathologised gender, sexual and relationship diverse (GSRD/LGBT+) clients. This has resulted in both therapists and clients holding negative views around sexual and gender identity difference.

Sadly, gender, sexual and relationship diverse (LGBTQIA) clients are still often judged through a heteronormative lens of what is and isn’t ‘normal’.

People who:

  • question their gender
  • wish to align their gender
  • announce a sexuality other than heterosexuality
  • be in openly non-monogamous relationships
  • wish to engage in consensual BDSM/Kink relationships

often find themselves the target of prejudice, or even diagnosed as having some sort of mental illness.

progressive inclusive LGBTQIA flag

Living with the stigma and oppression that often comes with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, or non-binary gender, can generate immense psychological pressures.

Gender, Sexual & Relationship Diverse Identity

Anyone with a diverse gender identity and/or sexual identity may wish to work through difficulties relating to gender (including gender dysphoria), sexual or relationship diversity to help accept your own identity and find ways to deal with the prejudices and unfairness experienced from society. Know that however you identify, you will be honoured and respected by your therapist and that they will have some understanding of the social context in which you live your life.

If you wish to speak to someone about the societal or personal problems you may face but cannot find someone near to where you live or work, you may want to consider someone at our practice who works online via VSee or Zoom (both GDPR compliant). We all work to BACP or equivalence ethical standards.

Inclusive

We work affirmatively with all gender, sexual and relationship identities including Androgyne, Asexual, Bisexual, Celibate, Consensual Non-Monogamy, Different sexual development, Dresser, Gay, Gender Fluid, Gender Neutral, Heterosexual, Intersex, Kink/BDSM/chemsex, Lesbian, Non-binary, Pansexual, Polyamorous, Queer, Questioning, Transgender, Transfeminine, Transmasculine, Transvestite.

We work in an inclusive and affirming way with all our clients.

Gender Transition

We can support you though your transition process, whatever that process looks like for you. NHS Gender Clinic waiting lists are often long and arduous. We provide the space for you to explore your identity along with supporting you through any social, medical and/or surgical interventions.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of counselling with one of the team, please make contact. Contact our therapists directly via the Associates page or via Luan Baines-Ball. Contact luan.bbcp@gmail.com or call 07581 793 223 for further details.  Online sessions can be provided.

Baines-Ball & Associates: Counselling and Psychotherapy in Leicester, Leicestershire and online