Counselling is a talking therapy that involves talking to a counsellor about your issues. Counsellors are trained to listen with empathy and can support you in dealing with negative thoughts and feelings.
The Approach Counselling service run by Trade Sexual Health specialises in supporting LGBT+ people (but we can work with some other groups). Our counsellors are trained to work with people questioning their sexual or gender identity, (re)negotiating the boundaries of their sexual lives and/or relationships, dealing with sexual or domestic violence, coming to terms with an HIV diagnosis, or who want to process other aspects of their lives in space that values gender, sexual and relationship diversity.
In addition to working with LGBT+ people, we can offer counselling support to 'new arrivals' in Leicester (people who have migrated internationally to Leicester in the last five years, for any reason).
Here are some important points regarding the Approach Counselling service run from our city centre office (some online sessions are also available).
* There may be a waiting list and you will be contacted about an available slot as soon as one becomes available.
* The first assessment session is free, however, after that, a suggested donation is requested up to a maximum of £10 per session. Please note: we anticipate that we will introduce a sliding scale fee structure (rather than donations) later in 2024, although some free sessions will remain available for people on very low incomes.
* Each session is between 50 minutes long each week or fortnight. The frequency and length of the contract are organised between the counsellor and the client.
* Sessions are confidential, and this is discussed at the assessment session.
* All counsellors are experienced, supervised and members of professional counselling bodies.
16+, primarily for people who identify as LGBT+ in Leicester, Leicestershire, or Rutland. Also 'new arrivals' based in the City of Leicester (who have migrated, internationally, to Leicester in the last 5 years)