Paul Butlin
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Online LGBTQ+ counselling across the UK | Based in Manchester
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​Supporting LGBTQ+ clients and exploring identity and belonging
LGBTQ+ Counselling
I offer LGBTQ+ counselling for adults across the UK, working online from Manchester, providing a warm, person-centred space to explore identity, difference and belonging.
You might be coming to therapy with something specific in mind, or just a sense that something doesn’t feel quite right. That might relate to identity, relationships, past experiences, or how you feel in yourself day to day.
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You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start.
What LGBTQ+ counselling can be a space for
People come to LGBTQ+ counselling with all sorts of experiences.
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That might include:
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exploring your identity or where you fit
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coming out, or thinking about whether to
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relationships, intimacy, or connection
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experiences of being misunderstood, judged, or not fully accepted
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anxiety, low mood, or feeling worn down over time
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the impact of past experiences that still seem to linger
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You don’t need to fit into a particular category to come here. If something resonates, we can start there.
What I mean by LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy
My approach is rooted in LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy. That means your identity isn’t something to be questioned or explained away. It’s recognised as a valid and important part of who you are.
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For many people, therapy can feel difficult if you’ve spent time in spaces where parts of you haven’t been understood or accepted. Affirmative therapy is about creating a space where you can explore things openly, without having to justify who you are.
How I work
I practise person-centred therapy. That means we focus on what matters to you, rather than following a set agenda or trying to move you in a particular direction. We go at your pace and start wherever you need to.
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We might stay with what’s going on now, or look at the past if it feels relevant. Over time, things often start to make more sense, and you might notice what feels like it needs to shift.
Experience and approach
I have experience in LGBTQ+ counselling, having worked with LGBTQ+ charities and services, such as The LGBT Foundation and The Proud Trust, both in counselling and mentoring roles. I'm familiar with some of the contexts and pressures that can shape how you feel. That said, no two experiences are the same. We will explore your experience on your terms.
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I also work with clients who feel different in other ways, including neurodiversity, gender identity and disability. As a gay man who also lives with a disability, I understand how being seen as different can affect self-worth and belonging. It is what brought me to this work.
Practical details
All counselling sessions are held online using video call, so you can attend from wherever feels most comfortable and private for you.
​Sessions last 50 minutes
My standard fee is £60 per session
​Weekly sessions are recommended, but we can discuss what works best for you
​You can visit the homepage via the links below to find out more about how therapy works and how to get started, or get in touch using the contact form.