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Training the next generation of
Queer-Affirmative Counsellors & Psychotherapists

About The Institute

queer counsellors in training - diverse ethnic backgrounds.jpg

Who we are

The LGBTQ Therapy Institute provides rigorous, practice focused training for therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals who want to work competently and confidently with LGBTQIA+ clients. We are led by experienced queer and trans clinicians and educators who combine clinical expertise with community knowledge. This is not basic awareness training. This is clinical skill building with an affirmative approach.

Program snapshot

Qualification level: UK Level 4
Format: Part time, blended learning with online seminars and in-person workshops
Duration: 9 to 12 months depending on pathway
Clinically supervised practice hours included
Assessment: Practical portfolio, observed practice, and written assignments

Who this is for

This program is for qualified practitioners and trainees who want specialist competence in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy. Applicants may include counselors, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and mental health clinicians. We also welcome applicants with strong lived experience in LGBTQIA+ communities who are moving into clinical roles.

Core outcomes

Practical clinical skills for affirming and safe practice with LGBTQIA+ clients
A working understanding of how gender, sexual orientation, race, class, disability, and migration intersect to shape wellbeing and access to services
Methods for trauma informed assessment and intervention that account for minority stress and institutional harm
Skills in reflective practice, ethical decision making, and safeguarding in LGBTQIA+ contexts
Supervised clinical hours that contribute to professional accreditation where applicable

Course modules and focus areas

Foundations of affirmative practice and ethical frameworks
Gender diversity and trans affirmative care
Sexuality across the life course and relationship work
Intersectionality, migration, and institutional harm
Trauma informed approaches and minority stress in practice
Assessment, formulation, and intervention techniques
Supervised clinical practice and reflective supervision

Assessment and supervision

Assessment is competency based. You will compile a practice portfolio, submit written case formulations, and participate in observed clinical sessions. Every student receives regular one-to-one supervision with a registered supervisor who has specialist experience in LGBTQIA+ affirmative work.

Accreditation and recognition

Our Level 4 award meets current UK standards for vocational and professional development at this level. The program is designed to align with relevant professional body guidance for continuing professional development. Please check with your regulator or professional body to confirm how our supervised practice hours map to specific accreditation pathways.

Entry requirements

Relevant professional qualification or demonstrable clinical experience
Commitment to working ethically and reflexively with marginalised communities
Two professional references or one professional reference plus a statement of lived experience if applicable
Satisfactory enhanced DBS or equivalent as required for clinical placements

Training the next generation of
Queer-Affirmative Counsellors & Psychotherapists

About The Institute

Qualification level: UK Level 4

Format: Part time, blended learning with online seminars and in-person workshops

Duration: 9 to 12 months depending on pathway

Clinically supervised practice hours included

Assessment: Practical portfolio, observed practice, and written assignments

Practical clinical skills for affirming and safe practice with LGBTQIA+ clients

A working understanding of how gender, sexual orientation, race, class, disability, and migration intersect to shape wellbeing and access to services

Methods for trauma informed assessment and intervention that account for minority stress and institutional harm

Skills in reflective practice, ethical decision making, and safeguarding in LGBTQIA+ contexts

Supervised clinical hours that contribute to professional accreditation where applicable

Course modules and focus areas

Assessment and supervision

Accreditation and recognition

Entry requirements

How to apply

Fees and funding

Come to our event

Training the next generation of Queer-Affirmative Counsellors & Psychotherapists

About The Institute

Qualification level: UK Level 4

Format: Part time, blended learning with online seminars and in-person workshops

Duration: 9 to 12 months depending on pathway

Clinically supervised practice hours included

Assessment: Practical portfolio, observed practice, and written assignments

Practical clinical skills for affirming and safe practice with LGBTQIA+ clients

A working understanding of how gender, sexual orientation, race, class, disability, and migration intersect to shape wellbeing and access to services

Methods for trauma informed assessment and intervention that account for minority stress and institutional harm

Skills in reflective practice, ethical decision making, and safeguarding in LGBTQIA+ contexts

Supervised clinical hours that contribute to professional accreditation where applicable

Course modules and focus areas

Assessment and supervision

Accreditation and recognition

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Entry requirements

How to apply

Fees and funding

Come to our event

Training the next generation of
Queer-Affirmative Counsellors & Psychotherapists