LGBTQ+ Counsellors' Experiences of Community and Belonging in Professional Practice
Participants required: Practicing counsellors or psychotherapists, qualified to Level 4 or above, who are based in the UK and identify as LGBTQ+.
What is the purpose of the study?
This study explores LGBTQ+ counsellors’ and psychotherapists’ experiences of finding or creating a sense of community and belonging among peers in the profession. It looks to find out about any ways that networks, resources or spaces – formal or informal – help you feel connected or supported in the work, and if and how your LGBTQ+ identity informs these experiences.
Who is doing the study?
I am a final-year student on the MA in Integrative Counselling at Leeds Beckett University. My interest in this topic arises from my own experiences as a trainee in the profession and my broader interest in solidarity and mutual support among fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community.
What will be involved if I take part?
Taking part will involve one interview of around 45 minutes to an hour, arranged at a time that is convenient for us both. The interview will take place online. We'll begin with short introductions before moving on to the main topic, with questions arising in response the experiences and insights you share.
To give you an idea, questions may focus on:
What contributes to a sense of community or belonging in your professional life
How important it has felt for you to connect with fellow LGBTQ+ counsellors or psychotherapists
Forms of peer support and solidarity that have been meaningful to you
Any value you’ve found in networks, resources or events (whether formal or informal) centred around shared LGBTQ+ identity as a practitioner
I'd like the interview to be as relaxed as possible. You're free to skip questions, and if you want to stop the interview at any time, you can do so without giving any reason at all.
The interview will be audio recorded for purposes of transcribing your contribution to the study. You may request a copy of the interview transcript after the interview, should you wish.
What are the benefits to taking part?
Taking part offers an opportunity to contribute your lived experience to an under-researched area and to help build a better understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ+ counsellors in the UK. The findings may go on to inform a more inclusive professional environment and support the wellbeing of peers.
Who has reviewed this study?
Ethical approval has been granted by the School of Health Local Research Ethics Co-ordinator at Leeds Beckett University on 21 November 2025.
Who can I contact for further information?
For more information, please see here.
If you have any further questions regarding the research, you can email me in the first instance or contact Research Supervisor: James Woodall.