LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling
See things differently
Life has a way of bringing us to points where we feel stuck or uncertain. Sometimes it's a specific moment – a crisis, a loss, a major transition. Other times, it's quieter: a gradual accumulation of things, or simply a sense that something needs attention.
Therapy isn't only for crisis. It can be a space to explore patterns in how you relate to yourself and others, to understand what holds you back, and to discover new possibilities. Together, we can work towards helping you feel more grounded, creative, and intentional in how you move through life and relationships.
How I can help
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, LGBTQ+ identity concerns, life transitions, and trauma. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or exploring patterns that no longer support you, therapy offers a space to understand yourself more deeply and move forward with intention and choicefulness.
My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, meaning you won't need to explain basic concepts or defend your identity. We can focus on what brought you to therapy and work together towards helping you feel more grounded, creative, and intentional in how you move through life and relationships.
Gestalt counsellor (MBACP) offering in-person
and online sessions in Camden, Wimbledon, & Croydon
About me
I’m Max (he/him), a Gestalt counsellor (MBACP) working with adults, young people, creative professionals, and members of the queer community. My background includes several years in LGBTQ+ mental health, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, and others facing systemic barriers, alongside experience working with young people in further and higher education.
These experiences have shaped how I understand resilience, identity, and belonging, and how wider social and political forces influence our wellbeing.
My approach is trauma-informed and relational, grounded in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. I aim to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and understood.
Alongside my therapy practice, I have designed and delivered training on mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and trauma-informed practice. Working with professionals and community organisations has deepened my understanding of how social, cultural, and political factors shape mental health. I bring this systemic awareness into the therapy room, recognising that our personal experiences are often shaped by broader contexts of power, identity, and belonging.
Common areas of focus in my practice include anxiety, depression, burnout, perfectionism, relationship patterns, self-esteem, identity, bereavement, and LGBTQ+ concerns.
I am a registered member of BACP and committed to upholding their Ethical Framework throughout my practice.
Issues I often work with:
Anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout (especially linked to identity or discrimination)
Trauma and its effects on the body and relationships
Coming out, gender exploration, feeling between worlds
Relationship patterns: people-pleasing, trust issues, repeating dynamics
Self-esteem, shame, perfectionism, and self-criticism
Identity questions: cultural, racial, sexual, relational - who you are and where you belong
Class identity, working-class experience, and the complexity of social mobility
Life transitions and periods of uncertainty
Loneliness, isolation, and difficulty connecting with others
LGBTQ+ specific challenges and experiences
Polyamory, ENM, and non-monogamy
Refugee and asylum experiences
Working with creative practitioners and artists
How I work
Therapy, for me, is a collaborative process. The relationship we build together is at the heart of the work, we’ll pay attention not only to what’s happening in your life, but also to what unfolds between us in the room. Often, these patterns can reveal deeper dynamics that influence how you relate to yourself and others.
My practice draws primarily from Gestalt therapy, while remaining flexible and integrative. I work in a process-oriented way, focusing on how you move through the world rather than only on specific challenges. Over time, this approach helps reveal what supports you, what keeps you stuck, and what possibilities can emerge when there’s room for new awareness.
I often invite attention to the body and senses, when it feels right for you. Before training as a therapist, I worked in the arts, and that background continues to shape my way of being in the room, with creativity, openness, and a willingness to explore.
When we work together, we’ll integrate core Gestalt principles in ways that feel grounded and useful for you.
What you can expect
An authentic therapeutic relationship – honest, supportive, and led by your pace.
Attention to the present moment – what’s happening for you right now, not just the story around it.
Curiosity about patterns – how you respond, relate, and protect yourself, and how these patterns can shift.
A body-aware approach – gentle exploration of what your body might be holding or expressing.
Creative exploration – space to try new ways of seeing or experiencing, without pressure.
Practical insight – clarity about what helps you grow and what gets in the way.
Fees & booking
I offer flexible scheduling with evening and weekend appointments to support shift workers, key workers, and anyone with non-standard working patterns. Sessions are available both in-person (Kings Cross, Westminster, Wimbledon, & Croydon) and online, and I work with clients in both short-term and long-term therapy. I offer a free 15-minute call to talk through your needs and see whether we might be a good fit.
Individual Session Cost: £65 per 50 minute session.
Concession Rates: Reduced-fee or sliding-scale options are available.
If you’re considering a concession rate, we can explore this together—openly and transparently. We’ll talk about what feels manageable for you financially and what supports a steady, sustainable therapeutic process. Lower-cost spaces may vary depending on demand, and we can discuss what’s possible when we meet.
If you’d like more information or want to get in touch, please contact me at
max@prismcounselling.co.uk