Approach Counselling
Approach Counselling provides professional, LGBTQ+ affirming counselling for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV.
We offer a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can explore the issues affecting your wellbeing with a trained counsellor.
Our sliding-scale fee structure helps keep counselling accessible, with contributions ranging from pay-what-you-can to £45 per session. No one is turned away because of an inability to pay, and clients are asked to contribute fairly according to their circumstances.
Affirming Counselling for LGBTQ+ People and People Living with HIV
Approach Counselling provides high-quality, person-centred counselling for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV.
Life can be challenging for many reasons. You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, discrimination, relationship difficulties, questions around identity, or the impact of living with HIV. Whatever brings you to counselling, we offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and be heard.
We understand that LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV can face unique experiences and challenges. Our counsellors work in an affirming and inclusive way, creating a space where you do not need to explain, defend or justify who you are.
Counselling can help you make sense of difficult experiences, understand patterns in your thoughts and feelings, strengthen resilience, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change in your life.
Key information
What to Expect
The first step is an assessment conversation where we will discuss what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain from it.
Following assessment, you will be matched with a counsellor who is best placed to support your needs. Sessions are typically held weekly and provide a regular opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences within a supportive therapeutic relationship.
Our counselling service is delivered by trained counsellors who receive regular professional supervision and ongoing support.
Helping Us Keep Counselling Accessible
Approach Counselling is part of Trade Sexual Health, a charity committed to improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV.
We believe that access to counselling should not depend on someone’s ability to pay.
Our counselling service is subsidised by Trade Sexual Health and external funding, but these sources do not cover the full cost of providing support. We therefore ask clients to make a fair contribution based on their circumstances. The sustainability of the service relies on those who are able to do so paying the appropriate rate, helping us ensure that support remains available to people who might otherwise be unable to access counselling.
If you are interested in counselling, press the self-refer button at the bottom of the page.
All information is kept strictly confidential and in line with our privacy policy.
Who: LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Where: In-person at the Trade office, or online
How: You can refer yourself to our counselling service using this form; we also accept professional referrals from partner organisations (use the professional option on the same form)
Counselling fee structure
Our fee structure is based on fairness, honesty and community solidarity. People who are able to contribute more help ensure that we can continue to offer counselling to those experiencing financial hardship.
No one will be turned away because they cannot afford counselling. However, we ask everyone to consider carefully what represents a fair contribution based on their circumstances.
Pay What You Can
If you are experiencing significant financial hardship and cannot realistically afford our low-income rate, we will not turn you away. This might include people with no recourse to public funds, people seeking asylum, or those surviving on a very limited income. Contribution: Whatever you can afford
Reduced Income: £15 per session
For people on a low income, receiving benefits, students without family support, or others for whom paying a higher rate would cause genuine financial difficulty.
Standard: £30 per session
For people who are working, have a regular income, or have some financial flexibility, even if money occasionally feels tight. This rate represents a fair contribution towards the cost of providing counselling and is the rate that will apply to most clients.
Pay It Forward: £45 per session
For people who are financially secure and able to contribute towards making counselling more accessible for others. This rate remains lower than most private counselling services and helps support access to counselling for members of our community who are experiencing financial hardship.
Why Your Contribution Matters
Approach has always been committed to making counselling available to those who need it most. We want to continue offering an accessible service while maintaining the quality, safety and professional standards that our clients deserve.
Our sliding scale works because people contribute fairly according to their means. Every contribution helps us sustain and grow the service, ensuring that more LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV can access counselling when they need it.
By paying what is fair for your circumstances, you are helping to sustain a vital community service for the future.