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My Approach

Person-Centred

You are the expert on your own life. I offer empathy, acceptance and a safe, non-judgemental space to help you grow, heal and reconnect with yourself.

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Whilst my work is deeply rooted in person-centred values, it also draws on other approaches to tailor my support to individuals and all types of relationships.

Trauma-Informed

As someone who has gone through trauma herself, I work with sensitivity to the impact of trauma, always ensuring therapy feels safe, respectful and paced according to your needs.

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I understand how overwhelming it can feel to begin exploring painful experiences, and I’m committed to creating a space where you don’t feel rushed, judged, or retraumatised.

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Being trauma-informed means I pay close attention to your emotional and physical safety, your sense of choice, and your nervous system's rhythms. 

LGBTQIA+ Affirming

Being LGBTQIA+ affirming means I am unconditionally supportive of your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and relationship style.

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As a queer therapist, I bring both lived experience and clinical understanding to my work. I will never make assumptions about who you are. Instead, I hold space for your experience and expression in all its depth, nuance, and uniqueness.

Psychodynamic

I explore how early experiences and unconscious patterns may shape your current relationships, emotions, and behaviours. Through a collaborative and reflective process, we work to understand these patterns and create space for new ways of being.

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Collaborative & Empowering

I see therapy as a shared journey; one where we work together in partnership, rather than from a place of hierarchy or fixing. I believe in creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and involved in the process at every step.

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Together, we’ll explore the patterns, challenges, and strengths that shape your experience. My role is to support you in uncovering your own inner resources, building emotional resilience, and cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and confidence. My hope is that therapy doesn’t just help you cope, but helps you feel more empowered in your choices, relationships, and healing.

Kink & Fetish Affirming

Being kink-aware means I offer a non-judgemental, sex-positive space where individuals who practise kink, BDSM, or fetish can speak openly about their desires, identities, and experiences, without fear of pathologisation or shame. I welcome what turns you on, even if it falls outside what’s considered "mainstream" by wider society.

Somatic

I work with the mind–body connection to help you tune into the physical responses that often hold emotional experiences. By bringing awareness to sensations, movement, and breath, we can gently process trauma and support lasting, embodied healing.

Depathologising

I take a depathologising approach in my therapy work, which means I don’t label or diagnose your distress as a disorder or abnormality. Instead, I see your experiences as valid, understandable responses to life’s challenges (including social, cultural, and systemic factors like oppression and marginalisation).

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Rather than focusing on what’s “wrong” with you, we explore how your identity, relationships, and environment shape your experience. This approach can help you feel seen and supported without feeling judged or pathologised, especially if you’ve faced stigma or exclusion.

Non-Monogamy
Affirming

Being multigamy-competent or affirming means I support and affirm relationship structures beyond monogamy, including polyamory, open relationships, and other consensual non-monogamous dynamics. I work without judgement, recognising the validity, complexity, and richness of diverse relational configurations.

Want to know more about my clinical interests?

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Have a look at how you can access individual or relationship counselling,

read through the Q&A section or get in touch.  

therapy@deborahgillard.com

+44 (0) 1382 797220

Flexible hours available Monday to Thursday.

8am to 7pm

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If you have any queries or would like to book a consultation call / initial session, you can complete this form:

Thank you for your message!

I aim to reply within 2 working days.

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**Please check your spam folder - my emails like to hide there!**

© 2023 by Deborah Gillard.

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