COUNSELLING

SPECTRA’S 1:1 Trans Counselling Service

Free and confidential counselling for people who identify as trans, non-binary or are questioning their gender identity and are based in London.

Our peer-led trans counselling service is free, confidential, and run by counsellors identifying under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Although we are a service for people who identify as trans, non-binary or questioning, the reason for coming to counselling can be absolutely anything and does not have to revolve solely around your gender identity. The service exists to provide a safe space for people who may find it difficult or daunting to access counselling from other services.

Once we have received your registration form you will be invited for an initial conversation to determine whether counselling with us is the right fit for you at the moment. Following this you may be offered up to 12 sessions of weekly one to one counselling, which will usually be at the same time and day each week. Sessions will be held either by online video call, phone, or in person. We currently have two locations available for in person counselling sessions:

• Spectra’s offices – China Works, Black Prince Rd, SE1 7SJ
• University of East London Stratford Campus, Water Lane, E15 4LZ

Waiting times to be allocated a regular slot for counselling will depend on your preferences and availability but are likely to be several months from the date we receive your registration form.

Trans Counselling Registration Form

Unfortunately, we are currently only able to provide counselling to individuals who live, work, or study in London. Those based elsewhere in the UK are welcome to access other Spectra Trans services, such as our Peer Mentoring or Social Groups.

If you would like to find out more about these services,  please email counselling@spectra-london.org.uk for more information.

Other services

You can also consider accessing Spectra’s other trans services, such as Peer Mentoring, Social Groups and Health Advocacy.

If you are aged between 13 and 18, you can access young person counselling within our UNI-T Project and you refer via the following pathway: Referral Form. Please note that parental/guardian consent may be required for service users under 16. More information can be found here.

Spectra’s Trans Art Therapy Groups

Spectra’s Trans Art Therapy Groups are currently closed for new referrals. Our next group will run in Autumn 2025, referrals will open closer to this time.

Trans Art Therapy Groups

Other resources

You can also find two documents below, comprising a list of alternative options for other free and/or low-cost counselling and psychotherapy, and a separate resource pack with alternative sources of wellbeing support such as helplines, online forums and peer-support.

Helplines and Listening Services provided by others

• LGBTQ+Switchboard LGBT+ helpline for more than 45 years. Open daily 10am-10pm. Call 0800 0119 110.
• Gendered Intelligence Support Line- Mon/Tues/Thurs 2-7pm/Wed/Friday 10-3pm 0330 3559678Text/Whatsapp: 07592 650 496. supportline@genderedintelligence.co.uk.
• Mindline Trans+ support line for trans, non-binary or gender variant, and their families, friends, colleagues and carers. The phone line is open Mondays and Fridays 8pm to midnight. Phone: 0300 330 5468.
• Give Us a Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text Shout to 85258.

Unfortunately, Spectra isn’t able to offer immediate or crisis support. If you fear you may be at risk of seriously harming yourself or another person, please contact your GP or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital which is accessible 24 hours per day.