Trans Counselling
Ellis J. Johnson MBACP
Trans Counselling
Ellis J. Johnson MBACP
Online Psychotherapeutic Counselling for Transgender,
Non-binary, Queer, or Questioning people
Trans Counselling offers specialist support to people who are transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, queer or questioning.
This includes people whose LGBTQIA+ identity means they would feel safer in a dedicated, affirmative service.
Why do we need Trans and Queer Counselling?
For many people, reaching out for help can feel unfamiliar and daunting. Counselling offers a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space to explore difficult, confusing or complicated feelings, gain a greater understanding of where they may be coming from, and work towards positive change for the future.
Why do we need Trans and Queer Counselling?
For many people, reaching out for help can feel unfamiliar and daunting. Counselling offers a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space to explore difficult, confusing or complicated feelings, gain a greater understanding of where they may be coming from, and work towards positive change for the future.
For trans and queer people, there can be additional barriers to accessing this kind of support such as fear about being misgendered, fear of being expected to "teach" your therapist the right language to use when discussing gender or sexuality, or simply a fear of being met with judgement or disbelief. When reaching out to begin working with a therapist, I firmly believe all clients should feel met by an affirmative and safe practitioner; for this reason, I set up Trans Counselling in the hope that clients might find it easier to trust they would be met with affirmation, curiosity, respect and support, without the anxiety of wondering whether they were likely to experience harm or neglect.
About me
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Ellis J. Johnson MBACP (he/him)
I am a fully qualified Psychodynamic Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and a queer, trans man of colour.
I deliver training to counsellors in working affirmatively around gender and also deliver training in trans awareness, and in anti-racist practice, to organisations around the country in Internationally.
In the past I have provided counselling for an NHS Wellbeing service, and for a University counselling service. I also spent several years working in the voluntary sector as a mental health advocate, trainer and group facilitator.
The modality I use is Psychodynamic, which involves bringing unconscious patterns into conscious awareness. Alongside family and relationship dynamics largely developed in childhood, we may explore defence mechanisms that at one time have been vital to our survival, but have now become dysfunctional. We can then explore how we might be able to witness and to heal those parts of ourselves that needed defending and protecting, and move towards a more integrated sense of self.
My work is explorative and largely non-directive, meaning that we will work with whatever you chose to bring on the day of the session. I will work to hold a safe space for you to explore at your own pace, and we will strive to make sense of the bigger picture together.
My work is influenced by spirituality and by Black feminism, taking into account how intersecting oppressive structures in society (and throughout history) can have an adverse effect on our mental, spiritual and physical health.
My work is affirmative of gender, sexuality and relationship diversity (e.g. non-monogamy, poly, kink), as well as being sex-worker affirmative.
I undertake professional development training on a regular basis.
What can psychotherapeutic counselling help with?
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Self-esteem
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Trauma and PTSD
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Self-harm
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Bereavement
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Suicidal ideation
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Domestic and/or sexual abuse
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Chronic health conditions
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Gender
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Sexuality
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Relationship difficulties
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Issues related to racial inequality
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Immigration/Asylum
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And much more
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
It is generally accepted that there is no clear, measurable distinction between the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. However, counselling is often used to describe shorter-term courses of support that might focus on one specific area e.g a bereavement or a phobia. Psychotherapy on the other hand may last longer, may be more time intensive, and may explore a range of topics and in more depth.
What is psychotherapeutic counselling?
Psychotherapeutic counselling can be seen as a mix of both psychotherapy and counselling. It can be short or long term, can address a wide range of issues or can be more focussed on just one.
What does psychodynamic mean?
A psychodynamic approach to counselling explores how unconscious drives, past experiences, and relationships influence our way of relating to the world. In psychodynamic psychotherapeutic counselling, we may talk about your childhood, your family, caregivers and friends, and look for patterns in the way you behave. We may consider unconscious drives to your behaviour and defence mechanisms that might have kept you safe in the past but might now be causing discomfort or pain in your present.
What do you mean by transgender?
The term transgender can mean many things to many different people, however it is used here to describe the experience of anyone who does not fully (or solely) identify with the sex or gender they were assigned at birth. This is inclusive of people who are non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender diverse or agender.
What do you mean by queer?
Again, queer may mean many different things to different people. Here it is used as an umbrella term to describe anyone who a) chooses to use it, or b) who identifies outside of the 'boxes' of identity currently offered by heteronormative and cisnormative society. Indeed, queer can mean a lack of traditional boxes altogether. This may include people who use the terms gay, lesbian or bisexual, if they so choose.
Do you support parents, partners or family members of trans people?
Yes, I am also happy to work with people who are adjacent or significant to the trans and queer people in their life.
How often do the sessions take place?
Sessions take place weekly and at the same time. I do not offer fortnightly or monthly session.
Are you a member of any professional body?
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and as such I abide by their ethical guidelines.
What are your qualifications?
I hold a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychodynamic Psychotherapeutic Counselling from The University of Brighton. I also hold a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Study in Europe from The University of Manchester.
Do you offer sessions via telephone?
Yes, we can work online or via telephone
What are your fees?
My fee for individuals is £75 per 50 minute session.
Do you offer low cost spaces?
I do offer lower-cost spaces but these are currently full.
Do you offer a free introduction session?
I do not offer a free session, but can offer a telephone call for us to have a chance to connect and for you to ask any questions before you choose whether to arrange an appointment. The telephone consultation is free and can last up to 20 minutes.
How do I book an initial session?
You can book an initial session by emailing me at ellis.j.johnson@protonmail.com.
Do you currently have availability or a waiting list?
Yes - I am now taking on new clients. Please email me at ellis.j.johnson@protonmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
"I cannot recommend sessions with Ellis too highly. He is the first person I ever spoke to who actually understood me as a non-binary person. Talking to him gave me the confidence to be myself not just quietly for myself but to be open about who I am."
Get in Touch
Find me on Twitter @transcounslling
If you have any questions or enquiries, please contact me here:
I am currently taking on new clients, please email ellis.j.johnson@protonmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.