Help Willow Become an LGBTQ Affirmative Counsellor

Hi, I’m Willow. I am a queer, trans, non-binary, disabled, neurodivergent person of colour living in London. I am raising funds to help with the cost of training for an Advanced Diploma in Integrative LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling.

I have recently been offered a place on the Advanced Diploma in Integrative LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling with LGBTQ+ charity elop. I completed a foundation certificate with them in 2023. The course has fees attached to it along with travel costs, books, and personal therapy costs (a requirement of the course). As a member of the LGBTQ+ community I am aware of the dire need for LGBTQ+ affirmative counsellors with intersectional approaches. Especially with the increasingly anti-trans and LGBTQ+ climate in the UK, being even a small part of making counselling accessible and suitable for LGBTQ+ people of all backgrounds and identities is important to me.

My goal has always been to work in a field in which I can make a difference and believe in the work I am doing. Over the last 3 years I have volunteered with 3 different LGBTQ+ and Trans+ charities. This work has included social media content, workshop facilitation and working as a listening volunteer for an LGBTQ+ helpline. Taking calls from service users has been incredibly rewarding. I have experienced firsthand how impactful it can be for LGBTQ+ people to have a safe space to talk about their feelings and any issues they are facing. I also think it is very important for LGBTQ+ people to have access to services that are tailored to the unique challenges our community faces, especially as LGBTQ+ specific services often make us feel safer.

These experiences have made me passionate about helping LGBTQ+ people and being able to provide a space where they can feel supported and listened to. This was what led me to taking part in the foundation course and is why I want to continue working towards becoming an LGBTQ+ affirmative counsellor. Reaching out for help feels very strange but disability has made the last few years financially difficult for me, and I truly believe in the power of community. Any donations or even just sharing is greatly appreciated.