"It was only a couple of decades ago that homosexuality was considered a mental illness by the World Health Organisation. This pathologising of sexual variation has unfortunately affected the way that many therapists view any sexual difference. LGBTIQ individuals are often judged through a heteronormative lens of what is and isn't 'normal'. Even today, people who wish to change their gender, announce a sexuality other than the norm, or those who wish to engage in consensual BDSM/Kink relationships, often find themselves the target of prejudice, or even diagnosed as having some sort of mental illness" - Pink Therapy Website

I am a Psychotherapist and Nature Therapist qualified to MA level - yet there is a gap in my training in working with gender, sexuality and relationship diversity (Kink, BDSM), so I am undertaking further training with Pink Therapy. I am on the first year of a two year PG Post Grad Diploma specialising in gender, sexuality and in relationship diversity. However, the 'heteronormative lens' mentioned above, is not one I have ever looked through, yet I know it exists and the damage it causes - I think it is society that is ill.

This prejudice is deeply damaging and that it happens in the therapy room too, is beyond unacceptable. There are therapists from around the world attending this course and I am proud to be one of those chosen by Pink Therapy to train with them. It's an honour and a privilege.

Some of my existing clients are heterosexuals into kink, some are sex workers, swingers, and some are LGBTQ+ clients who have experienced prejudice. This post graduate diploma will ensure I work with a fully-informed heart and with the most up-to-date research in this field.

My commitment to you is to take everything I learn to the people already coming to me and to those yet to come, and to fully support and serve the LGBTQ+ & GSRD communities, with a passionate, ethical, and knowledgeable heart.

I understand that this is a big ask of my friends and associates to support me in this way, yet I feel this training is crucial to serving my clients. Your support is fully appreciated.

The fees are £2800 for the first year, and I am crowdfunding for these.

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