Peter Golder (he,him)

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

It takes immense courage to address the experiences that hold us back. As a UKCP-registered psychotherapist and qualified EMDR therapist, I provide a dedicated online space for LGBTQ+ individuals to process trauma and move towards a life of greater authenticity.

It takes immense courage to address the experiences that hold us back. As a UKCP-registered psychotherapist and qualified EMDR therapist, I provide a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ individuals to process trauma and move towards a life of greater authenticity. Based in Brighton and Hove, I am deeply passionate about and committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Over years of dedicated experience, I have developed a specialised clinical focus on the unique nuances, triumphs, and systemic challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Whether you prefer the energy of working in-person at my Brighton and Hove practice, or the comfort and accessibility of online therapy, I offer both short-term and long-term individual and couples counselling.

Sexual identity:

Gay
Other

Gender identity: Male

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: Yes

Personal pronouns: he/him

Qualifications - Links to websites:

Qualifications and Training;

Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) in Psychotherapy

Qualified EMDR therapist (EMDR Europe)

Diploma in Counselling - The Link Centre

General Certificate in Online Counselling - OLT

Certificate in Working with couples - Connexus Institute

Advanced Counselling Skills - The Link Centre

UKCP Registered Psychotherapist

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award
BSc (Hons) Psychology	The Open University	2011
BA (Hons) Music	Leeds University	1995

Experience and approach:

I am a UKCP-registered Psychotherapist, Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) and EMDR therapist. My professional journey is rooted in a deep commitment to mental health, spanning over 15 years across private practice, the charitable sector, and clinical settings.

Clinical Training & Qualifications
Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA): A gold-standard qualification in psychotherapy.
Qualified EMDR Therapist (EMDR Europe): Specialising in trauma processing.
BSc (Hons) Psychology: The Open University.
Diploma in Counselling: The Link Centre.
General Certificate in Online Counselling: Ensuring safe and effective remote practice.
Specialist CPD: Extensive training in Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD), suicide intervention, and working with gender dysphoria.
Professional Experience

Alongside my private practice, Acorn Counselling Therapy, I have held significant roles within the LGBTQ+ mental health sector:

Counselling Service Manager at MindOut: I lead and develop counselling services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, overseeing a team of over 20 counsellors.

The Samaritans: Spent five years as a listening volunteer, supporting individuals in acute emotional crisis and suicidal distress.

Clinical Settings: Experience working within psychiatric units and running reminiscence groups for people living with dementia in NHS hospital settings.

My Specialism
My work is predominantly focused on the LGBTQ+ community. My combination of professional training and lived experience allows me to offer an empathic, identity-affirming space. I specialise in helping clients navigate:

Identity & Sexuality
Gender Identity & Gender Dysphoria
Trauma & Minority Stress (via EMDR)
Anxiety & Relational Patterns

I am an approved provider for major insurers, including AXA Health, Aviva, and WPA.

Approaches: