The Velvet Couch - therapy for gay, bi, and queer men

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I'm Lou, a 50 year old queer counsellor who grew up working class in the suburban countryside, navigating my identity under Section 28 and the Thatcher years. I always knew I was queer (bisexual) and came out in my mid teens. I came to this work in my late 30s after a high-pressure career in a corporate environment which ended in burnout and enduring stress, and began my own practice in 2014 working with LGBTQ+ folk. The Velvet Couch is my new practice for gay, bi, and queer men, and those with lived experience as such, such as some trans women and nonbinary folk. Please visit my website for more information and context.

My Therapy is queer-affirmative, body positive, sex positive, adaptable and consent-based, respectful of non-mainstream practices and beliefs, critical of oppressive systems, feminist (which includes being aware of how patriarchy impacts men, especially queer men), anti-fascist and anti-racist, neurodivergent inclusive, and trans inclusive.

Sexual identity:

Queer

Gender identity: I use another term

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: Yes

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: Yes

Qualifications - Links to websites:

I studied for my Counselling Diploma at Goldsmiths, where two of the three main lecturers were queer, and which was a very progressive and openminded environment and training. Before that I got my Counselling Certificate from London Metropolitan University which offered a Transcultural approach, and where two of the three lecturers were Black women.
Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Member no NCS18-06202.
Diploma in Counselling (Psychodynamic) Goldsmiths. Awarded 2013.
Certificate in Counselling (Transcultural) London Met. Awarded 2010.

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award

Experience and approach:

Therapy with me isn’t just about reflecting - it’s active, engaging and sometimes challenging.

You’ll explore your strengths - and your bullshit. You’ll have conversations that might make you uncomfortable. Sometimes, with your agreement, I’ll suggest something to do between sessions - reading, writing, or trying something new.

We’ll look at your daily life: