Ian Phesans (Beyond Labels Therapy)

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I'm Ian (he/they), a queer-identifying counsellor and registered BACP member.

My approach is nonjudgmental, inclusive, and trauma-informed. This means that I prioritise consistency, trust, and consent while always providing empathy. I work within an LGBTQIA+ affirming, kink, and sex-positive framework and have extensive experience supporting marginalised minorities (LGBTQIA+, sex workers, neurodiverse folks, ethnic and religious minorities, etc.) and foreign nationals.

Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, or want to explore a specific trauma, loss, illness, or life transition, I am here to bear witness to your experience and help you work through it.

Together, we can explore what is holding you back, help you regain control of your emotions, and live a more fulfilling and authentic life. No concern is too small or too big for therapy, and you are welcome to discuss whatever is on your mind. This is a safe space where you can have your voice heard and validated.

I see clients internationally, both online and in person, in South East London. I offer a free 20-minute intro call so we can get to know each other better and see if we're a good fit.

Areas of expertise: non-conformist identities, relationships, and sexualities, trauma & sexual abuse; attachment; shame; loss; and depression.

Sexual identity:

Gay
Queer

Gender identity: Male

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: No

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: No

Personal pronouns: He/They

Qualifications - Links to websites:

Qualification, Training and CPD:

Interpersonal Psychotherapy Training - IPS Institute, New York
MScGender & Sexuality Studies - Birkbeck University
BSc (Hons) Counselling (BACP-Accredited)—University of East London
Introduction to Psychology - YALE University
L2 Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Prevention
L2 Certificate in Understanding Domestic Abuse
Working with survivors of Child Sexual Abuse - Carolyn Spring
Trauma and the Body: Dissociation & Somatisation, - Carolyn Spring
Certificate in Understanding Autism, Asperger's, & ADHD - Derby University
Sex Worker Therapist Training - European Sex Workers' Rights Alliance
Fundamentals of Therapy with LGBTQ Clients - Simple Practice
Intersectional Authenticity with LGBTQ+ Clients - Simple Practice
Chemsex Essentials Training - London Friends
Bereavement Awareness Training - MIND
The Psychology of Social Class - London South Bank University

Volunteering work:

ELOP (LGBTQIA+ community)
London Young Counselling & Royal Greenwich Trust School

Research Paper:

Un-Closeting Shame - A Qualitative Exploration of Counsellors’ Experiences Working with Gay Shame

To find out more and get in touch, please visit: http://BeyondLabelsTherapy.com/

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award
MSc Gender & Sexuality	Birkbeck University	2024
BSc Counselling (Hons)	University of East London	2023

Experience and approach:

Trained in both the UK and the USA, I utilise various therapeutic modalities to provide a personalised approach to therapy. I have significant experience working with survivors of CSA, members of stigmatised minorities, and those questioning their identity or pondering existential questions like, "Who am I?"

Whatever your needs, I am here to support you.

I know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but I want to reassure you—there is no right or wrong way to do it. Just come as you are and allow yourself the space to heal. I'd be honoured to walk with you on your journey of self-discovery.

Approaches: