A new therapy hub has been launched to provide specialist psychotherapy for LGBTQIA+ people in Brighton. The Queer Therapy Hub was set up by University of Brighton lecturer and researcher Charlotte Wilcox to address the gap between traditional psychotherapy and queer-specific support. The hub offers a safe and inclusive space where clients can work with therapists who understand their lived experiences.
The project acknowledges the barriers that queer people often face in accessing affirming mental health support. It brings together qualified LGBTQIA+ counsellors and psychotherapists in Brighton, including recent University of Brighton graduates, to offer therapy rooted in LGBTQIA+ identities and challenges. This includes tackling issues such as minority stress, gender dysphoria, and discrimination-related trauma in an empathetic and informed way.
The hub was launched ahead of University Mental Health Day to highlight the importance of accessible and inclusive mental health support. As well as offering one-to-one therapy, the hub fosters a community-driven approach to mental wellbeing. It works with local LGBTQIA+ organisations and advocacy groups to improve access to mental health resources.
Through peer support, training, and social events, the hub aims to create a strong professional community while tackling the isolation often faced by professional therapists working outside the NHS. Charlotte Wilcox said: "When I first trained as a psychotherapist, people would come up t.
