(I’m aware that I’ve missed some flags, and that some are more contentious than others, but I wanted to put up a selection)
Do you identify as lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, genderqueer, pansexual, non-binary, asexual, intersex, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, kinky, or with some other alternative gender or sexual diversity? Are you a supervisor, therapist or a trainee?
As a psychotherapy trainee who identifies as queer, sometimes, I am glad of the opportunity to be able to talk with experienced therapists who identify in similar ways to me. I was recently at a Pink Therapy event and was part of a conversation where it was suggested that it might be a good idea to create some kind of mentor program to help trainees in similar positions. I’ve volunteered to organise it.
So, for Pink Therapy I am co-ordinating a mentor scheme for those people who identify in the above groups (as well as others I haven’t listed here that are along similar themes – please let me know if I have missed yours out!). It will also hold supervisor details, so if you don’t wish to mentor but are willing to offer supervision, please also complete the form. This list is open to anyone working or training as a counsellor, psychotherapist (of any modality) or clinical or counselling psychologist.
If you’re in some way LGBTQIA or ‘beyond the rainbow‘ and are a qualified counsellor or counselling/clinical psychologist who could offer some advice/support to a trainee, or if you’re a trainee who could use some support from a qualified counsellor or clinical or counselling psychologist, or if you’re able to offer (or are looking for) supervision please go to this page to fill in the form that goes directly to me.
As a general rule it would probably be short-term via email, but it would be negotiable between you and the trainee/therapist you’re matched with.
I am maintaining two lists, one of mentors/supervisors and one of trainees. When trainees contact me with the type of person they feel they would benefit from talking to, I will send their email address to a relevant person and ask that person to get in touch. If you’re a ‘senior’ trainee (someone who feels they could mentor newer trainees), please feel free to ask to go on the mentor side. Click this link to get to the page with the relevant information or email me: rainbowoftranquility@gmail.com or leave a (screened) comment below.
Trainee Therapist 
This is a great idea. I’m not sure if I may have missed read, but as a “straight” counsellor who wants to be aware and educated enough, beyond the qualities of empathy, congruence, unconditional positive regard and such, can I also be included to have a mentor assigned? Thanks. Neil
Hi Neil, thanks for commenting. This particular list is just to provide support to lgbtq+ trainees, but if you would like further information and support I recommend the pink therapy website. They also have a facebook page and group, where you will definitely find support!
Thanks for replying. I’m aware of Pink Therapy and have been on their Essentials in Gender and Sexual Diversity course. Yeah, can post questions on their Facebook page. Though, having an individual to contact would feel good. Understand and recognise you can’t be all things to all people.
I suppose I’m trying to be prepared, so that if/when an LGBTQ client visits with me, there is a place to take any questions. And I’m not sure a Facebook page would be the right place for that? Maybe it would? Perhaps what I need is a supervisor more experienced in LGBTQ matters?
Reblogged this on Pink Therapy Blog and commented:
We’re very grateful to have someone take this project on.
This is a great idea. I remember how isolated I felt at times.
[…] course fees and directory membership fees. We’ve also followed BAATN’s lead and developed a mentoring scheme because of the endemic homophobia, biphobia and transphobia many counsellors feel in their training […]