Spectrum Trans Counselling Service
Information for Referrers
Spectrum, part of Spectra CIC, is a well-established peer-led health and wellbeing service for people of trans experience. For several years Spectrum has run two monthly drop-in groups, as well as individual mentoring, advocacy and signposting.
Funded by City Bridge Trust, Spectrum Trans Counselling Service provides free confidential, short-term individual and group counselling for people who identify as trans, non-binary or are questioning their gender identity. We work with a range of issues and concerns which do not have to relate directly to gender identity. We will also be offering occasional wellbeing workshops on topics of interest to our service users.
Face-to-face integrative counselling is available from our wheelchair-accessible offices in Ladbroke Grove. Online and telephone counselling is also available. Following assessment, clients will usually be offered an initial course of eight individual counselling sessions. The service is also able to refer or signpost people to external services that offer longer term or specialist counselling. Please note that we are not a crisis service and clients at high risk will be signposted or referred on to primary or secondary NHS services.
The service is run by a BACP Registered Counsellor and abides by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. We are committed to practising counselling in ways that are inclusive, accessible and affirming to clients from all backgrounds, cultures, races, beliefs, sexualities, abilities and gender identities.
Making a Referral
Self-referral is generally preferred – clients can apply through the website www.spectrum.support, or a self-referral form can be sent out by post on request. In cases where clients are involved with NHS secondary care (Community Mental Health Teams), then a recommendation from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional will be required (with client consent).
Professionals who are considering referring clients can make informal enquiries by contacting us at counselling@spectrum.support or 020 3322 6923.
