Feeling anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed?
Whatever the reason you have chosen to visit me, a very warm welcome.
Depression in gay men is three times higher than in the general adult population.
To survive as gay men, we grow up playing a version of ourselves that sacrifices our authenticity, our true self. We do this to minimise the threat that humiliation and prejudice pose for us, given the template that being "normal" is to be heterosexual. This can have a big impact on our mental health, manifesting as anxiety and depression.
To cope with feelings of shame, loneliness and internalised homophobia, we may look for temporary relief in alcohol and chems. This in turn, can spiral into behaviours that further impact our mental health, physical well-being and relationships. Sound familiar?
It is against this background that I have created Benedicts, a specialist, tailored counselling and psychotherapy service for gay men in London. Therapy will give you the opportunity and space to examine your thoughts and emotions, so you can identify the best way forward. It will also provide you with new tools and strategies, encourage progress, and help hold you accountable to grow into the person you've always wanted to be.
My name's Ben, a qualified therapist working with gay men in London. I completed my professional training at Regents University in London, a leading and respected University in the field of psychotherapy and counselling. I'm a Member of two professional bodies, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
How I Work
Anyone can benefit from psychotherapy. At Benedicts Psychotherapy and Counselling, we help you explore your issues, thoughts and feelings so you can benefit from becoming more aware of how you see the world and why. Ben works with an integrative approach to psychotherapy following the various methods: psychodynamic, existential, humanistic and transactional therapies.
One-to-one therapy offers a non-judgmental, confidential, safe space to reflect on emotional difficulties. Ben will encourage you to voice your views and be challenged on your assumptions and any contradictions in what you say to help you gain a new understanding and make sense of your emotional response to life experiences.
Clinic Locations
In-person therapy for gay men is available at two clinics. London, Victoria and Guildford, Surrey.
Introductory Call
FREE | 15 minutes
Telephone
Assessment Consultation
£100 | 50 minutes
In-person or online
Treatment Plan
Individual therapy £100 | 50 minutes Couples therapy £135 | 50 minutes
In-person or online
What is counselling and psychotherapy?
Imagine taking control of your anxiety and living the life you've always wanted. Anxiety is a widespread issue affecting millions of people around the world. When anxiety takes over, it can dramatically impact your life. Imagine no more crippling stress and insecurity interfering with the life you deserve - healthy relationships, fulfilling careers and improved happiness.
- Excessive worry and fear
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Personal insecurities
- Social anxiety
- OCD obsessions
- Substance abuse
Tailored Therapy: Anxiety can be controlled. Ben helps you understand fear and how to identify its triggers, so you can take control when your anxiety becomes challenging. You'll be able to feel comfortable in social settings - and build and maintain healthy relationships. You'll also be able to let go of the habits and insecurities that keep you from achieving your goals and learn how to identify and manage obsessive behaviours.
Depression and low self-esteem therapy can help restore peace and happiness. Depression has many forms and doesn't always mean you are extremely sad. Maybe your motivation to exercise or socialise is on the wane. Or that you feel energyless most of the time? Many people struggle with various symptoms without realising that it stems from depression.
- Apathy
- Sadness
- Extreme fatigue
- Hopelessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Guilt or shame
- Insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts
- Loneliness
Tailored Therapy: You can create a life where depression and low self-esteem do not hold you back. Ben helps you understand and identify the symptoms to navigate complex areas of your life. You'll be able to restore and maintain healthy communication habits, let go of insecurities, and identify and manage negative behaviours to take control of your life.
Are you struggling with some trauma? Therapy can help you take back control of your life. Everybody processes trauma differently, and Ben can help lessen its effects on your life so you can lead a healthier and happier life. Trauma comes in many different forms, from childhood trauma and physical violence to sexual abuse or being a victim of crime.
- Nightmares and flashbacks
- Irritability and mood swings
- Lack of concentration
- Difficulty functioning at home or work
- Excessive fear, anxiety or depression
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Inability to form and maintain a close relationship
Tailored Therapy: We understand that everyone is different and requires a personalised approach. Ben can help you take back control of your life. You'll explore your past experiences and the traumatic experiences that have led you to this point. You'll be in a safe space to express your feelings as Ben is committed to helping you come to terms with your traumas to find a sense of calmness. So you can create a life free of trauma and build the life you've always wanted.
Sometimes problems with sexuality come up where you may feel alienated from society. Many of us grew up with negative or confusing messages around sexuality, which can lead to issues. Ben can help you find the source of your sexuality concerns so you can explore your gender or sexual orientation. You can address any emotional barriers and share your fears and desires to accept your sexuality and process your feelings during therapy.
Tailored Therapy: Psychotherapy and counselling can help you come to terms with your sexual identity and enable you to make choices that reflect who you are as an integrated human being.
Call 07951 823356 or email me info@benedicts.org.
©Benedicts 2023