Gavin Reid

I am currently taking on new clients.  I work with all genders, sexualities and relationship types.  

Thanks for visiting my page. If you are here, I expect you are thinking of having therapy and perhaps considering me to be your therapist.

My name is Gavin, I use he/him pronouns, and I am a white, neuro typical, able bodied, gay cis man. I’ve been in recovery from addiction for over 5 years. I volunteer with a local LGBTQ+ charity and I sing with the Manchester Proud Chorus. I’m single and live in Manchester with my dog and cat.

Community Involvement

In addition to my private practice, I volunteer at two local LGBTQ+ charities. This work keeps me deeply connected to the community and informed about the current challenges facing LGBTQ+ individuals.

Social Justice

As a gay man who grew up in the 1980s, I carry the weight of both the struggles and the resilience that shaped my journey. In a time marked by significant discrimination, especially under laws like Section 28, and the devastation of the AIDS epidemic, I witnessed firsthand what it means to be marginalized, ostracized, and denied basic rights.

I want to acknowledge the unique discrimination trans individuals face today, which can often feel like an echo of the struggles I experienced in my youth. In the fight for equality, it is crucial to listen, learn, and amplify the voices of trans folks, understanding their experiences with empathy and respect.

My primary modality is person centred, but I also use CBT and TA modalities. Person Centred is a non-directive form of counselling, so I won’t be trying to tell you what to do or give you advice. Nobody knows you better than you know yourself, you are the expert on you, not me.

I aim to get the right balance between supporting you and gently challenging you. I will check in with you from time to time to see if I’m getting this balance right.

Whether you’re completely new to therapy, reconnecting with it after a break, or if you’ve had a bad experience with it in the past, I’m here to offer you a safe non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and explore what is impacting you, so you can make sense of your world.

I work with all genders, sexualities and relationship types. I am experienced in working with subjects such as depression, anxiety, shame, internalised homophobia/transphobia, coming out, chem sex, addiction, neuro diversity, low self-esteem, trauma and gender dysphoria.

I work remotely with clients from all over the UK.

Specialisations

Recovery from Chemsex: Drawing on from my own lived experience, I provide compassionate, non-judgmental support for gay men looking to overcome challenges related to sexualized drug use.

Trans and Gender Diverse Support: I embrace a social justice perspective and offer a safe space to explore and affirm gender identity.

Professional Burnout: Drawing from my corporate background, I help clients navigate work-related stress and find balance.

Boundary Setting: Establishing healthy boundaries is essential for fostering self-esteem, improving relationships, and promoting overall well-being. My goal is to empower you to establish and uphold boundaries that reflect your values and contribute to healthier, more fulfilling connections in your life.

Taking the first step towards counselling can be daunting. I offer a free 15-minute online consultation to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit.

In the first session we will go through the contract together, this is so that you know what is expected from you and me.