Mark D Clarke

An integrative psychotherapist and counsellor offering a warm, LGBTQ+ affirming space for people who want to understand themselves better, feel more at ease in their own skin, and navigate life with a little more clarity and kindness. I’m gay myself, and that lived experience informs how I work — particularly around identity, belonging, relationships, shame, self-acceptance, and the subtle ways LGBTQ+ people learn to adapt in order to feel safe or accepted. Many of the people I work with come to therapy wanting a space where they don’t have to explain themselves, translate their world, or educate their therapist in order to feel understood. A lot of my clients are dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship struggles, burnout, or a general sense of feeling “off” without quite knowing why. Some are exploring questions around sexuality, gender, or identity; others simply want space to slow down, reflect, and feel more grounded. My approach is gentle, collaborative, and grounded in psychology. We’ll look at what’s going on beneath the surface — patterns, emotions, beliefs, and relational habits — and work together to make sense of them in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming. I’m particularly aware of how LGBTQ+ people can end up carrying extra layers of pressure, self-criticism, or people-pleasing from trying to stay safe, fit in, or be accepted. Therapy can be a place to slowly let some of that go. I aim to offer a space that feels: -Safe, respectful, and affirming Curious rather than judgemental -Emotionally supportive but also practical -Led by your pace, your values, and what matters to you You don’t need to have everything figured out to start — just a sense that you want something to feel different.