Case Studies
See what others have to say
We are privileged to support a diverse range of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Our programs have made a tangible difference in their lives, fostering personal growth, skill development, and a sense of belonging.
Peter’s Journey of Self Acceptance and Empowerment
Peter* is a 38 year old man from Durham who, after years of internal struggle, came to the realisation that he had been living a lie by concealing his true identity. Having been married for several years and with two children in their early teens, Peter found himself trapped in a life that no longer aligned with who he truly was.
His decision to come out as a gay man led to a difficult separation from his wife, which left Peter feeling torn between his responsibilities as a father and his desire to embrace his authentic self.
For years, Peter kept his sexual orientation a secret, which created feelings of shame and guilt. While some family members offered their support, others reacted with rejection and misunderstanding. This internal conflict, combined with the pressure of hiding his true identity, had a significant impact on Peter’s mental health and sense of self worth.
Peter’s struggles were compounded by his use of popular hookup sites to connect with other gay men. While these encounters provided a temporary sense of connection, they ultimately reinforced Peter’s feelings of being disconnected from his true self. He often felt as though he was still living a lie, caught in a cycle of superficial casual encounters that failed to provide the authenticity and emotional fulfilment he craved.
The pressure of living in secrecy and the emotional toll of his unfulfilled relationships left Peter feeling lost and unsure of his path forward. He needed to rebuild his confidence, develop self acceptance, and begin the healing process.
Peter self referred to Behind the Curtain (BTC) for one to one support, where he began working closely with his coach, Ross. Over several sessions, Peter engaged in self care practices, focusing on self love and self acceptance.
These sessions helped him understand that in order to live authentically, he first needed to embrace who he truly was, without shame or fear of judgment.
A key tool in Peter’s personal growth was mindfulness, which helped him stay grounded and present in his journey. By practicing mindfulness techniques, Peter learned to quiet his inner critic and focus on positive, affirming thoughts. He worked on setting healthy boundaries and learning how to navigate difficult family dynamics, slowly rebuilding relationships with those who supported him while letting go of toxic relationships that no longer served him.
Peter also used vision boards to focus on his goals and envision a future where he was comfortable in his own skin. This exercise helped him to focus on the future, rather than dwelling on past mistakes or feelings of shame.
Through consistent work on his self acceptance, Peter has made tremendous strides in embracing his true identity. No longer feeling the need to hide behind the anonymity of hookup sites, Peter has redefined his relationships and has begun connecting with people who see him for who he truly is.
As his confidence has grown, so has his ability to be open and authentic with others. He now feels more positive about his life and his future, understanding that he is worthy of love and acceptance exactly as he is. Peter has reclaimed his self worth, rebuilt his confidence, and is now living more fully as his true self.
"I used to feel like I was living in the shadows, hiding from the world and from myself. After working with BTC, I finally feel free to be who I truly am. I’ve learned to love myself and to embrace my imperfections. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and for the first time, I can honestly say I’m proud of who I am." – Peter, 38
Peter’s story is one of transformation, from living in secrecy and shame to embracing his true self with confidence and self love. Through the support provided by Behind the Curtain CIC, Peter has learned to navigate the complexities of identity, rebuild his confidence, and move forward into a future where he is living authentically.
*Our clients name has been changed to protect his privacy
Before my session with Ross, I honestly didn't know what to expect. I was unsure if it would be coaching or counselling and I felt a bit anxious.
But once I arrived, I realised it was a space to just be myself. I left feeling lighter and more at peace.
Sam - Darlington
I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness before meeting Ross. I wasn't sure if I would get the guidance I needed but I quickly discovered that it was a safe space for exploration. The most useful part was feeling heard and validated in my experiences. Thank you.
John - Durham
Ive been to a couple of sessions now with Ross, I always love how homely and calm it is. It's like a chance to forget everything going on in my life and just focusing on the time there.
Total peace and calm. I am working towards coming along to the group sessions in time. Going to see Ross is like a recharge of my battery. I would definitely recommend booking a session. Thank you Ross for being you, its encourages me to be more me!
Michael - Durham
Walking into my first session, I had no idea what to expect. I worried that I wouldn't know how to express my feelings. Its an environment where I felt free to express myself. I found it useful to have someone listen without judgment, thank you Ross!
Dan - Sunderland
Before meeting Ross, I felt apprehensive about what the session would entail. I wasn't sure if it would be more structured or informal. To my surprise, it was just the right balance, and I left feeling lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
Andy - Chester le Street
Creating Healthy Relationships With Kerion
Kerion* a 27 year old male, was referred to Behind the Curtain (BTC) CIC by Talking Therapies after completing his previous support program. Having grown up with limited family connection and a history of heroin addiction, Kerion struggled with ongoing emotional challenges, including low self esteem and a sense of being lost.
When he joined BTC, he was nearing the end of his support with Talking Therapies and felt uncertain about where to turn next.
When Kerion first accessed BTC, he felt nervous and anxious, unsure of what to expect. He described feeling lost and without direction. During his initial sessions with Ross, BTC’s project lead, Kerion was encouraged to open up in a safe, non-judgmental space. Through active listening and empathetic support, Kerion began to explore his emotions, past struggles, and mental health challenges.
Over time, Kerion engaged in goal setting, starting with personal reflection and gradually moving to actionable steps. Each week, Kerion set small but impactful goals to improve his mental health
and boost his confidence. Through guided meditation, mindfulness exercises, and accountability sessions, he began to embrace his uniqueness and build resilience.
Kerion’s self confidence grew steadily as he worked on managing his anxiety and releasing negative self talk. He started to recognise his worth and accept himself. His perspective shifted, and he no longer saw his past struggles, including addiction, as something that defined him.
Instead, he learned to view these challenges as part of his growth and healing process.
Kerion’s transformation has been so beautiful to witness. Today, he is in a loving relationship, where he feels valued and supported. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his partner, going on walks, and embracing life in a way he hadn’t before. Kerion’s own journey has helped him realise that his uniqueness is his greatest gift, and he is now able to live more confidently and authentically.
*Our clients name has been changed to protect his privacy