Psychological Support
We created a space where LGBTI youth, their families and loved ones can find answers to their questions, feel supported, heard and understood, so that they do not feel alone. You can contact our volunteers through our online support chat (every evening between 8 and 11 pm) and if you have a question at any other time, you can leave us a message through the offline form (in the lower right corner of the website).
We provide psychological support in 10 cities across the country with the help of our network of psychologists. We have expanded the scope of our support services by launching support groups for LGBTI youth as well as parents of LGBTI youth.
Anna Zhukivskaya also offers supervision and training / seminars for psychologists on topics related to clients with different sexuality and / or gender identity (LGBT + clients).
Anna Joukivskaia
Psychologist and Psychological Support Coordinator
Online Support Chat
You can find support every day between 8 pm and 11 pm. During the rest of the day, you can leave us a message through the offline form (in the right lower corner).
We established Single Step to answer questions, provide support, and crisis intervention for LGBTI youth as well as their families, friends, and close ones. No matter if you have a specific question or just need someone to talk to, we are here to listen and help.
Network of Psychologists
Single Step is actively working with 10 psychologists from 10 towns throughout Bulgaria: Sofia, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Rousse, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Kardzhali, Varna and Burgas. They have been trained for the specifics of consulting LGBT people with the help of Anna Joukivskaia, our supervisor psychologist.
We are expanding our network of professionals throughout Bulgaria so that when users of our support services (online chat) need individual consultations, but are unable to travel to Sofia, they can get in touch with the closest psychologist within our network. You can find their contact details from the map or you can get in contact with us, if you need more information.
Support Groups
Your Safe Space
In 2018, we launched support groups for LGBTI youth who are going through the process of self-discovery and acceptance of their own sexual orientation and gender identity, coming out to friends and family, and building a happy and peaceful life. The group is a safe space to share experiences, provide emotional support and connect with other LGBT youth.
There are several support groups that are currently active - most are in-person in Sofia, with an online group launched in 2020 and available to anyone outside of Sofia. The sessions are led by psychologists experienced in working with groups and LGBT people and are held twice a month. If you are interested, please fill out an application form and we will contact you to discuss which group is best for you. You can join a group only after an individual consultation.
In 2019 we also launched a group for parents of LGBTI young people, as we recognise that shared stories reduce feelings of isolation and broaden coping strategies to deal with the present situation. The group meets once a month in Sofia and is led by the mother of a gay person.