LGBT Counselling

Our approach to LGBT counselling

LGBTQIA+ communities experience various forms of subtle discrimination. This happens to individuals and to groups.

Open homophobia is still a reality and right now, those identifying as Trans are fighting a difficult and sometimes upsetting battle for rights, acceptance and simply being allowed to live their lives in the way they choose.

Old attitudes and prejudices die hard, even if they are apparently masked or publicly suppressed. We have come a long way but there is still a long way to go.

All that means it is not surprising that finding a LGBT counselling practitioner or gay psychologist is still very hard in Australia.

We constantly ask ourselves ‘will this person get me’ or understand the journey of coming out, internalized homophobia/biphobia/transphobia or ongoing discrimination I face?

There are many things heterosexual counsellors may think they understand, but without in-depth learning they fall short of basic knowledge of what it means to be LGBTQIA+.

Some people forget it wasn’t so long ago that there were still therapists offering ‘treatment’. Some still subconsciously hold that view. Therapy only works when the therapist and the client can get on each other’s ‘wavelength’. If there’s doubt, subconscious prejudice, stereotyping, suspicion, mistrust or simple ignorance, then therapy is generally ineffective.

So, finding a sympathetic counsellor is not as straightforward as it seems.

Our issues in the LGBTQIA+ community are unique. This means we need gay counselling or LGBTQ counselling from a professional who really understands. If you have not walked in our shoes, you can’t really relate to some of our experiences as well as someone who has.

Our team makes us unique

Safe Place Therapy counsellors are experienced in working with many different people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and also those who identify as non binary. One major cause of mental distress and mental problems is trying to reconcile who you really are, with how the world or significant others choose to see you. 

This starts in childhood as we begin to awaken to ourselves as us, not simply an extension of other people. Then when we hit the teenage years, we already have all the usual Teen coming of age issues to deal with. These are complicated by further identity issues. Then once we are fully adult, all the relationship issues are ours to face, in a world that often hasn’t yet fully caught on. 

Some very conservative communities continue to be unsympathetic or even hostile. It’s especially difficult when we feel we are trapped in that dilemma.   

As we draw towards our later years, some of us find we have led lives where we wanted to – or in some cases had to – be other than our true selves. There comes a point where many of us decide that enough is enough. 

So, LGBTQ counselling is for anyone and everyone who wants or needs it. It doesn’t matter your age or your circumstances.

We support you

Your gender and sexual orientation is one part of you. How you identify should be respected and celebrated. You are you and no one should be encouraging you to be anyone else. 

This means learning what pronouns you would like us to use or opening up the conversation if you are dealing with gender dysphoria or are curious about your sexuality. 

We always come to counselling with kindness, understanding and an open heart and mind to hear your story and support you!

Some of the things we can help with

You may have experienced the above or something else but the point is it is important to reach out if you’re struggling.

Safe Place Therapy is here to be in your corner and work with you.

Our team is more than just ‘gay friendly’.
We are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
We are in your corner.

Counselling is available online via Zoom or Skype.
Or you can come to our offices in Footscray or Epping.

We also provide LGBTQ Employee Assistance.

Booking online is easy.
Just click the button below:

FEES: Individual Telehealth Counselling (Skype/Zoom or Phone)
please refer to individual clinician fees on the About Us page.

Get the support you need.
Reach out today!

Our Therapists