LGBTQ+ Affirming Counsellors in Sydney, NSW
Dr Frank Sattler
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000
Hi! I'm a clinical psychologist working with individuals and couples. I'm also a board-approved supervisor and registrar program principal supervisor for clinical psychology. With individuals, I use different approaches, such as CBT, relational therapy, LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I work with adults and older adolescents. I'm a Certified Gottman Therapist and in couples therapy, I mix Gottman therapy and systemic approaches. I also offer discernment counselling to married couples with divorce ambivalence.
Hi! I'm a clinical psychologist working with individuals and couples. I'm also a board-approved supervisor and registrar program principal supervisor for clinical psychology. With individuals, I use different approaches, such as CBT, relational therapy, LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I work with adults and older adolescents. I'm a Certified Gottman Therapist and in couples therapy, I mix Gottman therapy and systemic approaches. I also offer discernment counselling to married couples with divorce ambivalence.
Johnny Kieran-Black
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Johnny (he/they). I am an Accredited EMDR and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) Practitioner. I am interested in working LGBTQIA+ people, young people, survivors of trauma, people experiencing relationship difficulties, people wanting to learn more about who they are, people who use addictive behaviours as a way of managing, including drugs, alcohol, self-harm, eating disordered behaviours and thoughts of suicide. I understand how hard it can be to talk about traumatic experiences and I strive to bring warmth, partnership, acceptance and compassion to all my work.
My name is Johnny (he/they). I am an Accredited EMDR and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) Practitioner. I am interested in working LGBTQIA+ people, young people, survivors of trauma, people experiencing relationship difficulties, people wanting to learn more about who they are, people who use addictive behaviours as a way of managing, including drugs, alcohol, self-harm, eating disordered behaviours and thoughts of suicide. I understand how hard it can be to talk about traumatic experiences and I strive to bring warmth, partnership, acceptance and compassion to all my work.
Anine Cummins (they/them) - Ginger Cat Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Please note: I am a counsellor, and cannot accept mental health care plans. I provide online counselling for adults and teenagers. Everyone is welcome! I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD and autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
Please note: I am a counsellor, and cannot accept mental health care plans. I provide online counselling for adults and teenagers. Everyone is welcome! I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD and autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
Shaun Williams - Bent Couch Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000
Additionally, Shaun facilitates FREE fortnightly online group sessions for gay and queer males providing support in a safe space.
Bent Couch Counselling, founded by Shaun Williams, is a Melbourne-based LGBTIQA+ counselling service specialising in fostering and supporting mental health and positive change within the LGBTIQA+ community, particularly focusing on individuals identifying as male. Providing 1-on-1 online counselling services across Australia and also in-person consultations in Melbourne. Shaun brings an empathetic, professional approach to counselling that is based on his own journey as a CIS gay male and a father. He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and has over 20 years of experience in healthcare.
Additionally, Shaun facilitates FREE fortnightly online group sessions for gay and queer males providing support in a safe space.
Bent Couch Counselling, founded by Shaun Williams, is a Melbourne-based LGBTIQA+ counselling service specialising in fostering and supporting mental health and positive change within the LGBTIQA+ community, particularly focusing on individuals identifying as male. Providing 1-on-1 online counselling services across Australia and also in-person consultations in Melbourne. Shaun brings an empathetic, professional approach to counselling that is based on his own journey as a CIS gay male and a father. He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and has over 20 years of experience in healthcare.
inner haven therapy
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000 (Online Only)
As an empathetic and inclusive counsellor, I am committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds on their unique journeys. With a focus on the queer/ gay, BIPOC, Asian, and male communities, I offer a safe space where clients can explore the full spectrum of the human experience. My holistic approach addresses mental health, well-being, relationships, sexuality, identity, and confidence. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of life, fostering self-discovery and empowering personal growth. Let's embark on a transformative path towards healing, authenticity, and empowerment.
As an empathetic and inclusive counsellor, I am committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds on their unique journeys. With a focus on the queer/ gay, BIPOC, Asian, and male communities, I offer a safe space where clients can explore the full spectrum of the human experience. My holistic approach addresses mental health, well-being, relationships, sexuality, identity, and confidence. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of life, fostering self-discovery and empowering personal growth. Let's embark on a transformative path towards healing, authenticity, and empowerment.
Anthony Arpino (Proud Place Therapy)
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000
I provide empathetic and non-judgemental support to individuals (aged 16+) from the queer, transgender, gender-questioning ( LGBTQIA+) and neurodivergent communities in the Sydney area (in-person/online) and Australia-wide (online only). I can help you to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, improve your mental health, enhance your relationships, explore your sexual/gender identities, work through 'coming out', increase self-esteem or navigate big life transitions and changes.
I provide empathetic and non-judgemental support to individuals (aged 16+) from the queer, transgender, gender-questioning ( LGBTQIA+) and neurodivergent communities in the Sydney area (in-person/online) and Australia-wide (online only). I can help you to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, improve your mental health, enhance your relationships, explore your sexual/gender identities, work through 'coming out', increase self-esteem or navigate big life transitions and changes.
My job is to listen, guide you with tools and strategies and encourage you to trust yourself again. Through therapy you can improve the relationship you have with yourself and others. My clients include LGBTQ+ identifying people and those exploring sexuality as well as all kinds of people escaping religious abuse, coercive control, domestic violence and addiction. Whether you are experiencing anger, guilt, grief, shame, fear, loneliness, confusion or something else, you can benefit from professional support. Sessions can give you a sounding board, a witness to your trauma or professional guidance and tools, it's your choice.
My job is to listen, guide you with tools and strategies and encourage you to trust yourself again. Through therapy you can improve the relationship you have with yourself and others. My clients include LGBTQ+ identifying people and those exploring sexuality as well as all kinds of people escaping religious abuse, coercive control, domestic violence and addiction. Whether you are experiencing anger, guilt, grief, shame, fear, loneliness, confusion or something else, you can benefit from professional support. Sessions can give you a sounding board, a witness to your trauma or professional guidance and tools, it's your choice.
Dr Mike van Dijkhuizen
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am clinical psychologist and work with anxiety disorders, depression, addictions, trauma, relationships and sexuality. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ clients, with a queer affirming perspective. My therapeutic approach uses CBT, ACT and mindfulness for letting go of unhelpful thoughts, being present with difficult emotions and connecting to your values; the things that really matter to you.
I am clinical psychologist and work with anxiety disorders, depression, addictions, trauma, relationships and sexuality. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ clients, with a queer affirming perspective. My therapeutic approach uses CBT, ACT and mindfulness for letting go of unhelpful thoughts, being present with difficult emotions and connecting to your values; the things that really matter to you.
My main mission is to create a warm and welcoming therapeutic space where everyone feels included and valued, especially those in the CLAD, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent communities.
Hi I'm Kodi (They/She), I'm a compassionate and dedicated Provisional Psychologist with a strong commitment to supporting clients from CLAD and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds. As a queer, and neurodivergent clinician, my lived experience within the community aids me to innately empathise with experiences clients may be navigating. My experience encompasses a broad array of client presentations, including ADHD, gender identity, gender dysphoria, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, family and relational conflicts, complex trauma/abuse.
My main mission is to create a warm and welcoming therapeutic space where everyone feels included and valued, especially those in the CLAD, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent communities.
Hi I'm Kodi (They/She), I'm a compassionate and dedicated Provisional Psychologist with a strong commitment to supporting clients from CLAD and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds. As a queer, and neurodivergent clinician, my lived experience within the community aids me to innately empathise with experiences clients may be navigating. My experience encompasses a broad array of client presentations, including ADHD, gender identity, gender dysphoria, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, family and relational conflicts, complex trauma/abuse.
Rhi Gibson Trauma Informed Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSc, AASW
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
Hi, I'm Rhi (they/them) an accredited social worker and therapist. As a queer, non-binary person I am dedicated to working alongside LGBTQA+ young people and adults. I am a gender and neurodivergent affirming practitioner that specialises in mental health, relationships, addictions, disability, experiences of violence, and professional supervision. I have 24+ years experience in working alongside people from a range of diverse backgrounds. I am also the founder of a trauma informed martial arts school. I provide compassionate, confidential and non-judgemental counselling, using a range of therapeutic modalities.
Hi, I'm Rhi (they/them) an accredited social worker and therapist. As a queer, non-binary person I am dedicated to working alongside LGBTQA+ young people and adults. I am a gender and neurodivergent affirming practitioner that specialises in mental health, relationships, addictions, disability, experiences of violence, and professional supervision. I have 24+ years experience in working alongside people from a range of diverse backgrounds. I am also the founder of a trauma informed martial arts school. I provide compassionate, confidential and non-judgemental counselling, using a range of therapeutic modalities.
Sam Forbes - Trauma Therapy Emdr Relationships Lgbt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
What would you like to be different in your life? Counselling can help. I've been a therapist for 30 years and I love supporting people to make significant changes in their lives and relationships. There's nothing you can't overcome. I specialise in complex trauma and relationship counselling. I'm queer and LGBTIQ, poly, sex work & BDSM affirming. I’ve worked with people affected by mental health issues, sexual abuse, domestic violence, drugs, racism and disability. Whether it’s counselling for you, for your relationship/s or for someone you care about, I'll support you to overcome the problems that affect you and those you love.
What would you like to be different in your life? Counselling can help. I've been a therapist for 30 years and I love supporting people to make significant changes in their lives and relationships. There's nothing you can't overcome. I specialise in complex trauma and relationship counselling. I'm queer and LGBTIQ, poly, sex work & BDSM affirming. I’ve worked with people affected by mental health issues, sexual abuse, domestic violence, drugs, racism and disability. Whether it’s counselling for you, for your relationship/s or for someone you care about, I'll support you to overcome the problems that affect you and those you love.
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Frank Sattler
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Dinah is an accredited counsellor, specialising in holistic, person-centred care to support you in living a meaningful and positive life. Over the years Dinah has worked with people who present with depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions and interpersonal issues. She ensures her practice is trauma informed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. She specialises in LGBT topics such as Poly and ENM relationship styles, SW friendly, and Gender Identity.
Dinah is an accredited counsellor, specialising in holistic, person-centred care to support you in living a meaningful and positive life. Over the years Dinah has worked with people who present with depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions and interpersonal issues. She ensures her practice is trauma informed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. She specialises in LGBT topics such as Poly and ENM relationship styles, SW friendly, and Gender Identity.
I specialise in LGBTQIA+ therapy.
Hi, I’m Emma. I’m a therapist supporting people who struggle with mental health/addiction. My areas of specialist experience are trauma, anxiety, depression and substance misuse. I support people who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief or loss and addiction. I provide a person centred approach to therapy, which looks at individuals as a whole person. I am a narrative therapist and will look at your story and the patterns of behaviour. My style is relaxed and gentle to help guide you through whatever brings you to therapy.
I specialise in LGBTQIA+ therapy.
Hi, I’m Emma. I’m a therapist supporting people who struggle with mental health/addiction. My areas of specialist experience are trauma, anxiety, depression and substance misuse. I support people who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief or loss and addiction. I provide a person centred approach to therapy, which looks at individuals as a whole person. I am a narrative therapist and will look at your story and the patterns of behaviour. My style is relaxed and gentle to help guide you through whatever brings you to therapy.
Thalia Koulas - Therapy Shmerapy
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000 (Online Only)
I am a proud AuDHDer and queer person, utilising my lived experience in every session.
Therapy Shmerapy specialises in supporting the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities, with focus on autism, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ issues, and complex trauma. I have experience working with people aged 14 and above. I aim to create a non-judgmental space, ensuring inclusivity and genuineness in every session. I can work with people at all stages of life, from queer people out in the community, to people suspecting they may be autistic. I take particular interest in AFAB and neurodivergent people, and the entire LGBTQIA+ community. I am not suitable for people seeking CBT.
I am a proud AuDHDer and queer person, utilising my lived experience in every session.
Therapy Shmerapy specialises in supporting the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities, with focus on autism, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ issues, and complex trauma. I have experience working with people aged 14 and above. I aim to create a non-judgmental space, ensuring inclusivity and genuineness in every session. I can work with people at all stages of life, from queer people out in the community, to people suspecting they may be autistic. I take particular interest in AFAB and neurodivergent people, and the entire LGBTQIA+ community. I am not suitable for people seeking CBT.
Supervision for Psychotherapists and Counsellors, Tania Rose draws from 30+ years of experience providing support for neurodivergent practitioners (Autistic, ADHD, etc), through both a neurodiversity-affirming and queer-affirming lived-experience lens, Australia-wide via Zoom. Practitioners may be looking for support in building professional identity and workplace capacity through professional self-care and a focus on workplace wellness. Supporting practitioners working with queer, neurodivergent, and differently-abled clients in addition to those working with Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) and unique relationship styles welcome.
Supervision for Psychotherapists and Counsellors, Tania Rose draws from 30+ years of experience providing support for neurodivergent practitioners (Autistic, ADHD, etc), through both a neurodiversity-affirming and queer-affirming lived-experience lens, Australia-wide via Zoom. Practitioners may be looking for support in building professional identity and workplace capacity through professional self-care and a focus on workplace wellness. Supporting practitioners working with queer, neurodivergent, and differently-abled clients in addition to those working with Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) and unique relationship styles welcome.
As a Sexologist and Registered Counsellor, I support individuals and couples facing challenges in sex, communication, dating, libido, FIFO relationships, neurodiversity (ADHD/autism), family stresses, sexual difficulties/pain, codependency, healing from betrayal, ENM/polyamory, and more. I work with LGBTQ+ people and anyone feeling constrained or exhausted by the pressures to have a certain kind of marriage/relationship, income, family, career, appearance, to behave in a certain way, and be a certain person.
As a Sexologist and Registered Counsellor, I support individuals and couples facing challenges in sex, communication, dating, libido, FIFO relationships, neurodiversity (ADHD/autism), family stresses, sexual difficulties/pain, codependency, healing from betrayal, ENM/polyamory, and more. I work with LGBTQ+ people and anyone feeling constrained or exhausted by the pressures to have a certain kind of marriage/relationship, income, family, career, appearance, to behave in a certain way, and be a certain person.
People see me for a variety of reasons, in some cases it is just simply that folk are on the hunt for a queer therapist to talk about life in general but they want to be able to bring their whole self to therapy instead of just the bits the therapist will get.
Hello, my name is Kendall. I am a queer sex and relationship therapist working exclusively online with the queer community. The majority of patients that I work with are AFAB, and of the sapphic persuasion, identities vary however I do work a lot with trans and NB folk. Individuals come to me for a variety of reasons from navigating their first queer relationship, sexual anxiety, coming to terms with their gender, realising they are some form of queer and unsure as to what to do about it. Couples are often seeking a queer therapist that simply 'gets it' to help navigate their queer relationship.
People see me for a variety of reasons, in some cases it is just simply that folk are on the hunt for a queer therapist to talk about life in general but they want to be able to bring their whole self to therapy instead of just the bits the therapist will get.
Hello, my name is Kendall. I am a queer sex and relationship therapist working exclusively online with the queer community. The majority of patients that I work with are AFAB, and of the sapphic persuasion, identities vary however I do work a lot with trans and NB folk. Individuals come to me for a variety of reasons from navigating their first queer relationship, sexual anxiety, coming to terms with their gender, realising they are some form of queer and unsure as to what to do about it. Couples are often seeking a queer therapist that simply 'gets it' to help navigate their queer relationship.
As a queer and neurodivergent person, my priority is always to provide safe, judgement-free & inclusive counselling for everyone.
Need to talk? I’m here to listen. I provide telehealth counselling services Australia-wide. I support my clients to take a moment for themselves and explore what’s important to them. I work with a range of topics including self-care, ADHD support, anxiety, skill building, trauma, managing emotions & creating healthy boundaries. I'm especially passionate about supporting my clients to create lives that work with their neurodivergence rather than against it.
As a queer and neurodivergent person, my priority is always to provide safe, judgement-free & inclusive counselling for everyone.
Need to talk? I’m here to listen. I provide telehealth counselling services Australia-wide. I support my clients to take a moment for themselves and explore what’s important to them. I work with a range of topics including self-care, ADHD support, anxiety, skill building, trauma, managing emotions & creating healthy boundaries. I'm especially passionate about supporting my clients to create lives that work with their neurodivergence rather than against it.
I also support many within the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Are you facing a crisis of faith from a religious upbringing or abuse in your spiritual community? Perhaps you were raised in a religious household, and you're still unraveling the lingering effects. Struggling with the impact of purity culture? Healing from religious trauma or deconstructing takes time, commitment, and self-compassion, but healing is possible! In the LGBTQIA+ community too? I get it. I provide a safe and affirming space for exploring your spirituality, sexuality and gender, on your terms.
I also support many within the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Are you facing a crisis of faith from a religious upbringing or abuse in your spiritual community? Perhaps you were raised in a religious household, and you're still unraveling the lingering effects. Struggling with the impact of purity culture? Healing from religious trauma or deconstructing takes time, commitment, and self-compassion, but healing is possible! In the LGBTQIA+ community too? I get it. I provide a safe and affirming space for exploring your spirituality, sexuality and gender, on your terms.
Hello I'm Zave (he/they), a queer and trans counsellor. I am available to support you through various topics such as long-term depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, navigating relationships, self-esteem, neurodiversity, living in alignment with your values and exploring impacts of the past on current experience. I value working together to understand what is happening for you, and determine how you want to move forward.
Hello I'm Zave (he/they), a queer and trans counsellor. I am available to support you through various topics such as long-term depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, navigating relationships, self-esteem, neurodiversity, living in alignment with your values and exploring impacts of the past on current experience. I value working together to understand what is happening for you, and determine how you want to move forward.
See more therapy options for Sydney
Nearby LGBTQ+ Counsellors Searches for Sydney
- Barangaroo
- Darlinghurst
- Elizabeth Bay
- Glebe
- Haymarket
- Potts Point
- Pyrmont
- Rushcutters Bay
- Surry Hills
- The Rocks
- Ultimo
- Woolloomooloo
LGBTQ+ Counsellors
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialised training, either during their degree programme or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalisation in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialised training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.