LGBTQIA+ Experiences

Gender and sexuality often intersect with mental health in complex ways. Some of the experiences we support include:

• Anxiety, depression, or low self-worth
  
• Stress around coming out or being “outed”
  
• Gender dysphoria or identity confusion
  
• Isolation or difficulty finding safe community
  
• Grief or trauma linked to rejection or discrimination
  
• Internalised stigma (e.g. homophobia, transphobia, biphobia)
  
• Relationship or family strain
  
• Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
  
• Using substances to cope

These challenges aren’t inherent to being LGBTQIA+—they’re often a response to living in a world that doesn’t always affirm your existence.

LGBTQIA+ people often face unique pressures that can impact wellbeing, including:

• Minority stress: the emotional toll of navigating daily life in a marginalised identity
  
• Discrimination in schools, workplaces, healthcare, or faith communities
  
• Family rejection or disconnection
  
• Bullying or harassment
  
• Limited access to gender-affirming and inclusive care
  
• Media invisibility or harmful representation

On top of this, many queer and trans people are asked to constantly explain or defend who they are. That pressure can be exhausting, and dehumanising.

We work with people across the full LGBTQIA+ spectrum, including:

• Those exploring or questioning identity
  
• Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals
  
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, and asexual people
  
• Intersex people navigating body autonomy or medical trauma
  
• LGBTQIA+ people of colour
  
• People holding multiple identities (e.g. cultural, faith-based, disabled)
  
• Those navigating parenting, family-building, or relational shifts
  

Whatever your age, identity, or where you are on your journey—you belong here. Your story matters.

Queer and trans people often develop deep insight, creativity, and resilience. If you’re navigating identity-related stress, finding your place, or healing from harm, some things that may support you include:

• Connecting with affirming communities or peer networks
  
• Exploring your identity in safe, non-judgemental spaces
  
• Setting boundaries with those who don’t affirm your truth
  
• Finding role models and representation that reflect your experience
  
• Affirming your body and identity in ways that feel right for you
  
• Challenging internalised shame or self-blame
  
• Seeking therapy with someone who genuinely understands
  

You don’t have to do it alone. Safe, respectful support is possible.

Our Psychologists offer LGBTQIA+ affirming support grounded in cultural humility, care, and lived experience. We understand how important it is to be met as a full human-not just as a label or diagnosis.

Therapy may support you to:

• Explore identity or come out safely
  
• Navigate anxiety, depression, or gender dysphoria
  
• Heal from trauma or past rejection
  
• Build intimacy, safety, and clarity in relationships
  
• Support your gender affirmation process
  
• Reconnect with self-worth, joy, and community
  

Our team includes Psychologists with both lived and professional experience supporting LGBTQIA+ clients. We’re here to walk alongside you—whether you’re in pain, in transition, or in a period of growth.