Clinical Psychology in Surry Hills, Sydney
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy in Sydney
Finding a therapist who truly gets it shouldn't be hard. Whether you're working through your identity, navigating coming out, dealing with the weight of minority stress, or simply want a space where you don't have to explain or justify who you are — affirmative therapy starts from acceptance, not assumption.
You may recognise some of these
Common ways lgbtq+ issues shows up. You don't need to tick every box for therapy to help.
- Anxiety or depression linked to minority stress
- Questioning or exploring your identity or sexuality
- Stress around coming out — to family, friends, or work
- The exhaustion of discrimination, rejection, or having to hide
- Gender dysphoria or distress about gender identity
- Internalised shame or self-criticism about who you are
- Family, relationship, or community conflict
- Wanting a therapist who won't pathologise your identity
Evidence-based approaches we use
Therapy tailored to your situation — drawing on what the research says works, and what fits you.
Evidence-based
LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy
An approach that affirms your identity as a valid, healthy part of who you are. The work focuses on your wellbeing — never on changing or questioning your sexuality or gender.
Evidence-based
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Evidence-based help for the anxiety, depression, and self-critical thinking that minority stress can drive — with a therapist who understands the context behind it.
Evidence-based
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Helps you loosen the grip of shame and others' expectations, and build a life aligned with your own values and sense of self.
Evidence-based
Schema Therapy
For deeper patterns — often shaped by years of rejection, concealment, or feeling different — that keep showing up in relationships and self-worth.
What working together looks like
A clear, paced approach — no jargon, no rigid template.
- 1
Understanding
We start where you are — what's bringing you in, what you want from therapy, and what feels safe. No assumptions, no need to educate your therapist about your identity.
- 2
The work
We work through what matters most — identity, relationships, minority stress, coming out, or the anxiety and low mood underneath. At your pace, on your terms.
- 3
Consolidation
We work on the deeper patterns and build durable self-acceptance — so you leave therapy more grounded in who you are, whatever you're navigating.
Practical details
Medicare rebates, telehealth, and Surry Hills sessions
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. We offer both in-person sessions at our Surry Hills rooms (Level 1/17 Randle St) and secure telehealth across NSW — many clients move between the two depending on the week.
LGBTQ+ Issues — frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
It means your sexuality and gender identity are treated as valid and healthy — never as a problem to be fixed or questioned. The therapy focuses on your mental health and wellbeing, with an understanding of the unique stressors LGBTQ+ people can face. It is the opposite of any form of conversion practice, which we do not and would never offer.
Not at all. Many LGBTQ+ clients come in for anxiety, depression, relationships, or anything else — and simply want a therapist who is affirming and informed, so they don't have to explain or defend their identity. You're welcome whatever you're bringing.
Yes. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you can claim a Medicare rebate on up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year for conditions like anxiety and depression — which minority stress often contributes to.
We provide affirming psychological support around gender identity, exploration, and the distress that can come with dysphoria. For specific medical or transition-related pathways, we can work alongside and refer to appropriate specialist services.
Affirmative therapy means starting from an informed, accepting place. You won't have to justify your identity or educate your therapist on the basics — so the session time goes to what you actually came for.
Yes. Many LGBTQ+ clients prefer telehealth — it offers privacy and means you can have sessions from a space where you feel safe and comfortable, wherever you are.
Related areas we work with
Many people come to therapy with more than one of these at the same time.
We're here when you take the first step
Reaching out can feel daunting, especially when things have been building for a while. Wherever you are — considering therapy for the first time, or returning after a break — we'll meet you there. Send a message when you feel ready, and we'll find a time to talk.
Prefer to call? 0422 918 631