LGBTQ+ Affirming Psychologists and Therapists in Marrickville, NSW

Sam Baran (Inner Orbit Therapy)
Psychotherapist, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I’m Sam(they/them), a queer, non-binary therapist supporting people wanting to understand themselves better or navigate life changes, anxiety, or low mood.
I offer a collaborative and self-paced process with creativity at its heart—we’ll start wherever feels right and switch it up as needed. Just ask! I believe the therapy room should be a place where you can slow down and try things out without judgement, so safety comes first. I also provide body-centred or somatic approaches for those who are interested.
I’m Sam(they/them), a queer, non-binary therapist supporting people wanting to understand themselves better or navigate life changes, anxiety, or low mood.
I offer a collaborative and self-paced process with creativity at its heart—we’ll start wherever feels right and switch it up as needed. Just ask! I believe the therapy room should be a place where you can slow down and try things out without judgement, so safety comes first. I also provide body-centred or somatic approaches for those who are interested.
(02) 8000 1501 View (02) 8000 1501
Sayaka Sayeed
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I can support clients navigating ADHD, Autism and executive functioning challenges, late diagnosis, anxiety and emotional regulation, burnout and overwhelm, cultural identity and belonging, relationships and communication (including couples), attachment and relational trauma, shame and perfectionism, queer identity, and life transitions.
I work with adults who may appear to be coping externally but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected internally. Many are navigating ADHD or neurodivergence, identity, queerness, cultural experiences, relationship patterns, burnout, or life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and neuro-affirming, integrating CBT, ACT, IFS parts work, attachment-based therapy, and practical ADHD coaching. Using collaborative intersectional frameworks while maintaining authenticity, empathy and curiosity, we make sense of patterns, reduce shame, and build realistic, sustainable ways of moving forward.
I can support clients navigating ADHD, Autism and executive functioning challenges, late diagnosis, anxiety and emotional regulation, burnout and overwhelm, cultural identity and belonging, relationships and communication (including couples), attachment and relational trauma, shame and perfectionism, queer identity, and life transitions.
I work with adults who may appear to be coping externally but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected internally. Many are navigating ADHD or neurodivergence, identity, queerness, cultural experiences, relationship patterns, burnout, or life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and neuro-affirming, integrating CBT, ACT, IFS parts work, attachment-based therapy, and practical ADHD coaching. Using collaborative intersectional frameworks while maintaining authenticity, empathy and curiosity, we make sense of patterns, reduce shame, and build realistic, sustainable ways of moving forward.
(03) 7003 2356 View (03) 7003 2356
Jake Forrest
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My work has been shaped by growing up punk, neurodiverse and queer.
My practice recognises that therapy does not exist outside culture. It is influenced by histories of power and by colonial and capitalist ideas about productivity and normality. I believe we need to name that and recognise the impact of these structures on marginalised bodies, so our work together is honest and connected.
My work has been shaped by growing up punk, neurodiverse and queer.
My practice recognises that therapy does not exist outside culture. It is influenced by histories of power and by colonial and capitalist ideas about productivity and normality. I believe we need to name that and recognise the impact of these structures on marginalised bodies, so our work together is honest and connected.
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Amber Rules
Psychotherapist, PACFA
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you struggling with substances, gambling, smoking or other patterns that feel impossible to change? Or perhaps you're affected by someone else's addictive behaviours? As an experienced addiction support specialist, I help you understand these patterns and manage the chaos they create. Together, we'll combine practical education, evidence-based strategies, and counselling to help you make choices that align with the life you want. I also work with clients experiencing challenges including ADHD, chronic pain, relationship difficulties, and complex mental health diagnoses.
Are you struggling with substances, gambling, smoking or other patterns that feel impossible to change? Or perhaps you're affected by someone else's addictive behaviours? As an experienced addiction support specialist, I help you understand these patterns and manage the chaos they create. Together, we'll combine practical education, evidence-based strategies, and counselling to help you make choices that align with the life you want. I also work with clients experiencing challenges including ADHD, chronic pain, relationship difficulties, and complex mental health diagnoses.
(02) 9158 6064 View (02) 9158 6064
Sarah Van De Velde
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with adults who have often felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or stuck, or who feel their needs may not have been fully met by previous support. Common difficulties include trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, anger and emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, ADHD and grief. I also work with people seeking to understand and change behaviours that have at times affected their relationships, safety, wellbeing, or resulted in contact with legal systems.
I work with adults who have often felt misunderstood, overwhelmed, or stuck, or who feel their needs may not have been fully met by previous support. Common difficulties include trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, anger and emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, ADHD and grief. I also work with people seeking to understand and change behaviours that have at times affected their relationships, safety, wellbeing, or resulted in contact with legal systems.
0400 296 502 View 0400 296 502
Dinah Broyda
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
She specialises in LGBT topics such as Poly and ENM relationship styles, SW friendly, and Gender Identity.
Dinah uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Strategies. All therapies are collaborative and adaptive to all individual needs.
She specialises in LGBT topics such as Poly and ENM relationship styles, SW friendly, and Gender Identity.
Dinah uses evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Strategies. All therapies are collaborative and adaptive to all individual needs.
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Safari Lee - Sex Therapist and Counsellor
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Serves Area
I am a passionate ally of LGBTQIA+ folk, kink communities incl.
Hello. I'm an accredited psychosexual therapist, relationship therapist, and counsellor. I offer in-person therapy sessions in Annandale, in the Inner West of Sydney, and online and telephone sessions around the world. I am registered with Australian private health insurers. I can support you to manage your anxiety, low mood and loss of direction, whether it has been a recent or long-term experience. I can help you understand changes in your libido and desire, sexual urges and addictions including online porn, sexual services, social media and substance use, understanding fetishes and kinks, and pain and fear of sex and intimacy.
I am a passionate ally of LGBTQIA+ folk, kink communities incl.
Hello. I'm an accredited psychosexual therapist, relationship therapist, and counsellor. I offer in-person therapy sessions in Annandale, in the Inner West of Sydney, and online and telephone sessions around the world. I am registered with Australian private health insurers. I can support you to manage your anxiety, low mood and loss of direction, whether it has been a recent or long-term experience. I can help you understand changes in your libido and desire, sexual urges and addictions including online porn, sexual services, social media and substance use, understanding fetishes and kinks, and pain and fear of sex and intimacy.
(02) 9100 0930 View (02) 9100 0930
Sorcha Conlan Therapeutic Services
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Individual counselling with a narrative, relational, interpersonal, response based, social justice, queer and gender affirming, anti-oppressive, creative and neuro-affirming approach.
Clinical Psychotherapy, Collaborative Supervision, Consultation and Facilitation.
Individual counselling with a narrative, relational, interpersonal, response based, social justice, queer and gender affirming, anti-oppressive, creative and neuro-affirming approach.
Clinical Psychotherapy, Collaborative Supervision, Consultation and Facilitation.
(03) 4829 5216 View (03) 4829 5216
Julia Ellis
Counsellor, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am deeply informed by social justice, critical theory, queer theory.
Hello, I'm Julia. I approach counselling as a place for genuine connection and meaning making. My style of therapy is conversational. I support you to gain a greater sense of your preferences, hopes and befriend all parts of yourself. I have qualifications in anti-oppressive and non-pathologising approaches, and am deeply informed by social justice and critical theory. This means I work with you to explore how you make sense of your life and experiences. I welcome all bodies, genders and identities, and I work to problematise the privileges I hold as a cis, able-bodied woman on stolen land.
I am deeply informed by social justice, critical theory, queer theory.
Hello, I'm Julia. I approach counselling as a place for genuine connection and meaning making. My style of therapy is conversational. I support you to gain a greater sense of your preferences, hopes and befriend all parts of yourself. I have qualifications in anti-oppressive and non-pathologising approaches, and am deeply informed by social justice and critical theory. This means I work with you to explore how you make sense of your life and experiences. I welcome all bodies, genders and identities, and I work to problematise the privileges I hold as a cis, able-bodied woman on stolen land.
(02) 9100 0093 View (02) 9100 0093
Helen Fernandez-Baca
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
Helen is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience & is the founder of Authentic Growth Psychology. She provides Telehealth for Sydney, NSW, QLD & VIC adults. She has worked with various ages, cultures, religions, LGBTIQA+ individuals, disabilities, neurodiverse & ATSI individuals. Helen loves working with adults in individual short or long term therapy. She can help you understand your unique concerns & their causes, to meet your needs & goals. To grow, gain clarity, better manage symptoms, learn coping skills, reduce distress & symptoms, improve functioning, heal, feel happier, more peaceful & thrive
Helen is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience & is the founder of Authentic Growth Psychology. She provides Telehealth for Sydney, NSW, QLD & VIC adults. She has worked with various ages, cultures, religions, LGBTIQA+ individuals, disabilities, neurodiverse & ATSI individuals. Helen loves working with adults in individual short or long term therapy. She can help you understand your unique concerns & their causes, to meet your needs & goals. To grow, gain clarity, better manage symptoms, learn coping skills, reduce distress & symptoms, improve functioning, heal, feel happier, more peaceful & thrive
0468 498 974 View 0468 498 974
Toni Leemen
Psychotherapist
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a counsellor and Hakomi-trained therapist supporting adults experiencing health anxiety, stress, burnout, perfectionism and major life changes. I help people reconnect with their own resilience and I support complex grief and post traumatic growth. You don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. You come simply as you are. Together we will explore how you have survived, how you might thrive and how you can reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most. My approach is warm, collaborative and grounded in mindfulness and somatic awareness.
I am a counsellor and Hakomi-trained therapist supporting adults experiencing health anxiety, stress, burnout, perfectionism and major life changes. I help people reconnect with their own resilience and I support complex grief and post traumatic growth. You don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. You come simply as you are. Together we will explore how you have survived, how you might thrive and how you can reconnect with yourself and the people who matter most. My approach is warm, collaborative and grounded in mindfulness and somatic awareness.
(02) 9159 6502 View (02) 9159 6502
Natalie Board
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Online Only
You spend your days supporting others, but who supports you? I work with adults who put everyone else's needs before their own. Maybe you are homeschooling your children, caring for an elderly parent, juggling a blended family - or all three!
You spend your days supporting others, but who supports you? I work with adults who put everyone else's needs before their own. Maybe you are homeschooling your children, caring for an elderly parent, juggling a blended family - or all three!
(08) 9930 2039 View (08) 9930 2039
Tatiana Faundez
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
0402 975 707 View 0402 975 707
Dominica Dorning
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi there, I offer online counselling for survivors of trauma, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and folks from diverse cultural backgrounds. We can work together to help you heal and recover from the impacts of trauma, better understand and accept yourself, improve your relationships and live a full and authentic life. I am a Clinical Psychologist with 13 years experience in the trauma field. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and am passionate about human rights and social justice issues.
Hi there, I offer online counselling for survivors of trauma, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and folks from diverse cultural backgrounds. We can work together to help you heal and recover from the impacts of trauma, better understand and accept yourself, improve your relationships and live a full and authentic life. I am a Clinical Psychologist with 13 years experience in the trauma field. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and am passionate about human rights and social justice issues.
(03) 7302 2372 View (03) 7302 2372
Kate Hollingsworth
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Hi there, I'm Kate (she/her) and I provide unconventional counselling for unconventional teens and young adults. Helping you to claim space in society as your authentic self, without compromising who you are. I specialise in youth mental health, LGBTQI+ specific counselling; and childhood trauma. Counselling with me can look like a lot of different things. It can involve learning new coping strategies; working through trauma; helping you to set boundaries; exploring identity and befriending parts of yourself that have been unsupported; finding the path that's right for you in a world of social norms and expectations.
Hi there, I'm Kate (she/her) and I provide unconventional counselling for unconventional teens and young adults. Helping you to claim space in society as your authentic self, without compromising who you are. I specialise in youth mental health, LGBTQI+ specific counselling; and childhood trauma. Counselling with me can look like a lot of different things. It can involve learning new coping strategies; working through trauma; helping you to set boundaries; exploring identity and befriending parts of yourself that have been unsupported; finding the path that's right for you in a world of social norms and expectations.
(02) 9100 0127 View (02) 9100 0127
Mackie Demirel
Counsellor, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Marrickville, NSW 2204
Everyone is on a unique journey. If you're experiencing obstacles along your path, it simply means that some growth needs to be explored, and one size does not fit all. You do not need to be 'fixed' you just need to be guided truthfully. My services are tailored to meet your individual needs, incorporating evidence-based approaches, my own lived experiences and schools of thought from philosophy, spirituality and science. I am passionate and committed to providing you with a holistic and creative focus on your therapy journey.
Everyone is on a unique journey. If you're experiencing obstacles along your path, it simply means that some growth needs to be explored, and one size does not fit all. You do not need to be 'fixed' you just need to be guided truthfully. My services are tailored to meet your individual needs, incorporating evidence-based approaches, my own lived experiences and schools of thought from philosophy, spirituality and science. I am passionate and committed to providing you with a holistic and creative focus on your therapy journey.
(02) 9100 0465 View (02) 9100 0465
Von Coves
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Dissociation? TRAUMA? CPTSD? Perhaps you’ve tried therapy but it hasn’t helped at a deeper level. Perhaps you've felt judged or misunderstood. Yet therapy doesn’t have to be miserable! Healing is often found in the quality of your relationship with your therapist. If you experience complex trauma and dissociation, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It just means that responses that helped you survive in the past are getting in the way in the present. Together, with patience and understanding, we can update these patterns so you can feel better. Using IFS, EMDR, Psychodynamic approaches. You are welcome to contact me.
Dissociation? TRAUMA? CPTSD? Perhaps you’ve tried therapy but it hasn’t helped at a deeper level. Perhaps you've felt judged or misunderstood. Yet therapy doesn’t have to be miserable! Healing is often found in the quality of your relationship with your therapist. If you experience complex trauma and dissociation, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It just means that responses that helped you survive in the past are getting in the way in the present. Together, with patience and understanding, we can update these patterns so you can feel better. Using IFS, EMDR, Psychodynamic approaches. You are welcome to contact me.
(02) 9100 0400 View (02) 9100 0400
Mathew Roland Bergan
Psychotherapist
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Welcome, I am Mathew Bergan (he, they), a therapist for individuals with a somatic focus. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Gestalt psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting. My practice specialises in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties, including the impacts of early developmental experiences. I draw from an integrative, body-aware approach that supports awareness, agency, and self-direction. Our work together centres on what is happening in the present moment, allowing insight to emerge through a relational process.
Welcome, I am Mathew Bergan (he, they), a therapist for individuals with a somatic focus. I hold a Graduate Diploma in Gestalt psychotherapy, EMDR, Brainspotting. My practice specialises in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties, including the impacts of early developmental experiences. I draw from an integrative, body-aware approach that supports awareness, agency, and self-direction. Our work together centres on what is happening in the present moment, allowing insight to emerge through a relational process.
0413 738 684 View 0413 738 684
Bronwyn Davies Glover - As You Are Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
Hi, I'm Bronwyn. I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice. I offer inclusive, accessible therapy that values every aspect of the client. This means that I view each client as a whole person with a unique worldview informed by the stories of their mind-body experiences. Each unique individual requires a uniquely individual approach and this approach is grounded in the principles of trauma care; safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment and choice.
(02) 8074 1609 View (02) 8074 1609
Dr Neil Lucas
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Marrickville, NSW 2204
I use evidence-based interventions to address a variety of mental health and psychosocial concerns, including: LGBTQIA+ identity issues, anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD management strategies, alcohol and substance use challenges, and workplace burnout.
My experience covers various settings, including private practice, community mental health care, alcohol and substance counselling, and anxiety group therapy programs. Before becoming a psychologist and completing a PhD in Clinical Psychology, I spent nearly 20 years in corporate marketing and business development.
I use evidence-based interventions to address a variety of mental health and psychosocial concerns, including: LGBTQIA+ identity issues, anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD management strategies, alcohol and substance use challenges, and workplace burnout.
My experience covers various settings, including private practice, community mental health care, alcohol and substance counselling, and anxiety group therapy programs. Before becoming a psychologist and completing a PhD in Clinical Psychology, I spent nearly 20 years in corporate marketing and business development.
(02) 8000 1692 View (02) 8000 1692

See more therapy options for Marrickville

LGBTQ+ Therapists
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.