Counselling in Forestville, NSW

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.

I offer confidential, non-judgemental, culturally appropriate and trauma informed psychotherapy and counselling to individuals, intimate partners and families. I am a Relational Gestalt Psychotherapist and I've worked in various roles including: counsellor, social worker, youth worker and community development worker in a number of fields including: Community Health, LGBTQIA+ Mental Health, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Men’s Family Violence Counselling, Trauma & Sexual Assault counselling, Women’s Organisations, Youth Organisations, Community Development, NGOs and INGOs.

It can be hard to talk about what's going on for you, whether you're going through a difficult time, struggling to understand yourself, feeling unsure of your path forward, or generally feeling overwhelmed with life. Connecting with someone you don't know can feel daunting, especially if you've had tough experiences in the past. Having someone you trust to keep the most vulnerable parts of you safe can be immensely healing.

Counselling Northern Beaches is staffed by Leisa Brown, who is a compassionate and dedicated counsellor committed to prioritising her clients' comfort and safety as they develop clarity and direction on their journey towards healing and personal growth. With a profound respect for each individual's dignity. She creates a supportive and non-judgemental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. Her approach is practical and grounded employing the Healing Inner Conflict (HIC) model, guiding clients to uncover and understand their triggers. She is supervised by David 'Bhakti' Gotlieb.

I am a provisional psychologist who is committed to delivering genuine person-centered and strength-based therapy and providing a space that is safe, welcoming and free from judgment or stigma. As a therapist, I aim to assist and support clients in exploring their unique values and identities. Through my lived experience, I have a deep understanding of the imbalance and distress we can feel when experiencing oppression or being unable to live our authentic lives. When supporting my clients – instead of assuming the expert position – I partner with them, exploring their potential and understanding who they want to be.

Thalia specialises in supporting the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities, with focus on autism, LGBTQIA+ issues, and complex trauma. Their tailored approach caters to individuals aged 14 and above, emphasising authenticity and understanding. Thalia offers non-judgmental therapy, ensuring inclusivity and genuineness in every session. Thalia works with people at all stages of their life, from queer people out in the community, to people suspecting they may be autistic. Thalia takes particular interest in AFAB and neurodivergent people, and the entire LGBTQIA+ community. Thalia notes they are not suitable for people seeking CBT.

Hello, I'm Amy (they/them). I'm a registered Psychologist, and for the past 14 years have been counselling in community organisations with teens and adults. At the heart of my practice is providing trauma informed and affirming care to LGBTIQA+ people, their families and caregivers. My work is underpinned by ethics of social justice and advocacy, and takes into account how our lives are influenced by our context and experiences. I utilise ACT, DBT, CBT, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness and Somatic Approaches amongst others to provide an integrative and individualised approach.

As a holistic, relational, gestalt therapist, my approach is grounded in the present moment, non-pathologising, inclusive and trauma-informed. Through the lens of anti-oppressive practice, I prioritise creating a therapeutic space where all the parts of you are considered, held and deeply respected. In sessions, your healing, growth, and increasing self-awareness is what we co-create in this space. I can support you in connecting with your inner experiences to empower you to make meaningful changes in your life and make deeper connections to yourself, others, and the wider environment.

Therapy can be a big step and decision and it is important that your therapist is someone you feel safe and supported by, that you are respected and so are your strengths and capacities. I work in a holistic and supportive way working with clients to heal, and achieve the outcomes that they choose. I have worked for a number of years with survivors of childhood sexual assault, adult sexual assault, intimate partner and other violence and also work with those who use violence.

I endeavour to create an accepting and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to feel safe to explore their recovery, face challenges head-on and increase their understanding of themselves.

Hello, I’m Dettie, a white, non-binary queer and trans person living on the unceded land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I’m a qualified social worker and therapist, providing online counselling for individuals, couples, and families. I have a passion for working with LGBTIQA+ people and their families, from supporting survivors of conversion and suppression practices to providing guidance for how caregivers can best support their LGBTIQA+ loved ones. I take a collaborative and transparent approach in planning therapeutic interventions and support plans.

I am passionate about my work with individuals, couples, and relational systems around issues of genito-pelvic pain conditions, perinatal sexuality and mental healthcare, menopause and aging, desire discrepancy, sexual identity and expression, gender identity and expression, relationship difficulties, finding freedom in authentic self-expression, and precommitment/premarital therapy. Due to my schedule, I am likely unable to answer my phone during business hours - please send an email or visit my website to fill out a contact page so that I can be in touch.

Hi, I'm Samuel and I'm an Arts Psychotherapist. In life I have used the creative arts as a way of understanding, listening to and responding to my experiences and inner conflicts. I’m passionate about integrating our inner and outer selves and believe in the value the arts offer in encountering resources and parts of ourselves which aren’t accessed in normal daily life. I offer a gentle, non-judgemental and inclusive therapeutic space for you to reveal yourself as we explore struggles, hopes and what growth and resolution looks like for you at this time.

Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted or struggling with motivation? Do you have sensitivities that leave you feeling judged by others, or misunderstood? Do you experience stuck patterns of behaviour that effect your ability to feel satisfaction in life and in relationships? Do you feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, which leaves you feeling "othered" and isolated? I see you! You are not alone and you don't have to work this out by yourself. Together we can explore your lived experience and the many ways it impacts your sense of self, worthiness and belonging.

I provide specialised counselling support to people with diverse experiences, including neurodivergence, gender, race, sexuality, disability, and fatness. My work centres anti-oppressive practices and values. I prioritise lived experience values and draw on my own journey and the journeys of others in my work.

I want to help you overcome the current challenges you are facing. You may be new to counselling and I want to make this a positive experience for you. I am a professional counsellor with lived experience of addiction and mental illness and I bring this knowledge to help you. Additionally, post pandemic, life is very different than it was four years ago and this maybe the reason you are seeking help. You may be unsure of why it is you are feeling the way you do and would like someone to talk to.

Hello I'm Zave (he/they), a queer and trans counsellor. I work with people all over Australia and support them to live their most authentic lives. I explore their experiences and discover how they want to move forward. I understand the fear associated with accessing support, and prioritise creating safety and trust. My approach is integrative, and based on providing tailored, non-judgmental and trauma-informed support.

***PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL*** Hi, I'm Rae (they/them) and I'm an Arts Therapist, Psychotherapist and Supervisor. I am Non-Binary and Neurodivergent with a lived experience of Chronic Illness. I am very passionate about Disability Rights, the LGBTQIA+ Community and Mental Health. I am also vegan and love animals. I also have a sensory garden outside the studio.

I am committed to prioritising access to supports for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. I holds qualifications as a registered psychologist endorsed in Clinical Psychology and Educational and Developmental Psychology. My practise reflects not just professional expertise, but lived experience in understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. I provide support to trans and gender diverse young people and their families.