LGBTQ+ Affirming Psychologists and Therapists in Bentleigh, VIC
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
Welcome to Peach Psychology. I am a registered psychologist, and have practiced across a range of diverse settings since 2019. With my previous therapeutic experience spanning across different age groups, I provide support to children (5+), adolescents, adults and elderly individuals, focusing on assisting each client to identify and work towards their own personal, individual goals.
Brett Ruehland supports queer, neurodivergent, and gender-diverse clients, including people navigating ADHD, autism, masking, identity development, relationships, burnout, trauma, and experiences of exclusion or invalidation.
His approach is collaborative, affirming, evidence-based, and individualised, with an emphasis on creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful therapeutic space. Brett is committed to neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTIQ+ affirming care, and recognises the importance of working at a pace that supports safety, autonomy, and sustainable change.
Brett Ruehland supports queer, neurodivergent, and gender-diverse clients, including people navigating ADHD, autism, masking, identity development, relationships, burnout, trauma, and experiences of exclusion or invalidation.
His approach is collaborative, affirming, evidence-based, and individualised, with an emphasis on creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful therapeutic space. Brett is committed to neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTIQ+ affirming care, and recognises the importance of working at a pace that supports safety, autonomy, and sustainable change.
The two mountains represent the client and the therapist. Both face their own unique mountains to climb, with all sorts of challenges and hazards ahead. The therapist offers their guidance, not from a superior view, but from a unique angle where they may see things that the client is not able to. I love to work with a diverse range of people so as to learn together in figuring out the next steps clients might take.
The two mountains represent the client and the therapist. Both face their own unique mountains to climb, with all sorts of challenges and hazards ahead. The therapist offers their guidance, not from a superior view, but from a unique angle where they may see things that the client is not able to. I love to work with a diverse range of people so as to learn together in figuring out the next steps clients might take.
Litsa can provide counselling to individuals and couples. She sees clients in-person in Melbourne or by telehealth. She can support people dealing with conflict in relationships, anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, grief or mental health challenges caused by chronic illness (including carer support). Litsa has worked with people of all ages and from different backgrounds.
Litsa can also provide counselling in the Greek language.
Litsa can provide counselling to individuals and couples. She sees clients in-person in Melbourne or by telehealth. She can support people dealing with conflict in relationships, anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, grief or mental health challenges caused by chronic illness (including carer support). Litsa has worked with people of all ages and from different backgrounds.
Litsa can also provide counselling in the Greek language.
I help clients to manage anxiety, stress and depression. I take a collaborative approach to help you improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and build social connections. I work with children, adolescents and adults and their families. I have experience working in private practice, NDIS, and community psychology.
I help clients to manage anxiety, stress and depression. I take a collaborative approach to help you improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and build social connections. I work with children, adolescents and adults and their families. I have experience working in private practice, NDIS, and community psychology.
I work with adolescents (17 years and older), young adults, and adults, and I’m especially passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
I use various therapeutic approaches to inform treatment, including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
I work with adolescents (17 years and older), young adults, and adults, and I’m especially passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
I use various therapeutic approaches to inform treatment, including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
Rachel is a compassionate Psychologist dedicated to providing support to individuals across the lifespan, from children to adolescents and adults, who are navigating a variety of challenges. With experience in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, family violence and physical disabilities, Rachel brings a comprehensive approach to her practice. She believes in the power of strengths-based intervention plans tailored to each person’s unique needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency.
Rachel is a compassionate Psychologist dedicated to providing support to individuals across the lifespan, from children to adolescents and adults, who are navigating a variety of challenges. With experience in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, family violence and physical disabilities, Rachel brings a comprehensive approach to her practice. She believes in the power of strengths-based intervention plans tailored to each person’s unique needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency.
Trying to find a therapist through an online site is a daunting task, but the fact that you're looking means that you're that much closer to feeling better. We all feel overwhelmed at times during our lives. There's no reason to feel alone. I'm here to sit beside you as we uncover and explore your inner resources together.
Trying to find a therapist through an online site is a daunting task, but the fact that you're looking means that you're that much closer to feeling better. We all feel overwhelmed at times during our lives. There's no reason to feel alone. I'm here to sit beside you as we uncover and explore your inner resources together.
If you feel like you logically understand your problems but still can't seem to change your automatic reactions, you aren't alone. Traditional talk therapy often focuses solely on the conscious mind, while pure hypnotherapy may lack practical day-to-day strategies. My approach bridges this gap by integrating Clinical Hypnotherapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This dual-level methodology addresses both the conscious thoughts and the deep-seated subconscious patterns that drive behaviours like anxiety, insomnia, and addiction.
If you feel like you logically understand your problems but still can't seem to change your automatic reactions, you aren't alone. Traditional talk therapy often focuses solely on the conscious mind, while pure hypnotherapy may lack practical day-to-day strategies. My approach bridges this gap by integrating Clinical Hypnotherapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This dual-level methodology addresses both the conscious thoughts and the deep-seated subconscious patterns that drive behaviours like anxiety, insomnia, and addiction.
Opening Doors Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Leah Smith, Director and Principal Psychologist of "Opening Doors Psychology" has a passion for working with adolescents (14+ years), young adults/adults, and also works with some couples. Leah is particularly interested in working with eating disorders and body image concerns, as well as, anxiety disorders, trauma, neurodivergence and interpersonal/relational difficulties. Leah strives to provide a safe space for clients to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, guide clients to and equip them with the necessary skills, to enable them to manage their symptoms and unique difficulties, and address ongoing problematic patterns.
Leah Smith, Director and Principal Psychologist of "Opening Doors Psychology" has a passion for working with adolescents (14+ years), young adults/adults, and also works with some couples. Leah is particularly interested in working with eating disorders and body image concerns, as well as, anxiety disorders, trauma, neurodivergence and interpersonal/relational difficulties. Leah strives to provide a safe space for clients to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, guide clients to and equip them with the necessary skills, to enable them to manage their symptoms and unique difficulties, and address ongoing problematic patterns.
Availability at Elsternwick and via Telehealth. Seeing clients with depression, anxiety and stress. As a Clinical and Health Psychologist Tanya has a strong interest in the interplay between physical health and psychological wellbeing; and has experience working with a wide range of health conditions in private practice, private hospital, research, oncology, IVF, and aged care settings. Tanya aims to support individuals to live more fulfilling lives whilst managing their mood and symptoms. She is also a Fertility Counsellor, and has a postgraduate qualification in Gerontology.
Availability at Elsternwick and via Telehealth. Seeing clients with depression, anxiety and stress. As a Clinical and Health Psychologist Tanya has a strong interest in the interplay between physical health and psychological wellbeing; and has experience working with a wide range of health conditions in private practice, private hospital, research, oncology, IVF, and aged care settings. Tanya aims to support individuals to live more fulfilling lives whilst managing their mood and symptoms. She is also a Fertility Counsellor, and has a postgraduate qualification in Gerontology.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with 18+ years across public/private mental health settings. You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or not quite like yourself lately. Maybe you're caught in patterns of people-pleasing or avoiding past joys. Perhaps you're tired of anxious thoughts on repeat or replaying past hurts. You want to feel more confident, lighter, clearer, trust your instincts & feel more like yourself again, to actually enjoy life rather than just getting by. With my warm, grounded & practical approach, I use EMDR & other methods to help you reconnect with your strength, gain clarity & move forward with genuine confidence.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist with 18+ years across public/private mental health settings. You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or not quite like yourself lately. Maybe you're caught in patterns of people-pleasing or avoiding past joys. Perhaps you're tired of anxious thoughts on repeat or replaying past hurts. You want to feel more confident, lighter, clearer, trust your instincts & feel more like yourself again, to actually enjoy life rather than just getting by. With my warm, grounded & practical approach, I use EMDR & other methods to help you reconnect with your strength, gain clarity & move forward with genuine confidence.
Jeremy is the director and principle clinician of a thriving psychology/counselling clinic in Malvern and is a highly experienced psychotherapist (BBus; GDipPsych; MSW, AMHSW) with a breadth of clinical experience across both the public and the private sectors. Jeremy has a clinical interest working with people through anxiety, life transitions, identity and depression. He has a strong grounding in humanistic psych & mindfulness based approaches, completing further training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and also in EMDR for working with trauma. Jeremy incorporates the ideals of everyday mindfulness into his practice.
Jeremy is the director and principle clinician of a thriving psychology/counselling clinic in Malvern and is a highly experienced psychotherapist (BBus; GDipPsych; MSW, AMHSW) with a breadth of clinical experience across both the public and the private sectors. Jeremy has a clinical interest working with people through anxiety, life transitions, identity and depression. He has a strong grounding in humanistic psych & mindfulness based approaches, completing further training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and also in EMDR for working with trauma. Jeremy incorporates the ideals of everyday mindfulness into his practice.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist helping individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating and binge eating, and body image issues. I work with clients who are ready to overcome their inner critic and the habits that keep them stuck. I work with people who don't want to just focus on diet and weight (although this can be important at times), but also get to the root cause of their relationship with food and their body. Additionally, I support those trapped in patterns of unhelpful relationships, anxiety, self-criticism, perfectionism, and chronic unhappiness, guiding them toward a new, healthier path.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist helping individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating and binge eating, and body image issues. I work with clients who are ready to overcome their inner critic and the habits that keep them stuck. I work with people who don't want to just focus on diet and weight (although this can be important at times), but also get to the root cause of their relationship with food and their body. Additionally, I support those trapped in patterns of unhelpful relationships, anxiety, self-criticism, perfectionism, and chronic unhappiness, guiding them toward a new, healthier path.
I work with adults & couples dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD & complex trauma, relationship difficulties, OCD and other emotional concerns. I approach therapy with a deep curiosity about you: how you see things like noone else. Depending on what brings you to therapy, we may explore how pivotal moments in life have shaped you, your beliefs, and your relationships, or we may look at practical ways you could bring about the changes you hope for. My aim is to provide a supportive space that helps you understand things more clearly, accept yourself more fully, and feel more capable of meeting life’s challenges.
I work with adults & couples dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD & complex trauma, relationship difficulties, OCD and other emotional concerns. I approach therapy with a deep curiosity about you: how you see things like noone else. Depending on what brings you to therapy, we may explore how pivotal moments in life have shaped you, your beliefs, and your relationships, or we may look at practical ways you could bring about the changes you hope for. My aim is to provide a supportive space that helps you understand things more clearly, accept yourself more fully, and feel more capable of meeting life’s challenges.
Currently accepting new clients. I pride myself on developing a supportive, collaborative and compassionate relationship with my clients, focusing on delivering psychological treatments based on current evidence. I work with individuals aged 17 and above across a range of issues. I am particularly interested in anxiety and related disorders in men and the intersection of mental health and menopause in women. I also provide psychotherapy and coaching for the management of ADHD in adults.
Currently accepting new clients. I pride myself on developing a supportive, collaborative and compassionate relationship with my clients, focusing on delivering psychological treatments based on current evidence. I work with individuals aged 17 and above across a range of issues. I am particularly interested in anxiety and related disorders in men and the intersection of mental health and menopause in women. I also provide psychotherapy and coaching for the management of ADHD in adults.
I work with those seeking deeper self-understanding, healing from past experiences, and meaningful personal growth. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges and want to break free from unhelpful patterns. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop strategies for lasting well-being. Whether they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, they want guidance that’s flexible, holistic, and tailored to their needs—helping them move toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.
I work with those seeking deeper self-understanding, healing from past experiences, and meaningful personal growth. They may struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges and want to break free from unhelpful patterns. They seek a safe, supportive space to explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop strategies for lasting well-being. Whether they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, they want guidance that’s flexible, holistic, and tailored to their needs—helping them move toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.
I enjoy working together to overcome oppression & help you to thrive. I often work with people in D/s relationships, non-binary folks, sex workers, & Autistic people. I have 20 years of international experience in Anti-Oppressive Practice. I am a Full Clinical PACFA Registrant, an AAFT-registered Clinical Family Therapist, and an AAFT-accredited Clinical Supervisor. I am recognised by Pink Therapy as an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sex, & Relationship Diversities Therapist (AAGSRDT). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma & Dissociation (CCTP-II) & Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP).
I enjoy working together to overcome oppression & help you to thrive. I often work with people in D/s relationships, non-binary folks, sex workers, & Autistic people. I have 20 years of international experience in Anti-Oppressive Practice. I am a Full Clinical PACFA Registrant, an AAFT-registered Clinical Family Therapist, and an AAFT-accredited Clinical Supervisor. I am recognised by Pink Therapy as an Advanced Accredited Gender, Sex, & Relationship Diversities Therapist (AAGSRDT). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma & Dissociation (CCTP-II) & Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP).
More Therapists Nearby
From time-to-time we all have issues going on in our lives that feel overwhelming, confusing and too hard to deal with on our own. At the same time, for various reasons, it often feels as if there is no one there we feel safe enough with whom we can share our burdens. Whether it's a messy divorce, the death of a loved one, a traumatic experience, an existential crisis about the meaning of life, or a difficult decision that has to be made - it can be hard to figure out what to do or who to turn to for guidance.
From time-to-time we all have issues going on in our lives that feel overwhelming, confusing and too hard to deal with on our own. At the same time, for various reasons, it often feels as if there is no one there we feel safe enough with whom we can share our burdens. Whether it's a messy divorce, the death of a loved one, a traumatic experience, an existential crisis about the meaning of life, or a difficult decision that has to be made - it can be hard to figure out what to do or who to turn to for guidance.
I am a queer relationship therapist and registered psychologist, working with LGBTIQA+ people ( lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, and including pansexual, non-binary, and people of diverse sexuality, gender and bodies who use other words to describe themselves or do not label their sexuality or gender).
I strive to be anti-oppressive, and to understand my privileges and blind spots. While my formal training and registration are in psychology, I understand that we are all much more than diagnoses, and that we adapt to and resist experiences of oppression and trauma in order to survive in many different painful and incredible ways.
I am a queer relationship therapist and registered psychologist, working with LGBTIQA+ people ( lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, and including pansexual, non-binary, and people of diverse sexuality, gender and bodies who use other words to describe themselves or do not label their sexuality or gender).
I strive to be anti-oppressive, and to understand my privileges and blind spots. While my formal training and registration are in psychology, I understand that we are all much more than diagnoses, and that we adapt to and resist experiences of oppression and trauma in order to survive in many different painful and incredible ways.
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Bentleigh
- Bentleigh East
- Brighton East
- Carnegie
- Caulfield
- Caulfield South
- Glen Huntly
- Hampton
- Highett
- McKinnon
- Moorabbin
- Murrumbeena
- Ormond
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.