LGBTQ+ Affirming Psychologists and Therapists in Oakleigh, VIC
I’m Shanilka, a registered psychologist and founder of Nirvana Psychology. I provide therapy to individuals across Melbourne, including Oakleigh and Chadstone, with Telehealth available Australia-wide.
I work with adolescents and adults, from complex concerns to NDIS, to everyday challenges that come with work, relationships, identity, stress, or major life transitions.
My approach to therapy is grounded in patience, compassion, and deep respect for each person’s unique journey.
Born and raised in Australia with a proud Sri Lankan heritage, I bring a nuanced understanding of multicultural identity and cross-cultural awareness.
I’m Shanilka, a registered psychologist and founder of Nirvana Psychology. I provide therapy to individuals across Melbourne, including Oakleigh and Chadstone, with Telehealth available Australia-wide.
I work with adolescents and adults, from complex concerns to NDIS, to everyday challenges that come with work, relationships, identity, stress, or major life transitions.
My approach to therapy is grounded in patience, compassion, and deep respect for each person’s unique journey.
Born and raised in Australia with a proud Sri Lankan heritage, I bring a nuanced understanding of multicultural identity and cross-cultural awareness.
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.
My ideal clients are individual adults and couples seeking relief from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or patterns that keep repeating. They may feel stuck, wanting more meaning, peace, and self understanding. They value depth, authenticity, and want to explore not just symptoms but the root causes of their struggles to create lasting emotional change.
My ideal clients are individual adults and couples seeking relief from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or patterns that keep repeating. They may feel stuck, wanting more meaning, peace, and self understanding. They value depth, authenticity, and want to explore not just symptoms but the root causes of their struggles to create lasting emotional change.
I offer an eclectic and integrated approach to helping client's to successfully manage their lives. I am deeply committed to drawing-out the client's own innate potential to respond to their challenges. I firmly believe the 'obstacle is the way'. Rebates are available for clients with mental health treatment plans from their GP. More information available at www.stillpointpsychology.com.au
I offer an eclectic and integrated approach to helping client's to successfully manage their lives. I am deeply committed to drawing-out the client's own innate potential to respond to their challenges. I firmly believe the 'obstacle is the way'. Rebates are available for clients with mental health treatment plans from their GP. More information available at www.stillpointpsychology.com.au
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow.
Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
I believe that loving yourself is the foundation for healthy, fulfilling relationships with others. Life can be challenging, and it’s easy to lose your sense of direction, confidence, or self-worth along the way. With over 18 years of experience, I support clients with warmth, empathy, and unconditional understanding, creating a safe space to explore challenges, heal, and grow.
Together, we work to help you reconnect with your true self, build self-compassion, and gain the clarity and tools you need to navigate life’s difficulties, and to attain your goals, be they emotional balance, stronger relationships or personal growth.
My clients often are looking for ways to better handle the challenges of daily living. You may be feeling these challenges are insurmountable or that you are fundamentally unable to cope. You might not feel that you have a good understanding of who you truly are, what it is you want out of life, or what you have to offer others. You might also struggle to draw on the resources around you and make the most of your personal relationships. You may struggle to find the voice inside to reassure yourself that, as hard as things can feel, they can change. These things don't make you defective; they make you human.
My clients often are looking for ways to better handle the challenges of daily living. You may be feeling these challenges are insurmountable or that you are fundamentally unable to cope. You might not feel that you have a good understanding of who you truly are, what it is you want out of life, or what you have to offer others. You might also struggle to draw on the resources around you and make the most of your personal relationships. You may struggle to find the voice inside to reassure yourself that, as hard as things can feel, they can change. These things don't make you defective; they make you human.
Do you feel on edge, easily distracted, or irritable? Do you catch yourself overanalyzing and questioning decisions or interactions with other people? Do you feel disconnected, lonely, or unsure of yourself? These are all natural feelings, and we all struggle sometimes. But occasionally life throws curve balls at us and moving forward requires a little more work. This can be especially true if you have recently experienced a significant life change. Therapy can offer the needed support and change of perspective by unveiling new insights. It can also bring lasting benefits to your relationships and interactions.
Do you feel on edge, easily distracted, or irritable? Do you catch yourself overanalyzing and questioning decisions or interactions with other people? Do you feel disconnected, lonely, or unsure of yourself? These are all natural feelings, and we all struggle sometimes. But occasionally life throws curve balls at us and moving forward requires a little more work. This can be especially true if you have recently experienced a significant life change. Therapy can offer the needed support and change of perspective by unveiling new insights. It can also bring lasting benefits to your relationships and interactions.
I am a bilingual psychologist (English and Greek) working with anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, depression, trauma, attention deficits, autism, grief and loss, chronic pain, relationship and family difficulties, life transitions, and workplace stress. I also work with bullying, social skills difficulties and self-esteem. Deciding to engage in therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming and this is normal. I offer a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic space to help you move forward in your journey of healing and growth. I believe in empowering clients and developing personal strengths to achieve long lasting change.
I am a bilingual psychologist (English and Greek) working with anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, depression, trauma, attention deficits, autism, grief and loss, chronic pain, relationship and family difficulties, life transitions, and workplace stress. I also work with bullying, social skills difficulties and self-esteem. Deciding to engage in therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming and this is normal. I offer a safe, non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic space to help you move forward in your journey of healing and growth. I believe in empowering clients and developing personal strengths to achieve long lasting change.
Accepting New Clients ! - Jaclyn is a Clinical psychologist and aims to provide therapy with a difference. Our work together will be person focused and beautifully supportive however this will be a therapeutic approach to see transformation! I have a focus on intervention; my patients come to me because they want to see change and are tired of talking about their week on loop; so, whilst our work together may be hard and sometimes very challenging, with support together we will make that change that you have been waiting to achieve.
Accepting New Clients ! - Jaclyn is a Clinical psychologist and aims to provide therapy with a difference. Our work together will be person focused and beautifully supportive however this will be a therapeutic approach to see transformation! I have a focus on intervention; my patients come to me because they want to see change and are tired of talking about their week on loop; so, whilst our work together may be hard and sometimes very challenging, with support together we will make that change that you have been waiting to achieve.
Akriti Shrestha (Aki) is a trilingual registered General Psychologist with a Masters in Psychology (Counselling Psychology). She has had experience working in both private and public communities with families and individuals, regarding complex situations pertaining to trauma, abuse, neglect, and family violence. She has worked with individuals of all age groups- from teenagers to older adults. She has also had experience completing Intelligence tests for children and has successfully conducted parenting programs aimed at helping parents of teenagers.
Akriti Shrestha (Aki) is a trilingual registered General Psychologist with a Masters in Psychology (Counselling Psychology). She has had experience working in both private and public communities with families and individuals, regarding complex situations pertaining to trauma, abuse, neglect, and family violence. She has worked with individuals of all age groups- from teenagers to older adults. She has also had experience completing Intelligence tests for children and has successfully conducted parenting programs aimed at helping parents of teenagers.
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).
I am a very capable and committed counsellor, and passionate about supporting clients to make a difference in their life through empowerment, reflection and understanding. Each person is unique and requires an individual approach in meeting his or her specific needs. You will feel connected, safe and heard in sessions with me, working collaboratively in a positive and uplifting environment. I am deeply committed to helping you overcome immediate concerns and skilled at using various therapies and techniques in a client-centred approach to provide you with the tools to grow and work towards living life to the fullest.
I am a very capable and committed counsellor, and passionate about supporting clients to make a difference in their life through empowerment, reflection and understanding. Each person is unique and requires an individual approach in meeting his or her specific needs. You will feel connected, safe and heard in sessions with me, working collaboratively in a positive and uplifting environment. I am deeply committed to helping you overcome immediate concerns and skilled at using various therapies and techniques in a client-centred approach to provide you with the tools to grow and work towards living life to the fullest.
My therapeutic approach is compassionate, empathetic, and grounded, with a warm, down-to-earth style. I place great value on building a strong, trusting relationship, working collaboratively with you to support your goals. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming space, where every individual is respected, understood, and supported without judgment, allowing your unique strengths and experiences to guide your journey.
My therapeutic approach is compassionate, empathetic, and grounded, with a warm, down-to-earth style. I place great value on building a strong, trusting relationship, working collaboratively with you to support your goals. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming space, where every individual is respected, understood, and supported without judgment, allowing your unique strengths and experiences to guide your journey.
More Therapists Nearby
Hello I'm Michelle. In my practice, I work alongside young people & adults to support them in navigating life’s challenges, achieving desired improvements in their mental health, wellbeing, relationships and life circumstances. I have a gentle, compassionate nature and provide a comfortable, discreet space where my clients feel safe and supported to share, grow and connect with inner wisdom. My approach is intuitive, flexible and strengths-based, often solution-focused and always person centered around an individual’s unique interests, values and hopes for the future.
Hello I'm Michelle. In my practice, I work alongside young people & adults to support them in navigating life’s challenges, achieving desired improvements in their mental health, wellbeing, relationships and life circumstances. I have a gentle, compassionate nature and provide a comfortable, discreet space where my clients feel safe and supported to share, grow and connect with inner wisdom. My approach is intuitive, flexible and strengths-based, often solution-focused and always person centered around an individual’s unique interests, values and hopes for the future.
Counsellor. Relationship Counsellor. Workplace Wellness. Organisations. The Anna Centres Business Development Counsellor. EAP Specialist. Specialising in Relationship Counselling. Your relationship with yourself and others. This includes building strong communication, respect and intimacy. I also support Families, Individuals and Teens to explore their feelings, clear old patterns, ignite self-awareness, build resourcefulness and feel more purposeful. I offer support with relationship building, parenting, clarity of thoughts, addressing behaviours, thought patterns & issues like anxiety & stress.
Counsellor. Relationship Counsellor. Workplace Wellness. Organisations. The Anna Centres Business Development Counsellor. EAP Specialist. Specialising in Relationship Counselling. Your relationship with yourself and others. This includes building strong communication, respect and intimacy. I also support Families, Individuals and Teens to explore their feelings, clear old patterns, ignite self-awareness, build resourcefulness and feel more purposeful. I offer support with relationship building, parenting, clarity of thoughts, addressing behaviours, thought patterns & issues like anxiety & stress.
○Accepting face-to-face clients in West Melbourne and Online○
I work with Veterans, Tradies, and people who identify as LGBTQ.
In my life, I have been both a Roof Plumber and a Psychologist. I believe this experience has helped me to offer psychological therapy in a straight-forward, down-to-earth way. I offer Trauma focussed therapies (including EMDR), as well as Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
○Accepting face-to-face clients in West Melbourne and Online○
I work with Veterans, Tradies, and people who identify as LGBTQ.
In my life, I have been both a Roof Plumber and a Psychologist. I believe this experience has helped me to offer psychological therapy in a straight-forward, down-to-earth way. I offer Trauma focussed therapies (including EMDR), as well as Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Anine Cummins (they/them) - Ginger Cat Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out. My client says 'I came to you thinking that i needed to be fixed, that i just needed to work harder on myself so that all of my problems could be solved and then i could start 'living my real life.' I'm starting to learn that maybe it's ok that i don't always have my sht together. I’m human and that’s ok."
I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out. My client says 'I came to you thinking that i needed to be fixed, that i just needed to work harder on myself so that all of my problems could be solved and then i could start 'living my real life.' I'm starting to learn that maybe it's ok that i don't always have my sht together. I’m human and that’s ok."
Isy supports client's in feeling more connected, safe and inspired. In therapy Isy will hold space for you, and accompany you to navigate finding more ease and contentment in the face of challenges, change and conflict. Isy aims to equip clients with embodied skills for wellbeing and resilience. Isy holds the intention that over time, client's might feel less need for regular individual therapy, and instead hopes to help them access a diverse network of support in their lives.
Isy supports client's in feeling more connected, safe and inspired. In therapy Isy will hold space for you, and accompany you to navigate finding more ease and contentment in the face of challenges, change and conflict. Isy aims to equip clients with embodied skills for wellbeing and resilience. Isy holds the intention that over time, client's might feel less need for regular individual therapy, and instead hopes to help them access a diverse network of support in their lives.
While many of my clients identify as LGBTQIA+, I welcome clients of all backgrounds.
Therapy can help you better understand yourself and your patterns - and get back in the driver's seat of your life, where you can make conscious choices instead of running on "autopilot". Finding new ways forward can transform your relationship with yourself and with others, and your outlook on life. I'm here to guide that process.
While many of my clients identify as LGBTQIA+, I welcome clients of all backgrounds.
Therapy can help you better understand yourself and your patterns - and get back in the driver's seat of your life, where you can make conscious choices instead of running on "autopilot". Finding new ways forward can transform your relationship with yourself and with others, and your outlook on life. I'm here to guide that process.
Life is messy and imperfect. Sexuality and identity is a lifelong journey. So many of us are limited in our exploration due to shame, stigma, or lack of sexuality education. I believe in a sex-positive approach which acknowledges and celebrates the diversity of human sexuality, identity and expression. When we are informed, empowered and validated, we live happier and more authentic lives.
Life is messy and imperfect. Sexuality and identity is a lifelong journey. So many of us are limited in our exploration due to shame, stigma, or lack of sexuality education. I believe in a sex-positive approach which acknowledges and celebrates the diversity of human sexuality, identity and expression. When we are informed, empowered and validated, we live happier and more authentic lives.
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Oakleigh
- Ashburton
- Ashwood
- Bentleigh East
- Burwood
- Carnegie
- Chadstone
- Clayton
- Glen Huntly
- Malvern East
- McKinnon
- Mount Waverley
- Murrumbeena
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.