LGBTQIA+ Counselling
LGBTQIA+ counselling (also known as ‘queer counselling’) provides support to allies, members and explorers of the queer community by recognising that although as individuals we all have unique experiences, as a community there are some common challenges and struggles that many of us face.
Frequent research into the mental health concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexuality and gender diverse people (LGBTQIA+) consistently demonstrates that compared to the general population, LGBTQIA+ people experience higher rates of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychological Distress
- Self-Harm
- Suicidal ideation
- Suicide attempts
For an in-depth breakdown of how these rates differ between LGBTQIA+ people and the general community; between LGBTQIA+ communities, and between people of various stages of life, you can access the source material by LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, “SNAPSHOT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION STATISTICS FOR LGBTIQ, PEOPLE”, October 2021 located through this link.
These increased rates of mental health concerns can be directly related to common experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination and abuse on the basis of being LGBTQIA+. For this reason, many clients often find it beneficial to connect with a mental health clinician who is highly experienced, qualified and who also has lived experience with some of these frequently experienced challenges. Although all professional counsellors aim to provide a safe environment for clients where they do are free from judgement, many clients find that speaking with a clinician with lived experience further helps minimise some of that fear and can be a powerful foundation to build rapport.
If you, or someone you know, may be exploring their sexuality or gender identity, or are experiencing tough times during your LGBTQIA+ journey, support is available! I encourage you to contact me if you are interested in the professional online counselling services I offer as a qualified, highly experienced counsellor with lived experience and with an international HR certificate as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist.
If you, or someone you know, is currently experiencing a mental health crisis and is in need of immediate support, you can reach out to the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467); LifeLine (13 11 14) or the police or ambulance (000).
Lee Wong Counselling 