Finding LGBT+ Affirming Therapy in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

For many LGBTIQA+ individuals in Australia, finding a therapist who truly understands and affirms their identity is not just a preference, but a necessity. Beyond just being inclusive or accepting, an affirming therapist actively validates and supports diverse sexualities and gender identities. This deep level of understanding is vital, as LGBT+ individuals often navigate unique mental health challenges stemming from societal prejudice, stigma, and discrimination.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to connect with a mental health professional who can offer truly safe, supportive, and validating care.

Understanding LGBT+ Affirming Therapy

At its heart, LGBT+ affirming therapy is about more than just being "LGBTQIA+ friendly." It's a specialised approach that actively validates, advocates for, and nurtures people from the LGBTIQA+ communities. This therapeutic style requires a nuanced understanding of gender and sexuality, helping clients process experiences like external prejudice or internalised homophobia without dismissing or treating them like they are the problem.

The goal of LGBTIQA+ affirming therapy should be to foster positive identity development, build resilience, and empower individuals to thrive in the ways that best suit them given their broader context. In other words, there is no one approach that can be used to support LGBT+ identities. We are all uniquely shaped by our experiences, so it’s more important that a therapist has the skills to truly listen and learn from your experiences to help you find solutions that work for you, than to try to tell you how to live your life based on assumptions.

Look for Specific Qualifications and Training

A genuinely affirming therapist demonstrates self-awareness and self-reflection regarding their own biases. They are knowledgeable and educated about gender and sexuality, maintaining an open mind and actively seeking information if unfamiliar with a client's specific experience.

Explicit mention of LGBTQIA+ competence or specialised training is a significant indicator. This can include:

• Completed Courses: Look for therapists who have undertaken specific training in LGBTIQA+ affirmative therapy.

• Supervised Experience: A track record of working with LGBT+ people under supervision.

• Professional Development: Ongoing education in this specialised field, either as a student themselves, or as a facilitator of this type of training for others.

  
  

Ultimately, this should translate into a therapeutic approach that is client-centered, collaborative, sex-positive and trauma-informed. A great LGBT+ affirming therapist works to make you feel safe, seen, and valued by validating your specific identities and life experiences, because they recognise that you are the expert on yourself. 

Identify "Green Flags" (Good Signs)

When searching for an LGBT+ affirming therapist Australia, keep an eye out for these positive signs:

• Explicit Competence: They clearly state their LGBTQIA+ competence, specialised training, or extensive experience on their website or profile.

• Inclusive Language: They consistently use gender-neutral and inclusive language and proactively provide you an opportunity to share your pronouns, without forcing you to. They should, of course, also respect your pronouns.

• Validation: They actively validate your identity and experiences, making you feel seen and understood.

• Inclusive Environment: Their office environment (physical or virtual) signals visible inclusivity through welcoming cues such as pronoun pins, rainbow lanyards or their pronouns in their name online (for example Zoom, LinkedIn, email signature, on their website).

• Knowledge of Gender-Affirming Care: They demonstrate knowledge of gender-affirming care processes and are willing to discuss appropriate referrals if needed.

• Feeling Supported: You generally feel uplifted, supported, and validated after sessions, rather than drained or judged.

The Value of Lived Experience in LGBT+ Affirming Therapy

While formal training is crucial, a therapist's lived experience can add a powerful dimension to their practice, offering a layer of understanding that goes beyond textbooks.

A counsellor who themselves belongs to the LGBTIQA+ communities brings a personal perspective to their work. For instance, a therapist who identifies as queer or non-binary has firsthand knowledge of the nuances and challenges that can come with these identities. This lived experience, especially when combined with a multicultural background, can foster a wider and more respectful worldview, appreciating the unique impact of different identities and life experiences.

Be Aware of "Red Flags" (Warning Signs)

It's equally important to recognise warning signs that a therapist may not be affirming. These might include:

• A Lack of Inclusive Language: This can include using binary language, for example only ever referring to men and women without acknowledging other genders. It can also include heteronormative assumptions being made such as asking a woman about her “boyfriend” when she has only mentioned a “partner”

• Dismissal or Overemphasis: Making everything about sexual or gender identity, or conversely, dismissing its relevance entirely. Both extremes can be unhelpful and have the potential to cause great harm

• Defensiveness: Becoming defensive or resistant when you provide feedback or correct their language. An affirming therapist is open to learning and should be grateful for the strength it takes you to help them keep you feeling safe and comfortable

• Disrespectful Language: Refusing to use your correct pronouns, chosen name, or dismissing the validity of your relationships

• Negative Feelings: Consistently feeling emotionally drained, judged, or invisible after your therapy sessions

• Abusive Attitudes: Any kind of comments that might imply the therapist might reveal your identity to others, or denying trans people's gender

Ask Practical Questions

Before committing to a therapist, prepare specific questions for an initial consultation to assess their suitability:

• "What is your experience working with LGBTIQA+ clients, particularly those with concerns similar to mine?"

• "Can you tell me about your specific training or professional development in LGBTIQA+ affirmative therapy?"

• "How do you ensure you use inclusive language, and how do you handle mistakes with pronouns or language?"

• "How might your personal beliefs or background influence your assumptions about LGBTIQA+ identities?"

• "What is your knowledge of specific identities, and are you comfortable discussing a wide range of sexual issues?"

• "What resources or specialist services for LGBTIQA+ care do you typically refer to?"

Taking the Next Step to LGBT+ Affirming Therapy

Finding the right therapist is a personal journey and a significant investment in your wellbeing. The process may take a little time, but you deserve to find a therapeutic space where you can feel seen, safe, and valued, no matter who or how you love. Taking this step is a powerful act of self-care. By finding a professional who truly understands your context and experiences, you are empowering yourself to connect, grow, and thrive.

Free Resource:

Your Checklist for Finding an LGBTIQA+ Affirming Therapist

We've put together this handy checklist to help you choose an LGBT+ Affirming Therapist.

Access free resources

Eleonora Bertsa-Fuchs (she/they) is the founder of Evolve Together. Her main focus as a counsellor is supporting fellow LGBTIQA+ & ENM people to build healthier, happier relationships and be more comfortable in their sexualities.