LGBTQIA+ Counselling in Melbourne: Your FAQs Answered

You might have questions about the difference between a counsellor, a psychotherapist, and a psychologist. These terms are often used interchangeably and can be confusing if you haven't had specific training in these areas.

What is the difference between LGBTQIA+ Counseling, Psychotherapy, Psychology and Therapy?

Therapists or counsellors have usually received specific training in a counselling modality, such as Somatic Experiencing, Gestalt Therapy, or Psychoanalysis. Counselling, as opposed to psychotherapy, can sometimes refer to short-term interventions (6-12 sessions), whereas Psychotherapy usually refers to a more long-term investment (12+ sessions).

Psychologists have had specific training at Universities at various levels. Clinical psychologists are usually at university for the longest time. They are trained to diagnose and treat specific mental health conditions as outlined in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders). They are also trained to implement and interpret psychological testing. Psychologists have strengths in their mental health clinical expertise. 

Counsellors and Therapists have strengths working in the room with clients and building therapeutic rapport. A counsellor or psychotherapist is more likely to think about your developmental experiences, structural inequalities, and current circumstances to help them understand your presenting problems. In contrast, psychologists are more likely to interpret your presenting problems through the traditional mental health DSM lens. 

These are generalisations and stereotypes given that many psychologists have undergone additional therapy and counselling-related training, so before engaging with an LGBTQIA+ psychologist in Melbourne, it is good to check out the specific counselling training they have undertaken. Did they, for example, undergo training where a supervisor watched and commented on their counselling practice? Likewise, depending on your needs, ask an LGBTQIA+ counsellor/therapist what training they have done around mental health conditions and using the DSM. It's OK to ask your LGBTQIA+ psychologist or counsellor some of these questions. 

Why is LGBTQIA+ Counseling Important in Melbourne? 

You might be wondering why you'd want to see an LGBTQIA+ counsellor/psychologist in Melbourne specifically, as opposed to a generalist therapist, and that's a good question. Keep in mind the length of time it takes to develop expertise in any area, so a generalist counsellor with some insight into a range of issues will provide a different depth of understanding than you might require depending on your presenting problems.

If your counsellor advertises they are a queer, they are more likely to comprehend the challenges faced by the Queer community and how these challenges manifest as mental health problems. 

An LGBTQIA+ counsellor or psychologist is better able to contextualise your difficulties through a systemic lens that de-pathologises the challenges you might be having. For example, a good LGBTQIA+ counsellor should be well-versed in recognising the societal and developmental factors that contribute to the development of internalised homophobia and transphobia.

What should I expect during my first session with an LGBTQIA+ psychologist or counsellor in Melbourne? 

During your initial session, the counsellor will ask about your current situation, difficulties, and family and relationship dynamics. The therapist should create a safe space to discuss significant concerns and work with you to set goals. 

How long does LGBTQIA+ counselling take? 

The duration of counselling varies greatly depending on the client's needs. On average, my clients see me for 12 sessions, but some require more or fewer sessions. It's also OK to ask a potential new therapist how long they see their clients on average. It's an investment, and it's reasonable to want to know what you might be committing to. 

Next Steps 

To find the right LGBTQIA+ psychologist or counsellor in Melbourne, I recommend contacting three LGBTQIA+ therapists if you get a good feeling from their website. Take notes on your interactions with each. Noticing your feelings during and after speaking with them will help you make an emotionally aligned decision. If you feel confused, indifferent, or excited following the conversation, this information will help you determine if they fit you. 

Many therapists offer free initial consultations, which are essential to building rapport and connection from the start. I'm a Gestalt Psychotherapist and mental Health Social Worker with additional training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I also offer free 50-minute consultations to help clients determine if I'm the right fit for them.