Support for
You deserve a psychologist who truly gets it. LGBTQIA+ affirming care at Succoris.
Affirming therapy for people of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures — no assumptions, genuinely informed care.
Key information you should know
- Succoris is a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ clients — no assumptions, no agenda.
- Mental health challenges are significantly higher in LGBTQIA+ communities due to minority stress, discrimination, and family rejection.
- Our affirming clinicians have lived and/or professional experience with LGBTQIA+ issues.
Signs you might benefit from lgbtqia+ support
- Anxiety or depression related to identity, coming out, or social rejection
- Family conflict around gender identity or sexual orientation
- Navigating a new identity — questioning, coming out, or exploring
- Trauma related to discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, or conversion practices
- Body dysphoria and support through gender-affirming care processes
- Relationship and intimacy concerns within LGBTQIA+ relationships
How therapy can help with lgbtqia+
LGBTQIA+ clients deserve care that does not require explanation or defence of who they are. Therapy can address minority stress, identity exploration, coming out, family tension, and general mental health in an affirming setting.
Succoris psychologists aim to create a space without assumptions about gender, sexuality, or relationship structure. Your goals guide the work, whether that is coping skills, trauma recovery, or personal growth.
Psychologists who support lgbtqia+
9 psychologists with experience in lgbtqia+.
Accepting new clientsBook with AlisonAlison Cole
Psychologist
Alison provides a warm, supportive and collaborative therapeutic approach, creating a safe space where clients feel heard, understood and empowered to work towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with WarwickDr Warwick Hosking
Clinical Psychologist
Warwick has several years' experience working with adolescents and adults in a range of settings. He takes a client-centred, empathic and compassionate approach to building rapport and trust with his clients.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Grace Crowley
Clinical Psychologist & Assessment Liaison
Gracie is a clinically endorsed and AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist. She works with clients across the lifespan (ages 8 and above) with a strong passion for supporting people who have experienced complex trauma.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Kristy Ward
Psychologist & Director
Kristy is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly two decades of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
2 clinics
Maddy Stenlake
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Madeleine works integratively with adults supporting a wide range of psychological presentations with care and clarity.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Sophie Lord
Clinical Psychologist
Sophie provides warm, thoughtful therapy for children, adolescents and adults via telehealth. She is culturally aware, inclusive, and brings genuine curiosity to each person's story.
2 clinics
Tempanie Thomas
Provisional Psychologist
Tempanie has experience working with a diverse range of people seeking support for a variety of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and age-related transitions.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Common questions about LGBTQIA+
What does affirming therapy mean?
Affirming therapy means care that respects and understands people of all genders, sexualities, and relationship structures, without assumptions or judgment. It recognises that LGBTQIA+ people may face particular stressors, such as discrimination or family rejection, while never treating identity itself as a problem. It is a safe space to explore whatever you bring, whether or not it relates to your identity.
Do I need to educate my psychologist about being LGBTQIA+?
You should not have to. Our affirming clinicians bring lived or professional experience with LGBTQIA+ issues, so you can focus on what you came for rather than explaining the basics. If identity-related concerns are part of what you want to work on, that is welcome. If they are not, that is completely fine too. The space is led by you.
What can therapy help with for LGBTQIA+ clients?
Therapy can support anything you would see a psychologist for, including anxiety, depression, and relationships, as well as experiences more specific to LGBTQIA+ people, such as coming out, identity, minority stress, discrimination, or family dynamics. Mental health challenges are higher in LGBTQIA+ communities largely due to these external stressors, not identity itself. Support is tailored to you and your goals.
How do I find an affirming psychologist at Succoris?
You can contact us and let us know what you are looking for, and we will help match you with a clinician who is a good fit. No referral is needed to book, and a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates on individual sessions. Sessions are available in person and by telehealth across Australia.
What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is the distress some people feel when their gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. It is the distress that is the focus of support, not a person's identity, which is not a disorder. It varies a great deal, and not every trans or gender-diverse person experiences it. Affirming, non-judgmental support can help someone explore their identity and ease distress at their own pace.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.