LGBTQIA+ Counselling
Invictus Health provides expert care and support to the LGBTQIA+ community. Our counsellors understand the unique challenges faced by this diverse community and are able to offer compassionate guidance and tailored therapy services. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space, fostering personal growth, self-acceptance, and strategies to improve mental well-being. We’re here to listen, understand, and support you on your unique journey.
Why go with Invictus Health for LGBTQIA+ Counselling
We believe everyone has beautiful uniqueness, we celebrate things that make us different from one another, and we treasure those things whilst working with you to grow every day. Our counsellors are both a part of the queer community, they understand the nuances and experiences of diverse identities.
Through our specialised training and ongoing education, we stay up to date with the latest research and strive to offer best practices in LGBTQIA+ counselling. We are committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and affirming environment where you can openly express yourself.
Why choose LGBTQIA+ Counselling?
Choosing a LGBTQIA+ friendly counsellor is critical to improved wellbeing and can offer the following support:
- Understanding and Validation: Provision of safe and affirming spaces where you can explore your identity, experiences, and emotions without feeling overlooked, fear of judgement or misunderstanding. Therapists who specialise in LGBTQIA+ issues have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and societal pressures faced by the community, offering extra validation and support.
- Culturally Competent Care: LGBTQIA+ individuals may encounter specific mental health concerns related to coming out, internalised homophobia/transphobia, implicit/explicit discrimination, and minority stress. Our team will address these issues through culturally competent care, tailored interventions, and evidence-based practices.
- Relationship and Family Dynamics: Assistance in navigating relationship challenges, communication struggles, and family dynamics for both individuals and couples. We can help you develop healthy coping strategies, build strong relationships, and improve your overall relational satisfaction.
- Identity Exploration and Development: Supporting you in your journey of self-discovery, curiosity and understanding things about sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. We provide and hold a compassionate space to walk with you to explore personal values, goals, and aspirations.
- Advocacy and Support: Other than counselling service, we also try to provide holistic care to our clients. We can help connect you with community resources, support groups, and LGBTQIA+-friendly organisations. LGBTQIA+ counselling offers a vital opportunity for you to access competent care, foster self-acceptance, navigate life’s challenges, and build a resilient and fulfilling life in alignment with your authentic selves.
We offer support to LGBTQIA+ individuals on:
At Invictus Health, our LGBTQIA+ team understand that humans in the LGBTQIA+ community may experience and seek help for reasons including but not limited to:
- Exploring and understanding sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression;
- Coming out and self-acceptance;
- Coping with discrimination, prejudice, and stigma in various situations;
- Navigating relationship and family dynamics;
- Creating healthy and affirming relationships, help with dating and sex-related struggles;
- Addressing trauma related to homophobia, transphobia, (such as workplace sexuality-based bullying) or conversion therapy;
- Balancing religious or cultural identities with LGBTQIA+ identities;
- Exploring gender transitioning and associated challenges;
- Accessing healthcare and navigating medical transition;
- Finding community support and resources.
For the Parents of LGBTQIA+
For the parents of LGBTQIA+ children (or other family members), it is normal to also have a journey to take when a child shares their new identity, sexuality or expression. Parents of LGBTQIA+ children or family members often face unique struggles, including but not limited to:
- Limited Knowledge and/or Understanding: Parents may struggle to comprehend their child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, this can lead to confusion, fear, or uncertainty and have significant impacts on the relationships and family environment.
- Internalised Beliefs and Expectations: Parents may grapple with societal norms, cultural or religious beliefs, and personal expectations that conflict with their child’s identity, causing inner turmoil and feelings of guilt or shame. These feelings can also lead to unhealthy interactions with their LGBTIQ+ children or family member.
- Emotional Adjustment: Parents may experience a range of emotions such as grief, loss, or anxiety as they navigate the adjustment to their child’s coming out or disclosure. It is normal for parents and family members struggling with these emotions to need support in processing and managing the emotions.
- Fear of Judgment or Rejection: Parents may worry about how others, including family, friends, or their community, will react to their child’s LGBTQIA+ identity. The fear of judgment or rejection can create stress and strain on their relationship with their child or other relationships.
- Communication and Relationship Dynamics: Parents may struggle with effective communication and maintaining a strong relationship with their LGBTQIA+ children. They may need guidance on how to foster open dialogue, trust, and acceptance.
- Advocacy and Support: Parents may face challenges advocating for their child’s rights and well-being within various systems, such as schools or healthcare. They may benefit from counselling to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate effectively.
Our team of counsellors provide a supportive and empathetic space for parents to explore and address these struggles. Through counselling, parents can gain knowledge, develop coping strategies, enhance communication skills, and cultivate a deeper understanding and acceptance of their child’s LGBTQIA+ identity. The counsellors offer guidance, validation, and tools to help parents navigate their own journey and provide the best possible support for their LGBTQIA+ child or family member.
LGBTQIA+ EAP
EAP counselling empowers LGBTQIA+ individuals to navigate workplace issues effectively, promote self-advocacy, and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment. To work in a more comfortable and safer environment. Unique workplace issues that LGBTQIA+ individuals may face:
- Workplace discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity;
- Use of unfriendly or disrespectful language towards LGBTQIA+ community;
- Lack of inclusive policies and practices, including inadequate gender-neutral facilities or dress code restrictions;
- Microaggressions, such as insensitive comments or misgendering;
- Challenges with coming out or disclosing their identity without consent in the workplace;
- Harassing questions and/or inappropriate curiosity in the workplace or at work functions/events;
- Isolation or feeling like the only LGBTQIA+ person in the workplace;
- Unequal opportunities for career advancement or professional growth due to bias.
T0 enquire about EAP, please email us here
How can Invictus Health help:
We pride ourselves on our ability to provide a safe and confidential space to discuss workplace challenges and or unpleasant experiences. Offering guidance on navigating discrimination and harassment, including coping strategies and assertiveness skills. We are also able to assist with coming out in the workplace and providing support during the process.
With counselling you will be able to build resilience and self-confidence to address microaggressions and promote personal well-being. As well as become an advocate for inclusive policies and practices within the organisation, providing resources and support networks to combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
Reach out to us today to begin moving through this space and gain the strength to advocate for both you and others in the workplace.
You’re not alone, don’t be afraid to reach out
Counselling is an effective way to improve coping strategies, deepen understanding and safely explore growth. Our counsellors will help you work towards effective and long-lasting ways to improve your overall well-being. We believe that the Queer Community deserves to be respected and treated with the utmost care and respect and we’re ready to help people move through their challenges.
Reach out to us today and let us support you in finding the acceptance, expression and personal growth you deserve.