Learn about Gender and Sexual Identity
Both our gender identity and sexual identity make up a fundamental part of who we are. Some people identify with a different gender from the one they were assigned at birth. Gender Dysmorphia involves a conflict between the gender an individual identifies with, and the one they were physically assigned. For people with Gender Dysmorphia, this conflict can involve being uncomfortable with their body, expectations of social gender roles, or both.
The experiences, and sometimes struggles, of those with who have conflicting feelings about their gender vary hugely. Whilst some individuals recall intense feelings from a young age and express they have always felt trapped in the wrong body, others become confused about their gender identity later in life, sometimes even after getting married and having children. In the latter case, this is often not because the individual has suddenly changed their mind, but because they have previously tried to deny or ignore feelings around their gender identification. As an adult, coming to terms with gender identity confusion can seem impossible. If you have grappled with anxiety and confusion about your gender identity, you may be terrified of the impact this will have on your family, and even your career. Seeking the support and advice of a psychologist is often the first step.
On the other hand, sexual orientation/identity is completely separate, and distinct from, gender identity. Sexual identity refers to a person’s thinking about who they are romantically and sexually attracted to. Sexual orientation ranges along a continuum, from exclusive attraction to the opposite sex, to exclusive attraction to the same sex, and can therefore also be a source of confusion and sometimes, distress. It is not uncommon to feel under pressure to identify with one sexual orientation. However it is becoming openly accepted that sexuality is more fluid, and individuals may be anywhere on the continuum. If you are experiencing distress as the result of confusion surrounding your sexual identity, fear of stigma and/or disapproval of family and friends may be stopping you from facing these feelings. Alternatively, you may feel confident that you understand your sexual identity but need the help of a professional to communicate this to family and colleagues.
Due to the difficulties members of the LGBTQIA+ often face, there are high rates of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol addiction. However, when able to live out their daily lives with both a physical embodiment and a social expression that most closely matches their internal sense of self, LGBTQIA+ individuals live successful, productive lives, indistinguishable from anyone else.
If you are struggling with either gender or sexual identity concerns, seek help from a psychologist. Some of the ways your someone.health psychologist can help include:
Providing talk therapy to explore feelings of confusion and distress
Providing expert advice on the experiences of individuals who face similar concerns and obstacles
Developing strategies with you to reveal gender and/or sexual identity changes to family and friends
Providing family therapy to allow you to discuss feelings and decisions in a safe and supportive environment
Discussing and exploring options for your future, such a gender transitioning – e.g. medical options, changing the use of pronouns at work etc.
Situations unrelated to the event that made you feel angry often become negatively impacted by your mood
Gender & Sexual Identity Psychologists
Meet the someone.health psychologists currently available to see new clients for counselling on gender and sexual identity.
Geoffrey Haines
Geoff has over 10 years of experience working as a psychologist and has a keen interest working with people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, procrastination, interpersonal difficulties and low self esteem. Geoff is trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
View ProfileKathie McDonald
Kathie enjoys helping a broad range of people aged 16 years and over, and has a keen interest in helping people adjust to various life transitions such as changes in work, relationships, and parenthood. Kathie also has extensive experience in helping women work through issues related to sexual intimacy. Kathie uses evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance...
View ProfileSimon Coyle
Simon is a qualified primary school teacher as well as a registered psychologist. Simon has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and behaviour and emotional disorders in children. He has a relaxed, easy going nature and likes to provide people with the skills to manage life's challenges.
View ProfileAlicia Viforj
Alicia is a Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience treating low self worth, child attachment and behaviour management and family of origin issues. This includes the experience feeling different to others growing up, family domestic violence, emotional abuse, being criticised or bullied, having low self worth or other trauma growing up.
View ProfileRosa Medina Barron
Rosa strives to help clients to gain greater insight into their lives to understand and overcome their presenting issues, develop their self-confidence and make meaningful changes in their lives. Rosa provides psychological services in both English and Spanish.
View ProfileShae Lawler-Brennan
As a psychologist, I am here to offer you a safe and supportive space where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I understand that life can sometimes be challenging, and it takes courage to reach out for help. Please know that I am here to listen to you and to support you in any way I can. My...
View ProfileAgnes Szollos (Agi)
My combined professional and life experiences make me highly aware of the types of difficulties encountered by people from all walks of life and the impact on their and others’ lives these obstacles to wellbeing can have. My efforts and professional skill are dedicated toward helping to make a difference and to assist people in developing their greater potential
View ProfileJessie Bendavid
Jessie has expertise with the psychological impact of perinatal loss, the topic of her Ph.D. She has worked with adults experiencing mood disorders, personality disorders, procrastination, anxiety and grief. Jessie offers a supportive, non-judgmental and accepting environment for her clients to feel safe so that they can openly discuss the issues that they would like to change.
View ProfileCaroline Gaffney
Caroline is very approachable and believes that positive change is sustainable, working holistically and using practical strategies, developing new skills and psychological interventions to achieve the best outcomes for you. She has been the principal psychologist and proprietor of Pure Gold Christian Counselling and Psychological Services for eight years.
View ProfileSeija Herat
Seija takes a compassionate, open and validating approach in working with clients in order to establish a safe and supportive therapeutic alliance to assist throughout difficult and challenging experiences.
View ProfileSasha Truehl
Well done for making it this far! I'd love to work with you to further harness your bravery to go and get whatever you want for your life. This includes relationships, which can be hard, but also so fulfilling. If that's not your current experience, I'd love to work together to figure out attachment styles, or better conflict resolution or...
View ProfileSarah Krueger
Sarah uses a person-centred, strength-based approach, working in collaboration with clients to reach their therapeutic goals. Sarah is highly focused on the therapeutic relationship using a calm and relaxed manner, positive communication strategies, empathy, and understanding during therapy sessions.
View ProfileTegan Anderson
Tegan has worked as a psychologist for over ten years. She has largely worked supporting children and families impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault and feel very passionate about human rights and equality. She is also a parent of three children ranging from toddler to teenager and hopes that adds further practicality to her support.
View ProfileRhys Paul
Hi I’m Rhys and I’m a Registered Psychologist! I'm looking forward to building a supportive and trusting relationship with you that takes into account your individuality and meets your goals for therapy. I take a holistic and client-centred approach to my therapy. I have a special interest in helping clients with addiction, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, and traumatic...
View ProfileKatherine Gudgeon
Katherine has worked with a wide array of presentations, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, anger management, bullying, relationship difficulties and personality disorders. Katherine has worked as a School Counsellor for five years and an English teacher for over thirty years. Katherine is experienced in dealing with adolescent development and parenting issues. She has a keen interest in working...
View ProfileMelissa Boulind
Melissa has extensive experience in working with teen conflicts including peer conflicts, relationships, exam stress and fitting in. In addition to that she has an interest in PTSD and trauma, poor health, covid-related adjustment and loss, HIV and cancer. Melissa can provide support for LBGTQ conflicts including coming out.
View ProfileMichelle Scott
Michelle enjoys helping people to deal with life challenges and developmental problems to optimise psychological well-being. Her approach is to work together with clients to process feelings and to develop self insight and understanding. This aims to alleviate distress as well as to provide different ways of thinking, being and relating to the self and others.
View ProfileWanda Little
I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you and forming a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship that is centered on working together to create the life you wish for. I have worked extensively with young people from the ages of 5-18 and their families with the goal of always being respectful, an advocate and assisting clients to navigate...
View ProfileHugo Webster
Hi there, I’m Hugo and I’m an early career psychologist. I see the client as the expert in their own lives and use my knowledge and skills to help you overcome the barriers that are getting in the way of leading a purposeful and meaningful life
View ProfileMelissa Sykes
Welcome and hello to you, I am looking forward to understanding who you are as an individual. I am hopeful that through our time together we can put in place some steps and strategies to assist you in achieving the outcomes you desire.
View ProfileEric Brunet
Reaching out for support isn’t easy. It takes courage to be honest and vulnerable, especially when things are difficult. I have been a counsellor for over 20 years and a psychologist for 3. And I have accessed counselling myself on the occasions where I have needed support. I find it really useful to have someone there to help think things...
View ProfileLinda Harrison
Linda provides psychological support to adults and young people (16+) presenting with complex issues including anxiety, depression, gender/sexual identity, and general stresses of school and relationships. She is also very experienced in working with parents to facilitate positive relationships with their children in difficult times.
View ProfileJames Minson
James' approach to mental health is about mind-body integration and looking at the “whole person”. Mental health influences how we feel, think and move, how we communicate and relate to the world, and can seriously impact our physical health. James will hep make sense of how this all fits together, to explore unhelpful thoughts and behaviour, and identify different options.
View ProfileKlaus War
I am a fully qualified hypnotherapist, treating all types of anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, drug addictions, self-esteem issues, chronic pain, and IBS. I have 20 years of experience as a music teacher and taught children from age four to adults, aged 64 years. I also treat children and adolescents for peer relationship issues, school refusal, bullying, and poor school performance.
View ProfileYaari Caroline Self
I am looking forward to meeting many and varied clients to work with together to bring the very best in your life. My style is relaxed and friendly and I like to focus on the relationship we build together. I have practiced for over 30 years with all range of problems so I welcome all or any struggles in your...
View ProfileDajana Bjelosevic
Dajana has 20 years experience as a Psychologist working with a diverse range of clients. She has extensive experience in substance abuse and addictions, depression, anxiety, stress management, adjustment disorder, PTSD and grief and loss.
View ProfileJulia Alice
Hello. I am an experienced psychologist who deeply values the opportunity to share in the process of creating meaningful and connected lives. With a caring and empathetic approach, I strive to create a safe environment in which your concerns can be explored. Utilising a number of evidence based psychological therapies, I am able to tailor my approach to suit you,...
View ProfileMaddy Haydar
I aim to provide you with a warm, safe and compassionate environment which will allow you to explore concerns and achieve positive change. I provide a holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to therapy and believe in the importance of early intervention to improve outcomes for individuals.
View ProfileDarren Pittock
Darren has been helping people from a psychological perspective for over 17 years. He is experienced working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, anger management, loss and grief, as well as intellectual, physical, developmental disabilities. Darren has also experienced life as a wine merchant, martial artist, security officer and as a tradesman.
View ProfileTrisha Nowland
Trisha has experience working with a diverse range of clients including children, community from different cultural backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and LGBT+ community.
View ProfileMartin Pearce
Martin is best known for his humour and pragmatism. Martin has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents, adults and families. Martin has spent recent years working in a mental health clinic for people living with addictions, trauma and mood disorders.
View ProfileKristy Johnstone
Deciding to see a Psychologist is a big step, so congratulations for coming this far. Once you choose a therapist, stepping into a their virtual therapy room is the next big step, and for many people this can feel overwhelming. A big part of my job is to help you feel comfortable and safe. All you have to do is...
View ProfileRosara Squirchuk
Rosara has a keen interest in working with children, adolescents and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma including PTSD and adjustment disorder, OCD, bipolar disorder, gambling and other addictive behaviours, alcohol misuse, work/personal stress and domestic violence survivors.
View ProfileVidesha Samarawickrama
I look forward to working with you on this journey through collaboration to understand your goals and work towards developing a plan tailored to achieving these goals. I have a client centered approach to counselling and ensure that focus is on ensuring that any treatment is individualised to suit your needs which is aimed to promote functional, psychological, and social...
View ProfileNina Shapiro
Nina has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, gender identity issues, work stress, low self-esteem, anger issues, survivors of sexual abuse and other childhood trauma. She is trained in several evidence based approaches, including CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
View ProfileWill Chen
Will has worked with people across the lifespan, specialising in helping children and young adults in coping with stress in schools and workplaces, as well as building up interpersonal relationships and assertive communication skills. He has also helped people experiencing disordered eating, addiction, anxiety, depression and coping with transition and change.
View ProfileMichelle Olaithe
Michelle has extensive experience working with people with mental health difficulties with co-morbid sleep, diet, and activity problems. Michelle has a keen interest to work with people with low mood, self-esteem, anxiety, adult attention-deficit disorder, and interpersonal difficulties. She retains an active research profile into sleep disorders, mood problems, and brain dysfunction, across the lifespan.
View ProfileEva Marcos
Eva’s expertise is in women’s issues, particularly managing the impacts as a result of sexual assault trauma. Eva has worked with people from varying life backgrounds, diverse concerns and people of all cultural backgrounds are welcome. Eva has worked with agoraphobia, self-hate, low self-esteem, crisis work, anxiety. Ethical practice is important to Eva which is why she adheres to a...
View ProfileAmanda Stone
Amanda has experience working with various clients including adults across the lifespan, adolescents, and LGBT+ community members. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, substance use, living with chronic health-related illness, unresolved trauma, and grief and loss.
View ProfileRachel Troia
Hi, my name is Rachel and I'd love to meet and support you. What makes therapy with me different? We will work in the moment. I will meet you where you are at and walk alongside you using my wealth of tools and my deep intuition. You are not a diagnosis or a label to me. You are precious and...
View ProfileJoe Guse
Former comedian and current Clinical Psychologist Joe Guse uses humour to help people respond to life's challenges. Joe strives to help people use humour to respond to lifes emotional choices. He has authored 20 books and appears regularly on American television shows including Biography, Autopsy, and Behind Closed Doors.
View ProfileWilliam Heaton
Will is a warm and compassionate Psychologist who is passionate about supporting individuals attain greater mental health and well-being. Therapeutic sessions are centered around helping individuals gain a deeper insight of themselves, their behavioural patterns and self-beliefs.
View ProfileManya Scheftsik
Manya is experienced in helping people change behaviours that form part of a chronic condition whether physical or psychological. These changes include becoming more physically active and fit; pain management; feeling in control of your eating; the moderate consumption of alcohol; and cessation of smoking & problem gambling. She also has extensive experience helping people exit a substance abuse lifestyle.
View ProfileKate Stewart
Kate has worked as a psychologist for over 35 years and is keen to help people 16-years-old and older who wish to improve their psychological life. Kate has a Doctorate in Health Science and her certifications include Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Ericksonian Hypnosis. She also studies Buddhism, including meditation and mindfulness.
View ProfileAndrew Pangrazio
I am excited to listen and get to know you as we work together to make sense of, predict or change areas of life. My practice has always been to actively listen, to explore and to experiment using a range of psychology tools. I work using innovative approaches that highlight your strengths whilst also addressing issues or areas that are...
View ProfileJeanine Leabeater
Hi, I am very excited to meet you, get to know you as a person and work together to achieve the change you desire, the life you would like for yourself. I am committed to working with you, the whole person and I will treat you as a real person, not just see your issue. I want you, us, to...
View ProfileChantal Mercanti
I love what I do. I take earning your trust very seriously. I think it’s a big deal to share your thoughts, fears, worries, hopes and dreams in counselling. I work hard to listen well and to understand your experience of the world and how you would like it to be different. I’m a real person and will be clear...
View ProfileBilyana Riley
Bilyana's 20 years’ experience is vast, having started my career in nursing before embarking on study to become a Clinical Psychologist. She sees people presenting with a broad spectrum of presentations, including trauma, depressive and anxiety based disorders, workplace bullying, phobias, relationship issues, stress disorders, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, personality disorders, grief and relationship issues.
View ProfileAdauto Furlanetti Severino da Silva
Adauto has 14 years of experience in a private practice focusing on anxiety, depression and life changes (work, divorce, sexuality and maturing) with young adults. Adauto believes that each person can benefit from problem solving strategies, but also from finding causes and reasons. Adauto studied Psychology in Brazil and applies CBT, ACT and DBT modalities.
View ProfileRachel Crossley
Rachel only works with children and young adults, up to the age of 25. She has over 20 years experience. Rachel has a keen interest in helping those who struggle with anxiety issues, including social anxiety, OCD and phobias. She has also worked extensively with young people who experience depression and other mood disorders, alongside other significant life events, such...
View ProfileJeanette McLean
Jeanette has 27 years of experience as a psychologist. She has worked in private practice, as an Employee Assistance Provider (both internal and external) and as a teacher of counselling in a private counselling college. Jeanette has gained a lot of expertise working in many areas of psychopathology over the years and continues to enjoy ongoing professional development, offering a...
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