The idea to open Obsidian Counselling for Mental Health Well-Being came about from owner and founder Carolyn's (she/her) passion to support the mental health and emotional well-being of our LGBTQ+ communities here on the Sunshine Coast. It became even more important to open Obsidian when she heard that LGBTQ+ individuals here on the coast were having to travel to Brisbane to access support from inclusive mental health services,
at great expense both financially and mentally.
Carolyn’s aim with Obsidian is to breakdown the barriers many from the LGBTQ+ Communities face when searching for inclusive, accepting, affirming and supportive mental health care.
Carolyn recognises that individuals who are Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Pansexual, Trans, Non-Binary, & further Diverse Sexuality & Gender don't have mental health concerns because they are of Diverse Sexual-Orientation & Gender (LGBTQ+), but because of wider societies heteronormative & cisnormative attitudes, that impact on their mental health well-being.
Obsidian is more than "gay friendly", Carolyn has personal and lived experience of becoming her Authentic Self as a cis queer person. She is an ally of the Trans and Gender Diverse Communities, and affirms, validates, celebrates, and when needed advocates with them. She is a Trans and Gender Diverse informed Counsellor and follows the informed consent model, with a person-centred approach that client is expert.
You won't need to 'educate' Carolyn about your concerns to do with Sexual-orientation or Gender,
she sees that as her role to stay educated and up to date on all things LGBTQ+ related. What you will need to share, is how these things impact on you personally.
The counselling studio has been designed with you in mind to be warm and welcoming, and a safe space for you to be your Authentic Self.
Counselling is also available online via teletherapy to the wider Australian LGBTQ+ population
Carolyn recognises that not all your mental health and emotional well-being concerns are related to your sexual-orientation and or gender and focusses on your presenting concerns. She sees you as the expert in your life, it is not her role to question who you are but to support you where you are at in discovering your Authentic Self.
Carolyn's area of research and ongoing training is the unique mental health concerns and their underlying causes that impact our LGBTQ+ communities. Lived experience and her own personal journey through discovering her true sexual-orientation.
Please know that you're not alone in these thoughts as this is a common occurrence for those from the LGBTQ+ Communities, which is part of what makes Obsidian unique.
There are several reasons for LGBTQ+ individuals not reaching our for support. Hopefully the following information puts your mind at ease and you reach-out for support
I've experienced discrimination, prejudicial attitudes, and homophobic and transphobic comments from mental health services before, how do I know Carolyn is different?
I'm NOT "out" to anyone, will anyone else know what we've talked about in session or that I've been to counselling?
I don't want my GP to know why I want to speak with a counsellor, do I need to tell them or get a mental health treatment plan from my doctor to make an appointment?
What evidenced based therapies are used?
At Obsidian we also work with the
Why may our family or partners need support?
At Obsidian we aim to breakdown the barriers many LGBTQ+ individuals and the communities face in accessing inclusive, informed, supportive, accepting and affirming mental health services.
You are welcome to be your true and authentic Self at Obsidian!
Copyright © 2022 Obsidian Counselling for Mental Health Well-Being - All Rights Reserved.
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