Welcome to YOUR space where you can be your Authentic Self!

The idea to open Obsidian Counselling for Mental Health Well-Being came about from our owner and founder Carolyn's passion to support and enhance the mental health and emotional well-being of the LGBTQ+ communities here on the Sunshine Coast. During Carolyn's research project for her Masters, the participants in the study identified a lack of services available here on the coast, specifically aimed at our LGBTQ+ communities. Obsidian is more than "gay or gender diverse friendly", Carolyn has personal and lived experience of becoming her Authentic Self as part of the LGBTQ+ communities. 

What are some of the unique Mental Health Concerns of those from the Diverse Sexualities, Gender and Kinship (LGBTQ+) Communities that Obsidian works with:

• Self-Identity...Who Am I?  • Becoming your Authentic Self • 

• Questioning and or Exploring your sexual-orientation or gender, including later in life • 

• Internal Conflict • Minority Stress • Internalised Shame • Family Rejection •

• Major Life Change, Disclosing ('Coming-Out') your sexual-orientation or gender to self and others • Integrating former self-identity with a new aspect of Self •

What distinguishes Obsidian from other allied mental health professionals to support my mental health and emotional well-being? 

Carolyn's area of research and ongoing training is the unique mental health concerns and their underlying causes that effect the LGBTQ+ communities. Lived experience and her own personal journey through discovering her true sexual-orientation. Carolyn recognises that not all your mental health and emotional well-being concerns are related to your sexual-orientation or gender and focusses on your presenting concerns. 

Who does Obsidian provide counselling, therapy and psycho-social support for?

• Anyone from the LGBTQ+ communities over 18 years of age 

• Those who are questioning or concealing their true sexual-orientation or gender 

• Individuals, Couples, and Relationships

• Parents or siblings of LGBTQ+ children 

• Former heterosexual or cisgender partners

• Youth aged 15 to 18 years of age (must have Gillick Competence for informed consent)

• Friends, Family and Allies of the LGBTQ+ Communities

I'm NOT "out" to anyone, will anyone else know what we've talked about in session or that I've been to counselling?  

• What is discussed between a counsellor and their client/s is private and confidential, with a few exceptions, such as if Carolyn feels you are at harm to yourself and or others or under direction from a government authority. This will be explained further during the 'Informed Consent' stage before you begin counselling.

• Unless you tell someone you are coming for counselling, no one except you and your counsellor will know.

• Carolyn works under the Code of Ethics set out by PACFA and any other further government guidelines to do with confidentiality and privacy, these are listed under the FAQs tab.

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?

• As above, your GP or anyone else doesn't need to know you are seeking counselling. However, it may be necessary at some point that your GP knows you are attending counselling, but 'not the why' depending on the circumstances but this would be discussed in session.

• You don't need a mental health treatment plan to attend Obsidian, you can self-refer

• We are a private fee paying service, working outside of the 'Medicare Model' which allows us to maintain your privacy & confidentiality*

What evidenced based therapies are used? 

Carolyn is an integrative therapist who tailors her therapeutic style to meet your specific needs and goals, evidenced based therapies utilised include: Person Centred Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Expressive Art Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness and others. We also modify these therapies to be inclusive and tailored toward the LGBTQ+ Communities.

~ If you would like further information don't hesitate to reach out by clicking the balloon on the bottom of the page and sending us a quick email