Shaun Williams (he/him)
Counsellor / Group Facilitator / Speaker
About Shaun
My name is Shaun. I am a registered counsellor, a proud Wotjobaluk man, a father of four, and someone who came out later in life.
That experience changed how I understand identity, family, and belonging. It also shapes how I sit with the men who walk into this space.
Many of the men I work with look like they are holding things together. They have careers, relationships, and responsibilities.
Underneath, it can feel different.
Anxiety that does not switch off.
A sense of disconnection.
A quiet exhaustion from carrying so much for so long.
I understand how layered that experience can be.
I have spent over 20 years working in the Australian healthcare system. My counselling work focuses on anxiety, burnout, relationship strain, shame, grief, and identity, particularly for gay, bisexual, and queer men.
But more than that, this is a space where you do not have to perform or explain the basics of who you are.
You do not need the right words.
You do not need to have it all figured out.
We go at a pace that respects your nervous system and your story.
Beyond counselling
Alongside counselling work, I facilitate groups and conversations that support connection within the LGBTQ community.
Because change does not only happen individually.
It also happens when we feel seen by others.
If you are considering counselling, we can begin with a simple conversation.
Active in the LGBTQ community, with lived experience.
My work is not separate from the community I support. It sits within it.
In 2020, I founded Gay Fathers Worldwide, a peer support space for gay men with children from heterosexual relationships. It now connects over 1400 members globally.
I have also worked alongside LGBTQ communities, businesses, and professionals through roles with the City of Port Phillip and GLOBE Victoria, supporting connection and visibility within the community.
But more than roles or titles, this work reflects something important.
I understand what it means to navigate identity, belonging, and change in real life.
That lived experience, alongside my counselling work, shapes how I sit with the men who come into this space.
Featured In the media
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'I came out as gay to my wife of 25 years and I couldn't be happier': Aussie dad of four speaks out about his 'amazing' new life after finding the courage to reveal his biggest secret
Read More → -
Man who came out as gay after 25 years of marriage ‘couldn’t be happier’
Testimonials
Thank you Shaun for putting up with my ‘first time nervousness’. I realised after, the relief I felt from opening up about the topics I’ve coped with for the last 4 years.
— Cary
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Shaun has been invaluable to me in my journey to be the real and happy me. He follows up to be sure I’m doing okay and to offer assistance should I need it. He is responsible for a large support network where people like me can connect and not feel alone. I HIGHLY recommend him.
— Ray
“
Shaun has been a godsend in helping me deal with my troubles coming out after 35 years of marriage. He helped me sort through my emotions and feelings during one of the darkest times of my life and made me realise that I was worthy of being loved for my true self and happiness within could be achieved by being my authentic self.
— Gary
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Shaun is one of the founders of a platform designed specifically to help facilitate men's unique needs and time of transition in their lives. I was one of those men, looking for understanding, nurturing and unconditional love. His intuitive nature and caring heart paired with his training allowed me to share my innermost feelings with him without fear of judgement.
— Gregg
“
Shaun has helped me through several personal issues dealing with my children, my grandchildren and the rest of my family. With his support I have had the strength to confront some really strong issues, including the fact that my youngest grandson is gay, and I was able to help him come out and keep support from the family at age 15.
— Cary
“
Such a great zoom session. Each person made such a valuable contribution. I am now happy, grateful and excited.
— Scott
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Thanks Shaun for facilitating such great conversations and to each man present, thanks for being honest, open and vulnerable. I feel blessed and privileged to be amongst such beautiful men.
— Laurie
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So grateful to have attended today. I am profoundly impacted by the concept of “letting in” those people who are worthy to be in my life as a gay man, as opposed to “coming out”. Turns the whole narrative of coming out on its head. So great to connect and be associated with such amazing men.
— Dan
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If you are ready, you can start here!
You might be tired of holding everything in
You might need a space where you can just be honest
You might want to talk things through without having to manage how it sounds?
A simple conversation to see if this feels like the right fit for you