Finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with is important. You may want someone who understands LGBTQIA+ experiences, respects your identity and takes the time to understand what everyday life is like for you.
I’m Shaun Williams, a gay man and a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association. At Bent Couch, I offer individual counselling for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants with suitable counselling funding.
You’re welcome to have a chat before deciding whether to book a session.
We'll begin wherever you are today, one conversation at a time.
✓ ACA Registered Counsellor
✓ In-person in Melbourne CBD
✓ Online across Australia
✓ LGBTQIA+ affirming
Online across Australia and in person in Melbourne
LGBTQIA+ Affirming NDIS Counselling
Ready to take the first step?
Counselling that starts with you
You are more than your diagnosis, disability or NDIS plan.
Our conversations start with what matters to you: the things you find difficult, the strengths you have, and what you want to build or maintain in your life.
We work together at your pace, with practical goals that reflect your disability-related support needs. That might mean expressing your needs more confidently, managing overwhelming emotions or feeling more comfortable connecting with other people.
You don’t need to arrive with everything worked out.
How NDIS counselling may help
Depending on your needs and funded goals, counselling may help you to:
Develop coping skills for everyday challenges.
Recognise emotions and practise ways to manage overwhelm.
Communicate your needs and establish personal boundaries.
Build skills for navigating friendships and relationships.
Strengthen confidence to participate in social and community activities.
Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Adjust to changes affecting your daily life.
We’ll discuss how counselling relates to your circumstances and identify meaningful goals together. Along the way, we’ll review what is helping and what needs to change.
An affirming space for LGBTQIA+ adults
Living with disability while navigating sexuality or gender can bring experiences that are overlooked or misunderstood.
You might have encountered assumptions about your relationships, felt uncomfortable discussing sexuality with support professionals or struggled to find services where you can be yourself.
At Bent Couch, your identity is respected. There is room to talk about relationships, sexuality, shame, belonging and the effects of discrimination, where these connect with your counselling needs.
I welcome LGBTQIA+ adults, with particular experience supporting gay, bisexual and queer men, including men coming out later in life.
Online NDIS counselling across Australia
You don’t need to live in a capital city to access LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling.
Online appointments are available across Australia, including rural and regional communities. You’ll need a suitable device, a reliable internet connection and a private place where you feel comfortable talking.
In-person appointments are also available in Melbourne.
If you have communication, sensory or other access needs, please let me know so we can discuss what would help you participate comfortably.
Using your NDIS funding
Bent Couch welcomes participants whose relevant counselling funding is:
Self-managed
Plan-managed
Counselling is not automatically covered by every NDIS plan. It must meet NDIS funding requirements and relate to your disability support needs and the funding available in your plan.
Before sessions begin, we’ll discuss your goals, funding arrangements, fees and payment process. If you’re unsure whether your funding can be used for counselling, check with your support coordinator, plan manager or NDIS contact.
You can also read the NDIS information about therapy supports.
Information for support coordinators
Enquiries are welcome from support coordinators, psychosocial recovery coaches and other professionals helping participants find suitable counselling.
With the participant’s consent, I can liaise with their support team about counselling goals and relevant support needs. The participant’s preferences, privacy and choice remain central.
To discuss a potential referral, contact:
Email: admin@bentcouch.com.au
Phone: 0499 487 492
Please make initial contact before emailing sensitive participant information.
Meet Shaun Williams
I'm an ACA Registered Counsellor based in Melbourne, supporting gay, bisexual, queer and LGBTQIA+ men both in person and online across Australia.
My counselling combines professional training with lived experience and years of community involvement supporting gay and queer men's wellbeing.
Alongside counselling, I'm the founder of Bent Couch, facilitator of Community Couch Conversations, co-founder of Gay Fathers Worldwide and creator of Australia's annual Gay and Queer Men's Mental Health Survey.
For many clients, knowing their counsellor understands both the clinical and lived experience aspects of their journey provides reassurance from the very beginning.
Why Choose Bent Couch?
Bent Couch provides affirming counselling dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of gay, bi and queer men.
When you work with Bent Couch you can expect:
A safe, confidential and affirming environment.
Support from a registered counsellor.
An understanding of the experiences that can influence LGBTQIA+ mental health.
Practical strategies alongside meaningful reflection.
Online counselling across Australia and in-person appointments in Melbourne.
A complimentary discovery call if you would like to discuss whether counselling feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. A free 15-minute discovery call gives us a chance to meet, discuss what you’re looking for and answer your questions. There is no obligation to book ongoing sessions.
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Yes. I’m a gay man myself. If speaking with a gay male counsellor helps you feel more comfortable discussing your experiences, you’re welcome to explore whether we’re a good fit.
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No. You can enquire directly. A support person or professional can also help you make contact if you prefer.
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Yes. Online counselling is available across Australia, including rural and regional areas. We can discuss whether online sessions suit your needs during the Discovery Call.
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We’ll talk about what brings you to counselling, what you would like support with and any adjustments that may help. We’ll also discuss confidentiality and agree on an initial direction together. You decide what you feel ready to share.
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Please contact Bent Couch for current NDIS counselling fees. Session costs and any agreed additional work will be explained before services begin.
Ready to Start?
Choosing a counsellor is personal.
If you’re looking for LGBTQIA+ affirming NDIS counselling, let’s have a conversation about your needs, goals and funding arrangements.
Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call to ask questions and explore whether Bent Couch feels right for you.