What is LGBTQ+ affirming therapy?

Affirming therapy recognises the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ people and provides inclusive, informed, non-judgemental support that validates identity and promotes healing.

What issues can LGBTQ+ affirming counselling help with?

Identity exploration, coming out, relationships, trauma or discrimination, community belonging, and navigating systemic bias.

How do I find an LGBTQ+ friendly therapist in Sydney?

Look for counsellors who explicitly offer affirming therapy, are professionally registered, and provide an initial consultation to ensure comfort and connection.

Does Synè Collective offer LGBTQ+ counselling in Sydney CBD?

Yes. Synè Collective offers both face-to-face LGBTQ+ affirming counselling in Sydney CBD and flexible telehealth options.

AI therapy uses chatbots and digital tools to provide guidance, psychoeducation, and emotional support. It is not a replacement for professional therapy but can complement mental health care.

Can AI replace a therapist?

No. AI cannot detect non-verbal cues, provide clinical judgment, or manage complex emotional needs. Professional therapy with a trained clinician is essential for safe and effective mental health care.

Do you offer telehealth sessions?

Yes. Syné Collective provides secure telehealth sessions for individuals and couples throughout Australia.

What languages do your therapists speak?

All our therapists speak English. Maria’s first language is Spanish, and Tania understands Italian.

What are your therapy fees?

Individual therapy is $150, extended 90-minute session $200, couples therapy $220, extended couples session $300. Fees are competitive with the Medicare gap rebate.

Where is Syné Collective located?

We are located at Suite 21, Level 1, Tower 1/201 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, in the heart of Sydney CBD.

Do you offer after-hours or Saturday sessions?

Yes. After-hours and Saturday sessions are available upon request.

Are your therapists accredited?

Yes. All our therapists are registered with PACFA and/or ACA, ensuring high professional standards and clinical expertise.

What services do you offer?

We provide individual therapy, couples counselling, telehealth therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and structured approaches for personal growth and mental health support.

The Importance of LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy in Sydney CBD

Syné Collective
Nov 5
4 min read

Living as part of the LGBTQ+ community can be empowering, complex and deeply personal. While visibility and acceptance have grown, many people still face unique challenges — from navigating identity and relationships to finding truly safe spaces for support. That’s where LGBTQ+ affirming therapy plays a vital role.

At Synè Collective, based in Sydney CBD, we understand that therapy should be a place where you don’t have to explain or defend who you are. Our team of counsellors provides a supportive, affirming environment where every identity and experience is welcomed and respected.

The pride flag waves vibrantly against a clear blue sky, symbolising unity and equality.

Why LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy Matters

Mental health care is not one-size-fits-all. Research consistently shows that members of the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, trauma, and social isolation — often linked to discrimination, marginalisation, and internalised stigma.

Affirming therapy acknowledges these realities and responds with understanding, not assumptions. It’s about creating a space that celebrates identity rather than pathologising it. An affirming therapist is not only inclusive but also informed — aware of the nuanced experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, including coming out, gender exploration, relationship diversity, and navigating systemic bias.

Rather than focusing on “fixing” an identity, affirming therapy focuses on empowerment, healing, and self-acceptance.

Common Themes in LGBTQ+ Counselling

An affirming counsellor provides support across a wide range of experiences, including:

Identity exploration: Understanding and embracing your sexuality, gender identity or expression in a non-judgemental space.
Coming out and disclosure: Navigating when, how and to whom to share your identity — and feeling safe in the process.
Relationships and family: Building healthy boundaries, managing expectations and fostering connection in both traditional and chosen families.
Healing from discrimination or trauma: Processing the emotional impact of rejection, bullying, or microaggressions.
Community and belonging: Strengthening connection, pride and authenticity.

Creating Safe Spaces in Sydney CBD

Finding a counsellor in Sydney CBD who truly understands LGBTQ+ experiences can make all the difference. Accessibility and comfort matter — whether you’re seeking a session close to work, or prefer the privacy of online counselling.

At Synè Collective, we offer both face-to-face sessions in Sydney CBD and flexible telehealth options. Every therapist on our team is dedicated to creating a confidential, welcoming environment where your story is met with empathy and care.

It can be helpful to explore professional directories when choosing a therapist. For example, Psychology Today is a trusted platform where you can learn more about different practitioners and their areas of focus.

One of our own LGBTQ+ affirming therapists, Tania Grippi, is featured there. Tania has extensive experience supporting clients as they explore identity, relationships, and self-worth, and is deeply committed to providing therapy that is inclusive, authentic, and grounded in genuine understanding.

What to Expect from an Affirming Therapist

A genuinely affirming therapist:

Uses inclusive, accurate language that reflects your experience.
Recognises the influence of cultural and social systems on mental health.
Supports exploration of identity at your own pace, without labels or assumptions.
Prioritises confidentiality, compassion, and empowerment.
They won't validate your every feeling or excuse harmful behaviours; instead, they'll help you recognise unhelpful patterns, challenge you when needed, and guide you towards personal growth.

Affirming therapy allows you to bring every part of yourself into the room — without needing to educate your therapist to be understood.

A joyful moment shared between a loving same-sex couple, captured in a candid and heartwarming embrace. — A joyful moment shared between a loving couple, captured in a candid and heartwarming embrace.

Choosing the Right LGBTQ+ Friendly Counsellor in Sydney

If you’re seeking a therapist who truly understands LGBTQ+ experiences, consider:

Do they explicitly offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy?
Are they registered with professional associations or reputable directories like Psychology Today or the Australian Counselling Association?
Do you feel a sense of safety and connection during your first interaction?
Do they offer a free 15 minute consultation over the phone so you can see if it's right for you before booking?

It’s okay to take your time. The right fit matters — therapy is most effective when you feel supported, respected, and understood.

Supporting Community Wellbeing

Synè Collective is proud to stand alongside Sydney’s broader LGBTQ+ community. We value the work of local organisations such as ACON NSW, which provides health promotion, advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ people across New South Wales. Together, we share a vision of inclusive care — where wellbeing is accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality or background.

We also actively collaborate with inclusive networks and referral partners to help individuals find the right counsellor or service for their needs. Whether you’re beginning your therapeutic journey or seeking continued growth, you deserve care that meets you where you are.

You Deserve to Be Supported, Just as You Are

At Syné Collective, we believe your identity is not something to change or hide — it’s something to honour. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, identity exploration or simply wanting to reconnect with yourself, our therapists are here to walk alongside you with empathy and understanding.

We are proud to be part of the movement toward inclusive, affirming therapy in Sydney CBD — a space where everyone can find care that reflects who they truly are.

If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming counsellor in Sydney CBD, book a confidential session with one of our therapists through our online booking portal or visit www.synecollective.com.