I have very exciting news. I am now running a weekly clinic every Friday at Qhub in Ballarat. There will be face-to-face appointments available to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families on this day. These appointments can be booked online, or via email or telephone.

Qhub is an amazing initiative that aims to create a safe space for LGBTQIA+ young people. The centre has a range of health and wellbeing supports available, as well as a drop-in space for people to socialize and relax. They provide access to education, connection and support in a friendly and safe environment. The Qhub building is centrally located and is easily accessible by public transport. The committee that has designed the space has paid special attention to accessibility and comfort.

When you first visit the building, you’ll be blown away by the warm and welcoming feel of the space. The atmosphere is relaxed and calm, a place where you can feel safe to be yourself. It has plenty of comfortable spots for relaxing or socializing, a library of books and games and a kitchenette, as well as multiple clinical rooms for service provision.

I feel so proud to be working at Qhub one day each week. Not only is this an important initiative for Ballarat’s young LGBTQIA+ people, but it fulfils a personal dream of mine. From the time I began studying to be a counsellor, I have wanted to provide support to people in the LGBTQIA+ community. I am a proud member of the community myself, and I hoped to use my skills to serve my community.

Although LGBTQIA+ folks have a lot of the same struggles as everyone else, there are also some issues that pop up more frequently within this community. Things like discrimination, homophobia and transphobia, social isolation, fear of rejection and challenges in figuring out and expressing identity can have a huge impact on LGBTQIA+ people. It’s really important to have access to supports that recognise these unique struggles and can provide targeted help to people in need.

It can also be really helpful to go to a counsellor who is knowledgeable about the LGBTQIA+ community because it means that you’re less likely to spend time explaining basic concepts to them. For example, they would be more likely to have a good understanding of different gender identities and be respectful of your pronouns. It can also be a little easier to open up to someone about your struggles if you know that they’re a part of the community and have lived experience in the world that you’re navigating.

If you’re searching for a counsellor who is trans- and queer-inclusive but you don’t live in Ballarat, I have telehealth appointments available throughout the week. I conduct these sessions via a secure online video platform, and have flexible appointment times to suit your schedule. If you’d like to book at telehealth appointment, you can make an appointment online or contact me to ask any questions. I also offer a free 10-minute telephone consultation to new clients so that you can get a feel for my approach and decide whether I’m the right person to assist you with your challenges. Send me an email at fairywrencounselling@gmail.com to book an initial consultation.