Queer Soma Counselling – LGBTIAQ+ affirming / trauma counselling / low-cost

About

Clients often tell me they know I am a trusted, warm and gentle practitioner who is a kind and direct communicator – I strive to tailor a safe-space suited to each individuals needs. What do you need in order to sit and be in this space with me today? Which inner parts would you like to develop or express, where would you like to go and what would you like to be doing? Lets see how we can work together to get you there.

Welcome! My name is Jodie (they/she), I’m an experienced Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) and Mental Health Counsellor, based in Naarm on unceded Wurundjeri lands (so-called Melbourne, Australia), with 8+ years in AOD, mental health and homelessness sectors in both residential settings & mainstream and queer community organisations.

My passion and specialties lie in a compassionate & trauma-sensitive approach in collaboration with clients. I identify as non-binary, pansexual and am proudly LGBTIAQ+ affirming, and am fiercely sex-work positive & kink aware. I acknowledge that my experience locates from within a lens of whiteness, and further acknowledge that my culture and profession has caused great harm to People of the Global Majority – harms that continue to this day, and harms that I aim to mitigate and systemically undermine. The people I support have often experienced substance dependency in the context of chemsex / PnP experiences or “sex addiction” and legal issues. Many of my clients are also neurodivergent and/or have experienced various forms of family violence, too.

You’re welcome to call me for a brief discussion to see if I’d be a good fit for you.  I want to make sure that you are supported as best possible in your search for a new therapist – if my skills are not suited I aim to be able to provide you with some referral options via email.

 

SKILLS AND APPROACHES

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Are you feeling stuck or lost in your direction and unsure what to do? Lets identify and explore your values as a way to get you back to thriving in life.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) – A gentle, person-centered approach to exploring your current situation whilst developing skills to reach your full potential.

Somatic stabilisation / body-oriented therapy – For those who are seeking trauma-processing services, this practice is a wonderful way of utilising the power already within our bodies. Our emotions can be useful tools, they don’t need to control us, they can work for us!

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Currently I am in training for this highly effective treatment for trauma, the gold-standard for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It can be used in the treatment of addictive behaviours, and can be gentler in comparison to other trauma therapies. EMDR can enable a return a sense of aliveness to the body.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Sometimes identifying emotions is challenging and we often haven’t been guided in how to do this! Learn how to identify emotions and how your thoughts, feelings and behaviours are intertwined. Use this information to springboard yourself into a new headspace and a new beginning.

Specific Drug & Alcohol reduction, cessation and harm reduction – Many therapists are excellent practitioners but do not have specific skills in this area. You’ll find me to be a warm, non-judgmental space to safely explore any alcohol or substance use & explore strategies to gain confidence in your ability to make any changes you may choose.

We are a part of Queer Soma Counselling , who are registered as a: Sole Trader.

More details

LGBTIQ Owned and Operated: Yes
Qualifications: MA Counselling and Psychotherapy
EMDR Institute trained
Grad. Cert. Domestic and Family Violence
Service Delivery Format:

• - Face-to-face
• - Online forum/Group
• - Phone
• - Website

Service Delivery Location:

• - All of Victoria
• - Melbourne CBD
• - Metro North
• - Metro South
• - Metro East
• - Metro West

Cost: $$
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs sessions at 6:30pm or 7:30pm
Saturday sessions can vary between 10am to 4pm
Sessions are 45-50 minutes with a 24 hr cancellation fee
Unfortunately in-person sessions are currently held in an upstairs residence, I am happy to book accessible places as needed