Sexuality / LGBTI

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexuality as:

“A central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure and intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships.” (WHO,2002).

While sexuality embraces a wide range of emotions, thoughts and behaviours  – and is often sensitive and very personal in nature – many issues are more common than you may think. Often clients seek help in relation to problems regarding difficulties with orgasm, low sexual desire or pain during sex. Others need help with matters around sexual identity or how they might help a young person struggling with gender issues (see more information below).

At Psychological Health Care, our aim is to support clients to develop healthy sexual relationships and to feel positive about their sexuality. Our psychologists are very experienced in dealing with these sensitive topics and will provide you with a professional, safe and comfortable environment to help you explore what is normally regarded as a difficult subject.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex (LGBTI)

We support people in the LGBTI community with matters to do with sexual identity and how best to work through social pressures that they often face. While evidence shows an increased acceptance of same-sex couples and the like in our community today, many people continue to judge and show a lack of tolerance and empathy for LGBTI people. This can have a serious impact on the emotional health of these individuals as they navigate different challenges to heterosexuals. Some of these challenges include:

• Sexual preferences and decisions on “coming out”
• Determining an authentic sense of “self” in relation to societal pressures
• Strategies to deal with improving self-esteem and confidence to better deal with isolation, harassment, rejection or homophobia
• Safe sex practices and health-related matters
• Lifestyle decisions and choices related to sexual identity
• Managing depression, anxiety and stress

Parents and Loved Ones

Another important focus in our practice is to provide support to parents and other loved ones helping children, family or friends who might be struggling with anxiety, depression and suicidality as a result of “being different” and uncertain of their sexual identity.  It is often very hard for parents to have open and productive conversations with their children on such topics. A supportive environment, in which all members understand the nature of these issues, can make a significant impact on emotional wellbeing where gender and sexual identity issues are apparent.

Let’s Talk Soon

We provide a supportive and encouraging environment in which to express yourself and be fully accepted for who you are. We treat patients from all over Perth at our Clinical Psychology clinic in Dianella. To make an appointment simply give us a call or fill out the contact form on our contact page with your details and we’ll call you to confirm.

You may want to ask us a question, request an appointment or find out more about the Clinical Psychologists you can see at either of our clinics. Choose the right option for you below: