Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Sexuality issues can arise when someone feels confused, uncomfortable, or unsure about their sexual thoughts, feelings, or identity. This might involve questioning your orientation, feeling uneasy about your body or gender, or experiencing worries about desire, attraction, or intimacy. These feelings are completely normal and more common than many people realise. Support for sexuality and identity concerns provides a safe and supportive space to talk openly, make sense of your experiences, and feel more confident and comfortable with your sexuality.
Everyone’s experience with sexuality is unique, but you might be facing sexuality issues if you notice some of these signs:
Questioning who you’re attracted to or how you define yourself can feel overwhelming or isolating.
Fear, shame, or low confidence can make closeness or affection difficult.
A sudden drop or increase in sexual interest that doesn’t feel typical for you.
Feeling bad or conflicted about what you enjoy or want.
Struggling to feel confident or relaxed in your own body.
Sadness, frustration, or low self-esteem related to sexual or identity concerns.
Around 4.5% of Australians aged 16 and over identify as LGBTQ+, showing that sexuality diversity is more common than many people realise
Nearly 1 in 10 young Australians identify as LGBTQ+, reflecting how openly many younger people explore their sexuality and identity
About 1% of Australians identify as trans or gender diverse, including those who are non-binary
While acceptance has grown, around 1 in 5 Australians still hold negative views about homosexuality, showing there’s progress yet to be made
Research shows that many people experience distress when trying to understand, accept, or express their sexuality or gender identity. This distress doesn’t usually stem from the sexuality itself—it often arises from external pressures such as social stigma, discrimination, or fear of rejection. Broader influences, such as safe housing, financial stability and supportive relationships, also play a part.
In other words, when someone’s environment feels unsafe or unsupportive, it can make adjusting to their sexuality much harder. On the other hand, resilience, social support, and self-acceptance act as protective factors, helping people feel more at ease with themselves and their identity.
Research consistently highlights that affirmative, evidence-based therapy—where a person’s sexuality or identity is accepted and validated—is most effective for improving wellbeing. Support for sexuality and identity concerns often uses LGBT-affirmative cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which adapts traditional CBT tools to focus on the unique stressors faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Studies show that this approach reduces depression, anxiety, and minority-stress symptoms by helping people manage negative self-talk, cope with stigma, and develop healthier thinking patterns (Pachankis et al., 2015). Affirmative CBT also supports people in building confidence, setting boundaries, and strengthening their relationships—skills that make a real difference in daily life.
Newer research supports online and group-based affirmative CBT, showing that people can benefit from guided, affirming support even outside a traditional therapy room. These approaches make treatment more accessible, especially for those who may feel anxious about attending in-person sessions or who live in regional areas.
In addition, therapies that draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—a mindfulness-based approach—have also shown promise. ACT helps people respond to distress with self-compassion, focus on what truly matters to them, and create a sense of identity that feels authentic and stable.
Importantly, research continues to confirm that “conversion” or orientation-change practices are not therapeutic—they are harmful. People expose to these practices experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. All major health and psychological organisations reject these methods. In contrast, affirmative, client-centred therapy focuses on acceptance, personal growth, and self-understanding—key ingredients for lasting wellbeing.
The science is clear: supportive and affirmative therapy works. Support for sexuality and identity concerns helps people explore who they are in a safe, respectful space—free from judgement. With the right support, many individuals experience stronger resilience, healthier relationships, and a more comfortable sense of identity.
*Source: LGB-Affirmative Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Young Adult Gay and Bisexual Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Transdiagnostic Minority Stress Approach – Pachankis et al. (2015), Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
Sharing your thoughts about sexuality with someone you trust helps ease confusion and shame
Notice and reframe self-critical thoughts through journalling or mindfulness—core parts of treatment for adjustment to sexuality issues
Surround yourself with accepting, supportive people to feel more grounded and confident
Call us on 02 9438 2511, email hello@mindboxpsychology.com.au or send us an enquiry. Our reception team will answer your questions.
We’ll match you with a clinical psychologist who works with your concern, face-to-face in St Leonards or through online counselling anywhere in Australia.
Your first session is 60 minutes. You don’t need a referral to book, but with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, holding Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. They use approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—evidence-based treatments that support greater self-acceptance, confidence, and wellbeing when adjusting to sexuality issues.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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