The soul that sees beauty
may sometimes walk alone.

What is Loneliness?

Humans are hardwired to connect. We interact with others to find friends, partners, share a passion about a team or entertainer or simply catch up or have a shoulder to cry on.  Even before COVID loneliness was a global issue, governments are now seriously exploring ways to deal with it and the related physical and mental health impacts for individuals.

Feeling lonely is an emotion many of us experience in the course of our lives and it may be brought on by the death of a loved one, a relationship break up or moving to a new school,  suburb, state or country.  It can best be described as not having fulfilling, meaningful relationships which leave you feeling empty and negative.  

The LGBTIQ+ community can be at greater risk of feeling lonely and isolated due to exposure to higher levels of stigma, bullying, verbal and physical abuse, and discrimination which can lead to self-isolation and withdrawal from day-to-day activities. Any sense of loss from community, family, and friend connections not only leads to loneliness which can have mental health impacts. 

Loneliness is not something you have to live with; support and some simple techniques can start a journey to new connections and freedom.

Some Tips for combatting Loneliness:

  • Look up old friends and catch up for a coffee.  Face to face interaction is proven to help with overcoming loneliness.
  • Practice gratitude everyday.
  • Regular Physical movement & Exercise
  • Create a sleep routine – between 8 to 10 hours a night.
  • Join a support group or volunteer group
  • Be Creative, learn something new. 

Some familiar feeling or experiences of Loneliness:

  • Feeling tired and or unmotivated
  • Lack of companionship
  • Feelings of being left out
  • Feeling socially isolated
  • Low self-esteem or confidence
  • Sleep changes – insomnia/fatigue
  • Physical symptoms – increased blood pressure, headaches, muscle pains, stomach pains, weakened immune system
  • Feeling helpless
  • Increased use of drugs and or alcohol

Humans are hardwired to connect. We interact with others to find friends, partners, share a passion about a team or entertainer or simply catch up or have a shoulder to cry on.  Even before COVID loneliness was a global issue, governments are now seriously exploring ways to deal with it and the related physical and mental health impacts for individuals.

Feeling lonely is an emotion many of us experience in the course of our lives and it may be brought on by the death of a loved one, a relationship break up or moving to a new school,  suburb, state or country.  It can best be described as not having fulfilling, meaningful relationships which leave you feeling empty and negative.  

The LGBTIQ+ community can be at greater risk of feeling lonely and isolated due to exposure to higher levels of stigma, bullying, verbal and physical abuse, and discrimination which can lead to self-isolation and withdrawal from day-to-day activities. Any sense of loss from community, family, and friend connections not only leads to loneliness which can have mental health impacts. 

Loneliness is not something you have to live with; support and some simple techniques can start a journey to new connections and freedom.

Some Tips for combatting Loneliness:

  • Look up old friends and catch up for a coffee.  Face to face interaction is proven to help with overcoming loneliness.
  • Practice gratitude everyday.
  • Regular Physical movement & Exercise
  • Create a sleep routine – between 8 to 10 hours a night.
  • Join a support group or volunteer group
  • Be Creative, learn something new. 

How Our Team Can Support You

At Unboxed Pride, we offer guidance to develop your unique plan that may include:

  •  We actively and compassionately listen and talk about how you are feeling.
  •  Identify and determine causes associated with negative thinking patterns associated with loneliness.
  •  Develop new ways of thinking with a coping mechanism for identified patterns impacting mood or emotional states.
  • Integrate practical and evidence-based techniques to exacerbate feelings of isolation or negative thinking styles.
  • Work with you to build a support network aligned with your vision and future goals.

Our Team Are Here For You

We are here with you every step of the way and are committed to progress and supporting you in your journey.
 Therapist image

PJ Menon

She/They
Registered Psychologist
LGBTQIA+ member, Non-Binary, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Monday, Tuesday & Friday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

PJ Menon

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (She/They)

I'm warm & empathetic, and love to use humour to develop therapeutic relationships. I value collaboration, and celebrate lived experiences and client wisdom in my work. I'm passionate about walking alongside others as they develop their self-compassion, confidence and identity.    
 Therapist image

Joseph Tighe

He/Him
Registered Psychologist
Male, Parent, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Friday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

Joseph Tighe

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Registered Psychologist (He/Him)

In private practise Joe sees clients from LGBTQIA+ backgrounds be they pre-teen through to adulthood. He is passionate to with clients and their families at various stages of transitioning and offers an accepting, affirming space for all.
 Therapist image

Glenda May

She/Her
Registered Psychologist
Female, Parent, Warm and Sensitive
Registered Psychologist
Mon-Fri
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

Glenda May

Registered Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (She/Her)

Clients often describe me as warm and inspirational. I have a passion for guiding introspection, facilitating self-discovery, and empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations.    
 Therapist image

Leonard W Kling

He/Him
Clinical Psychologist
Male, LGBTQIA+ member, Warm and Sensitive, Non-religous
Clinical Psychologist
Wednesday
$235.50 (Private Fee)
$98.45 (With Medicare Rebate)
 Therapist image

Leonard W Kling

Clinical Psychologist
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

 Clinical Psychologist (He/Him) 

I’m a very positive, compassionate and respectful person. While making every effort to genuinely understand the unique challenges that can be faced, I’ll always create a welcoming and safe space to build future goals and work with you to develop positive change and growth.
 Therapist image

Tasha Turner

She/They
Senior Counsellor
LGBTQIA+ member, Gender Queer, Spiritual, Non-religious, Confident, Warm and Sensitive
Senior Counsellor
Monday – Sunday
Individual Sessions: $130
Couples: $230
 Therapist image

Tasha Turner

Senior Counsellor
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Senior Counsellor (She/They)

As a proud gender Queer, pansexual, neurodivergent Counsellor, and chronic pain battler, I am excited to be part of this tailored support service. My purpose is to guide clients in exploring their true selves, embracing their differences and living authentically  
 Therapist image

Mark Podesta

He/Him
Registered Psychologist (GradDip & Postgrad Dip - Psychology)
LGBTQIA+ member, Male, Spiritual, Warm and Sensitive
General Psychologist (GradDip and Postgrad Dip -Psych)
Saturday
$192.90 (Private Fee)
$99.55 (With Medicare Rebate)
  $230 – Couples Counselling
 Therapist image

Mark Podesta

Registered Psychologist (GradDip & Postgrad Dip - Psychology)
ADD/ADHD
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Anger management

Registered Psychologist (He/Him)

I'm a warm, caring, approachable person. I'll be guided by your strengths, needs and circumstances; empowering you to be able to create positive changes, cope with challenges and difficulties, and improve your overall wellbeing.    
 Therapist image

Keith Kulda

He/Him
Counsellor
Confident, LGBTQIA+ member, Tough but Comforting, Male
Counsellor
Wed & Thurs
$130
 Therapist image

Keith Kulda

Counsellor
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

 Counsellor (He/Him)

My counselling approach is person-centred and focused on developing strong therapeutic partnerships and meet clients where they are. I am a proud gay man of colour with a practice motivated on helping clients with personal growth and making self-rewarding change.  
 Therapist image

Nicole Vanderkroef

She/Her
Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
LGBTQIA+ member, Female, Spiritual, Non-religious, Parent, Warm and Sensitive, Confident
Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
$130
 Therapist image

Nicole Vanderkroef

Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist
ADD/ADHD
Agoraphobia
Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist (She/Her)

I am a qualified clinical counsellor and psychotherapist with over 10 years working with adults, children and families. I have a warm, open and patient approach -- and some very broad shoulders  
https://unboxedpride.com.au/