"Our Sorrows and Wounds
are best healed with compassion” .

Sexual Abuse

Research suggests that certain groups are more likely to experience sexual assault, including the LGBTQIA+ community.  LGBTQIA+ people face higher rates of poverty, stigma, bullying, discrimination, and violence which can increase the risk of sexual assault. Increased use of drugs and alcohol can also have an impact on inhibitions which is where some may become a victim of abuse. 

Sexual assault can have a significant impact on the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of a person.  Many emotions may feel challenging and overwhelming to feel that you can carry out your day-to-day activities such as work or socialising with others. 

The key message when dealing with sexual assault it is not OK, you’re not to blame and feeling shame is a very normal emotion to feel. No matter how long ago the abuse took place, negative emotions or flashbacks can reoccur which can impact how you feel at any point in time. This can, in some cases, lead to other mental health outcomes such as anxiety or post traumatic stress.

If you’ve been a victim of Sexual abuse or assault, It’s best to seek immediate support.  

  • Call 000/go to your nearest Emergency Department.
  • Report the incident to the Police.
  • Phone the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 (7.30 am to 11.30 pm, 7 days a week.)

Sexual abuse is not always easy to talk about, you may fear being judged or talking about it is too traumatic.  Talking to an Unboxed Pride therapist may be a challenging experience at first, but our team are qualified, compassionate professionals who are invested in your healing journey, always offering compassion without any judgement. 

With the right support, dealing with the physical, mental, and social impacts of sexual assault can set you on a path of healing and help process the negative emotions that can occur.    

If you have been sexually assaulted you may be experiencing some of the following mental health and physical symptoms:

  • Increased anxiety/panic attacks.
  • Sleep disruption.
  • Appetite changes
  • Feeling sad or depressed.
  • Self-isolation and dissociation.
  • Post Traumatic Stress 
  • Nightmares and flashbacks
  • Increased use of alcohol and other drugs.

Research suggests that certain groups are more likely to experience sexual assault, including the LGBTQIA+ community.  LGBTQIA+ people face higher rates of poverty, stigma, bullying, discrimination, and violence which can increase the risk of sexual assault. Increased use of drugs and alcohol can also have an impact on inhibitions which is where some may become a victim of abuse. 

Sexual assault can have a significant impact on the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of a person.  Many emotions may feel challenging and overwhelming to feel that you can carry out your day-to-day activities such as work or socialising with others. 

The key message when dealing with sexual assault it is not OK, you’re not to blame and feeling shame is a very normal emotion to feel. No matter how long ago the abuse took place, negative emotions or flashbacks can reoccur which can impact how you feel at any point in time. This can, in some cases, lead to other mental health outcomes such as anxiety or post traumatic stress.

If you’ve been a victim of Sexual abuse or assault, It’s best to seek immediate support.  

  • Call 000/go to your nearest Emergency Department.
  • Report the incident to the Police.
  • Phone the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 (7.30 am to 11.30 pm, 7 days a week.)

Sexual abuse is not always easy to talk about, you may fear being judged or talking about it is too traumatic.  Talking to an Unboxed Pride therapist may be a challenging experience at first, but our team are qualified, compassionate professionals who are invested in your healing journey, always offering compassion without any judgement. 

With the right support, dealing with the physical, mental, and social impacts of sexual assault can set you on a path of healing and help process the negative emotions that can occur.    

How Our Team Can Help

The support and treatment you receive from an Unboxed Pride may include:

A Safe Space To Connect

  • A safe space to talk at your own pace being offered a constant lens of compassion and kindness
  • Softly work through any negative thought patterns 
  • Provide mindfulness strategies including deep breathing, meditation when negative thought patterns occur
  • Talk through the prevalence of sexual abuse in LGBTQIA+ and how other individuals experienced similar circumstances and recovered
  • Offer evidence based strategies including Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) which supports to reduce harmful memories creating negative emotions

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

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

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

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/