Artwork by Helena Read

How it goes

The basis of my approach is to be present with you, be respectful while doing my best to develop understanding of you. This understanding informs the way we work together.

I use an eclectic range of modalities, tools and strategies learned over 30+ years of counselling. Mostly they are evidence-based, although sometimes I’ll suggest something that emerges in response to something you have said and is specific to you. The work is still informed by evidence. Consent is fundamental; the work we do together is agreed on together and you will not be pressured to say or try something you do not want. I resonate with the work of MJ Barker and Alex Iantaffi. I've studied Process Oriented Psychology with Dr Susan Hatch and Freedom from Chronic Pain with Dr Howard Schubiner; these inform different aspects of what we do together.

I do not assume or promote any one way to be you and how you enjoy your identity or sexuality. Pleasure and agency are important. I affirm the strengths of the individual and or relationship and try to have people leave the session feeling good about themselves, with some optimism for positive change.

See me for

• Psychosexual counselling
• Self investigation and exploration of self
  
• Sexuality (including asexuality), sexual expression, relationship configuration
• Gender, including agender, non-binary and trans
  
• Relationships including couples, polyam, and multi-partner
  
• Enhancing sexuality in mid-and-later life
• Relationships, sexuality and life transitions, such as after a baby, separation, change in partner/s, or bereavement
• Diverse sexual expression including kink and BDSM
• Better sexual communication, including around relationship conflict
  
• Libido, improving sexual functioning and enjoyment

Clinical Counselling Supervision--individual and group

I'm qualified to provide clinical counselling supervision, and look forward to supporting other counsellors and sex therapists, including queer therapists and therapists with queer clients.

Cost, hours, and location

• The fee for an hour is $176.00 including GST. All first appointments are 90 minutes and the fee is $264 including GST.

• I work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• I am not able to offer Medicare rebates; Doctors Health Fund rebates are available.

• Based in Bendigo and see most clients online

• Online appointments using Zoom mean you do not have to travel

• Limited weekend and after hours appointments are available by negotiation.

• Late cancellation fees apply

Why choose me?

I offer a safe space to explore things that are going on in your life, such as identity (including therian), sexuality and relationships. I have been a counsellor for over 30 years in a range of spaces and now work for myself. I am registered with the Australian Counselling Association, have done their training to be a clinical supervisor, am an accredited member of the Society of Australian Sexologists, and comply with their code of ethics. I am sex-thoughtful and diversity-friendly. Neurodivergent clients report feeling seen and safe with me and I enjoy working with them.

M: 0419402373 E: linda@lindakirkman.org

Relationship skills for life

© Linda Kirkman 2024