Individual Support for Diverse Identities and Experiences
Support for anxiety, trauma, stress and life changes – with Medicare‑rebated sessions available.
Unison Mental Health offers warm, trauma‑informed therapy for adults in Windsor and via secure telehealth. Our team includes psychologists, counsellors and an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, so we can match you with the person and approach that fits you best.
All of our therapists are experienced in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse clients, and people in non-monogamous or alternative relationship structures. Whether you’re seeking support with anxiety, trauma, identity, or emotional wellbeing, we’ll help match you with a therapist who truly understands your lived experience.
If you’re unsure where to start, our admin team is here to guide you in choosing the right practitioner based on your preferences and therapeutic needs.
Who is Individual Therapy For?
Individual therapy can help if you are finding that things feel harder than they should, or you’re tired of managing on your own. People often come to us when they are:
- Feeling anxious, on edge or overwhelmed
- Struggling with low mood, self‑criticism or burnout
- Living with the impact of trauma or difficult childhood experiences
- Dealing with relationship or family stress, work changes, grief or health issues
- Wanting a confidential space that affirms their identity and values
You do not need to have the “right words” or a clear diagnosis before reaching out. Part of our work is helping you make sense of what is going on.
What to Expect from Individual Therapy
Your first session is about understanding you, not fitting you into a box. Your therapist will ask about what has brought you in, what you are hoping will be different, and any previous experiences of therapy. Together, you will agree on a focus and a pace that feels manageable.
Over time, sessions might include:
- Making sense of patterns in thoughts, emotions and behaviour
- Learning practical tools for managing anxiety, mood and stress
- Exploring how past experiences are affecting you now
- Building boundaries and more supportive relationships
- Working toward changes that align with your values
This month’s featured clinician: JC Christoff (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker)
JC is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker in Melbourne providing individual therapy for adults, with a particular focus on LGBTQIA+ mental health, life transitions and substance use concerns. AMHSWs are trained to combine evidence‑based psychological therapies with a strong focus on the practical and relational parts of life – work, family, community and systems.
Sessions with JC are eligible for Medicare rebates with a valid Mental Health Care Plan, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost. This can make it easier to access ongoing support that is both affirming and practical, whether you see them in Melbourne or via telehealth.
JC has particular experience supporting:
- LGBTQIA+ health and wellbeing, including questions around identity, attachment, relationships, family of origin, chosen family and community belonging.
- Life transitions, such as perimenopause and menopause, fertility journeys, separation, grief, loss, isolation and adjustment in work, study or family life.
- Substance use concerns, where harm‑reduction, stages‑of‑change and non‑pathologising support are important.
- Navigating complex systems, including health, education and workplaces, and advocacy needs such as letters to support access, accommodations and adjustments.
JC is fully registered with AASW and is currently accepting new telehealth clients on Thursdays between noon and 7 pm.
JC is one of several clinicians offering individual therapy at Unison. If their approach or availability isn’t quite right, we can suggest another therapist who may be a better fit.
Our individual therapy team
Unison Mental Health’s individual therapy team includes psychologists, counsellors and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers, offering support for a wide range of mental health and wellbeing concerns. Sessions are available both in‑person at our Windsor practice and via secure telehealth across Australia, so you can choose what is most accessible and comfortable for you. When you enquire, our admin team can help match you with a therapist based on your preferences – such as modality, identity, lived experience, areas of focus and appointment times – so you do not have to make this decision alone.
Ready to get started with individual therapy? Send an enquiry and our team will help you choose a therapist and explain Medicare rebates within 1–2 business days.
Many people are unsure whether they need a referral or Mental Health Care Plan to see a therapist and use Medicare rebates. You can see a therapist at Unison without a referral, but if you want to claim Medicare rebates for eligible sessions, you will need a valid Mental Health Care Plan or other referral from your GP or psychiatrist before your appointment
All of our clinicians provide individual therapy, but they bring slightly different training and perspectives. Psychologists often focus on assessment and evidence‑based psychological therapies, counsellors may emphasise supportive, exploratory work around life challenges, and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers blend psychological therapies with a strong focus on systems, relationships and practical supports. When you enquire, our admin team can help you choose the option that best fits your needs and values.
Unison aims to offer affirming, non‑pathologising care for LGBTQIA+ clients and people with diverse identities and bodies. This includes using your correct name and pronouns, being transparent about our experience with LGBTQIA+ communities, and actively considering how family, community, systemic discrimination and minority stress may be shaping what you are going through. You are welcome to ask about a therapist’s experience or areas of focus so you can feel confident they are a good fit.
The first session is mostly about getting to know you and understanding what has brought you in now. Your therapist will ask about your current concerns, relevant history, safety, strengths and what you hope might be different, and you will have space to ask questions and share any worries about therapy. Together, you will decide on a focus and a pace that feel manageable, rather than being pushed into anything before you are ready.
If you’re not quite ready for a full session, every clinician at Unison offers a free 15-minute consult, so you can check fit prior to committing to a full session.
Yes, Unison offers telehealth sessions as well as in‑person appointments at our Windsor practice, and both formats can be used for ongoing individual therapy. Many clients find telehealth more accessible due to distance, mobility, health or safety reasons, while others prefer the familiarity of attending in person; you are welcome to choose the option that feels most supportive and to discuss any accessibility needs with us.