Individuals

Everything about counselling is designed to foster the individual's sense of self. In the grand scheme of things we are all strongly influenced by all kinds of things from the day we are born.

couples

For couples there are particular process to learn in order to be in a great relationship. As well as a sense of self and individuality there is the added factor of

Sometimes, the influences of family are debilitating. Every person's family has a strong influence; nobody is immune. How well and how effecitve the influence plays out in your later life is the question... are you already and permanently cast to act in a certain wa?. Your task is to realise that.....

..... you can have an enormous influence over how you operate today.

Counselling may help you discover what to change and how to be effective toward living a more fufilling life.

welcome

Gay Counselling Sydney Service...
For individuals and couples in the gay and lesbian community seeking help with individual and relationship issues.

If you are confused or feel alienated because of your sexuality you may find help speaking to people who are aware of the issues. You may get help and also find some peace of mind if you realise there are many other people just like you. You need not be alone.

SPECIALISED SERVICE: Counselling gay individuals and couples sometimes requires specialised information and resources. The assumption made by families, peers, teachers, bosses, ourselves... (the society we all live in) that everyone is heterosexual can sometimes seem insurmountable to people who have a different experience.

COMING OUT: While all adolescents face developmental issues, homosexually oriented youths must negotiate all the "normal" trials and tribulations of growing up, alongside family, societal, and peer approval ordisapproval of their most intimate feelings and sexual inclinations... often experiencing despairing self-esteem issues, discrimination and even violence. Being yourself can sometimes be hard.

You are invited to read the information on this site... Explore some of these resources if you have experienced difficulties with...

coming out
troubles in your same-sex relationships
work environment issues
addictions or recovery issues
relationship psychotherapy and
relationship counselling

Why come to counselling with Philip Johnson?

Because I have been gay all my life... and I know what it is like to be gay in a straight world. I am also proud of myself.. my sexuality and my place in the world. My "experience of counselling" is directly linked to my "experience of life" and that is an important distinction amongst counsellors.

I offer you counselling that is sensitive to your place in the world and sensitive to your sexuality. I also offer you counselling and help that is sensitive to the whole world... it is critical to realise that you are living among many people who are heterosexual and do not understand your worldview.

gaycounselling is...presented and maintained independently by Philip Johnson, choosingchange Counselling Sydney CBD and is done so with the intent of providing pertinent gay and lesbian focused information.

Differentiation of self...... holding a sense of "self" in the light of pressure from your partner, family or society...

Being differentiated is the ability to balance the pull of togetherness with the pull of separateness.

When you have clear sense of "self" you are able to relate or connect with others without losing your individuality.

Differentiation — successfully achieving a higher level of balancing connectedness and individuality.