Shaun Williams (he/him)
Counsellor / Group Facilitator / Speaker
Empathy and Expertise: My Journey in LGBTQ Counselling
Hello, I’m Shaun, and I’m dedicated to supporting positive change within the LGBTQIA+ community. Coming out later in life and being a proud father of four has given me a unique perspective and deep empathy for those on similar journeys.
With over 20 years of experience in the Australian healthcare system, I’ve committed myself to improving the lives of others, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. My counselling practice addresses a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, burnout, loneliness, relationships, grief, life transitions, and sexual health.
Beyond individual counselling, I also facilitate group work to foster connection and support. Through Community Couch Conversations, I create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals to share, connect, and explore issues like loneliness, masculinity, and community building. These sessions offer a collective path towards healing and growth.
My mission in Bent Couch Counselling is to provide a respectful, non-judgemental environment where everyone feels seen and heard. Whether in individual or group settings, I strive to empower you to navigate challenges with empathy and support.
Active in the LGBTQIA+ Community with lived experience.
Shaun's active involvement in the LGBTQIA+ community is evident through his own initiatives and collaborations. In 2020, he founded 'Gay Fathers Worldwide', an online peer support group for gay men with children from heterosexual relationships, now connecting over 1000 members globally.
Shaun served as the deputy Chair of the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee of the City of Port Phillip since 2021 and has been a proactive member of GLOBE Victoria, fostering connections among LGBTIQA+ communities, businesses, and professionals. In 2022 Shaun was Small Business Membership Director for GLOBE and helped increase community connections by growing small business membership in the not-for-profit association.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Shaun is a CIS gay male and a proud father of four. His personal journey of identifying as gay later in life brings a unique, empathetic perspective to his counselling approach, resonating deeply with those navigating similar paths. Shaun's story, reflecting both "straight and bent" experiences, was featured on Australia’s SBS Television’s INSIGHT Program.
Shaun’s insightful journey and approach to counselling embraces every individual's story.
In the media
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'I came out as gay to my wife of 25 years and I couldn't be happier': Aussie dad of four speaks out about his 'amazing' new life after finding the courage to reveal his biggest secret
Read More → -
Man who came out as gay after 25 years of marriage ‘couldn’t be happier’
Testimonials
Thank you Shaun for putting up with my ‘first time nervousness’. I realised after, the relief I felt from opening up about the topics I’ve coped with for the last 4 years.
— Cary
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Shaun has been invaluable to me in my journey to be the real and happy me. He follows up to be sure I’m doing okay and to offer assistance should I need it. He is responsible for a large support network where people like me can connect and not feel alone. I HIGHLY recommend him.
— Ray
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Shaun has been a godsend in helping me deal with my troubles coming out after 35 years of marriage. He helped me sort through my emotions and feelings during one of the darkest times of my life and made me realise that I was worthy of being loved for my true self and happiness within could be achieved by being my authentic self.
— Gary
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Shaun is one of the founders of a platform designed specifically to help facilitate men's unique needs and time of transition in their lives. I was one of those men, looking for understanding, nurturing and unconditional love. His intuitive nature and caring heart paired with his training allowed me to share my innermost feelings with him without fear of judgement.
— Gregg
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Shaun has helped me through several personal issues dealing with my children, my grandchildren and the rest of my family. With his support I have had the strength to confront some really strong issues, including the fact that my youngest grandson is gay, and I was able to help him come out and keep support from the family at age 15.
— Cary
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Such a great zoom session. Each person made such a valuable contribution. I am now happy, grateful and excited.
— Scott
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Thanks Shaun for facilitating such great conversations and to each man present, thanks for being honest, open and vulnerable. I feel blessed and privileged to be amongst such beautiful men.
— Laurie
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So grateful to have attended today. I am profoundly impacted by the concept of “letting in” those people who are worthy to be in my life as a gay man, as opposed to “coming out”. Turns the whole narrative of coming out on its head. So great to connect and be associated with such amazing men.
— Dan
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