COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT - Meet Anthony from Proud Place Therapy

Hi Anthony, can you share a little bit of your background, work, and what brought you to counselling, and to founding Proud Place Therapy?

I’m originally from London in the U.K. I came to Australia on a holiday back in 2005 and just loved it. So much so that I never left. It’s definitely home for me now! 

Supporting people and their mental health is something that I have been actively pursuing throughout my career. I spent over twenty years in the corporate sector as a people manager, mentoring and developing individuals and teams to overcome both personal and professional obstacles in order to effect positive change and achieve their goals.

Through both work and life experience I acquired a strong interest in human behaviour and came to understand how helping people make the connection between their thoughts, emotions and behaviours can be transformative. Whilst I experienced great success in my corporate career, as for many of us, the covid pandemic was a time of great personal self-reflection for me and I realised that I wanted to do something more meaningful in my work. As an empath and someone who thrives on creating supportive, trusting relationships, and believes in their healing potential, I decided to go back to university and retrain as counsellor and psychotherapist, whilst also working as a youth worker at a crisis refuge for homeless adolescents.  

Additionally, as a result of my own personal experiences engaging in various types of therapy over the years, I not only understand how challenging it can be to be vulnerable and share such personal thoughts and feelings with someone you do not know, but also how important it is to be able to create a safe, nurturing holding space for someone to go through that process which is why I decided to found Proud Place Therapy. I wanted to be able to offer that back to members of my own community. 

Can you tell us more about Proud Place Therapy specifically, what you specialise in and clients you see there + what is your approach to therapy?

Life today can be challenging and, at times, seeking therapy can help you work through life's difficulties in a safe, supported way, particularly if you’re feeling stuck or suffering with anxiety and distress due to current challenges or past traumatic experiences. I set up Proud Place Therapy in April this year to provide this kind of support, not only to members of the local community but people across Australia who may not be able to access help in their area. Whilst Proud Place Therapy is an inclusive space for all people, I specialise in providing support to LGBTQIA+ folk who, unfortunately, still often endure discriminatory and harmful experiences when engaging with the health and mental health systems in this country.

I specialise in stress, anxiety & depression reduction/management and LGBTQIA+ issues. So, whether an individual is looking to improve their mental health, enhance their relationships, explore sexual/gender identities, get support in 'coming out', increase self-esteem or simply get more clarity about life decisions, Proud Place Therapy is here to help.

I believe that therapy, much like life, is a journey. At Proud Place Therapy, my approach to supporting clients is rooted in the belief that each individual possesses the strength and resilience to overcome life's challenges and build a fulfilling and authentic life. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore their unique identities and experiences, offering a sense of pride and empowerment.  Additionally, as each client has their own individual needs and preferences, I believe that one size does not fit all. Therefore, I tailor my support to each client, taking an integrative approach by drawing from a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities.

Proud Place Therapy’s motto: Together, let's strive for a life where you flourish and thrive! 

What does a typical weekday look like for you?

A typical day in the life of a therapist can be quite varied, however, I usually start my day reviewing my schedule, mentally preparing myself for who I'll meet and what challenges they might be facing. Once I'm in session, I make it my mission to listen intently, without judgment, and with an ear towards hope.

Between sessions, I catch up on paperwork and follow-up reminders, making sure I'm keeping my clinical notes up to date and following best practices. I also might attend clinical supervision sessions or training for my own professional development and to stay on top of emerging issues that people are facing or new therapeutic models. 

And being a one-man band, I’m responsible for marketing my own services and creating a presence in my community. This usually involves creating social media content, attending events to connect with local community members, and generally finding ways to raise awareness of the benefits of counselling.

Of course, being a therapist can also be challenging and emotionally demanding, which is why self-care is also a priority for me. Whether it's fitting in a pilates or yoga class at Scout, taking a walk outside, meditating, or simply decompressing with friends after a long day, finding a way to recharge my own emotional batteries is vital.

What do you most love about your job, what are you most proud of?

What I love most about my job is the genuine connections I am privileged to make with individuals in the community. Creating a safe haven where clients feel valued and understood brings immeasurable joy to my heart. I feel honoured to witness their courage and resilience as they navigate life's complexities.

What I am most proud of is the inclusive therapeutic space I've cultivated in a reasonably short timeframe. To see my clients embrace their identities and embark on journeys of empowerment and healing is both validating and humbling. Each milestone they achieve reinforces my commitment to providing unwavering support and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their stories and to contribute to their wellbeing and happiness.

What are some signs or symptoms one might consider to start booking a session with you?

This is a bit of a tricky question to answer because I think it's important to remember that everyone's experiences are unique, and there are no "right" or "wrong" reasons to seek counseling. Life today can be challenging and, at times, seeking therapy can help you work through life's difficulties in a safe, supported way. So, if you are feeling uncertain or distressed, even if you're not sure why, reaching out for confidential, non-judgmental support can help you gain clarity, build resilience, and work towards lasting positive change.

Many people experience shame at either the thought of going to therapy or admitting that they may need help and asking for it. However, I think that recognising that you may need a bit more help than you or others around you are capable of providing, and seeking professional, confidential support at those times, is actually a strength. In my opinion, it not only demonstrates a recognition of your own worth but also the worth of your health and wellbeing. 

Some indications that it may be time to consider booking a session with a therapist like me could include feeling overwhelmed or anxious, struggling with persistent negative thoughts, feeling unmotivated or stuck, experiencing issues or confusion with your personal identity (including sexual orientation or gender), feelings of low self-esteem or confidence, experiencing relationship troubles, feelings of loneliness, loss or depression as well as unexpected life changes or transitions. I am here to provide a welcoming and confidential space for you to feel heard, validated, and supported, no matter what you are going through.

Is there a number of sessions that clients typically see you for?

I get asked this question a lot and I’m afraid there is no definitive answer. In my experience, the number of sessions a client may have varies greatly and is influenced by the unique needs and goals of each individual. Some clients find significant benefit from just a few sessions, while others may choose to engage in longer-term therapy to address deeper or ongoing concerns. Together with each of my clients, we collaboratively assess progress and determine the most effective approach. Whether it's short-term support or more extensive work, I strive to ensure each client receives the personalised attention and care they need to navigate their challenges and achieve their therapeutic objectives. Flexibility and personalised care are the cornerstones of my practice.

What is the difference between an online and an in-person session?

In both online and in-person sessions, the therapeutic process and level of care provided remains rooted in confidentiality, empathy, and professionalism. The primary difference lies in the mode of delivery. While in-person sessions offer face-to-face interaction that may foster a stronger sense of connection and immediacy, online sessions provide the convenience of accessing support from the comfort of one's own space. Currently, I have an equal mix of clients who choose to see me in-person vs. online. It really is a personal choice. First and foremost, I think it’s important that the client feels safe and that the environment in which they choose to engage in therapy is right for them. 

That said, I think that if someone is going to engage in online sessions they should be aware that there could be potential technology issues or distractions to navigate. However, I always provide clients with a list of tips that they can follow before sessions to help mitigate any potential issues. I strive to maintain the same quality of care and tailored support in both formats, ensuring that each client feels validated, heard, and empowered to embark on their journey toward healing and personal growth.

Are there any goals that you’re hoping to achieve for Proud Place Therapy or for yourself this year?

Absolutely! As a new practice, I'm eager to get the word out and introduce the community to Proud Place Therapy. It's my goal this year to build a reputation of being a go-to source of therapeutic support for members of the community, particularly LGBTQIA+ folks locally and nationally, and to make sure anyone who needs help knows where I am and how to find me. 

Of course, being a business owner involves a healthy dose of self-promotion, so I'm also hoping to get better at networking and marketing myself effectively. It’s something that I find hard to do and is one of my own personal and professional challenges that I need to work on! Additionally, along with continuing to build my client base, I aspire to continuously expand my knowledge and skills in serving the diverse needs of my clients.

When you’re not working, what are you up to?

When I'm not wearing my therapist hat, you can find me on the mat at yoga classes pretending to be a graceful yogi (emphasis on the pretending part) or trying not to fall off the reformer at pilates. In all seriousness though, it's not just about the physical benefits, but also the mental clarity and stress relief pilates and yoga bring, and I just love the team at Scout and the community that I interact with there. It has a beautiful energy and I feel connected to people there even if we spend a lot of time in silence together. 

Off the mat, I bask in the colorful bliss of being part of a beautiful rainbow family which brings me so much love, laughter, and occasional chaos to keep me on my toes. Music is my passion, and I lose myself in researching and discovering new tunes, or going to see live performances which get me very excited. And let's not forget about quality time with my husband. We have spent the past 20 years together cultivating our abilities to be proper couch potatoes when we have any spare downtime, devouring tv shows (that we’re usually years behind watching compared to everyone else) and indulging in our not-so-secret obsession: chocolate and sour worm lollies. You have to take and appreciate these little moments of joy when they come, right?

Finally, where can we find you and how to get in touch?

You can find out more about me, Proud Place Therapy and the services I provide on my website: www.proudplace.com.au or through my Psychology Today profile. Deciding to see a therapist can be daunting, so I offer a FREE 15 minute introductory phone or video chat  to people who are unsure about therapy or curious about working together to see if we’re the right match. You can book one online via my website or you can call me on 0499 273 696 or email me at anthony@proudplace.com.au

You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram…although I must admit that I’m not the most proactive poster on my socials!

My therapy space is in a lovely, quiet, private, tucked-away part of the Addison Road Community Hub in Marrickville. Anyone who wants in-person sessions gets to come along and curl up on a very comfy couch there!