A Counsellor in Melbourne Empowering Gay Men to Connect
A SPACE WHERE CONNECTION FEELS REAL
Many gay and queer men know the quiet ache of isolation. For some, it’s the challenge of finding community beyond dating apps. For others, it’s the pressure to appear confident when loneliness feels closer to the truth.
Community Couch Conversations were created to bridge that gap. Hosted online and facilitated by counsellor Shaun Williams, these free sessions offer a gentle space where gay and queer men can talk openly, share lived experiences, and discover genuine connection.
Each session is guided, grounded in empathy, and built on respect for diversity, privacy, and safety. Whether you join to listen or to speak, you’ll find understanding, not judgement.
What are Community Couch Conversations?
Community Couch Conversations is an online support group for gay and queer men in Australia. They are not therapy sessions, but they are deeply therapeutic in nature. The aim is to provide an honest, safe place to reflect, connect, and find comfort in shared experience.
Each session focuses on real topics that affect many men, such as:
Building meaningful friendships
Managing loneliness and shame
Exploring identity, masculinity, and vulnerability
Navigating intimacy and trust
Understanding emotional wellbeing and self-care
Sessions are facilitated by Shaun Williams, a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, founder of Bent Couch Counselling, and co-founder of Gay Fathers Worldwide. Shaun combines professional skill with lived experience, ensuring every conversation feels grounded, warm, and authentic.
How the sessions work
Community Couch Conversations run online via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere in Australia. Each session lasts around 90 minutes and includes:
A guided introduction and topic overview
Group discussion with space to share or simply listen
Gentle reflection and closing
There’s no expectation to speak if you don’t want to. Many men attend their first session quietly and return the next time ready to share.
Participation is always free, though places are limited to ensure everyone feels seen and supported.
Why these conversations matter
Loneliness among gay and queer men is not uncommon, even within vibrant communities. The weight of past rejection, internalised shame, or the constant pressure to fit in can make connection feel out of reach.
Community Couch Conversations exist to remind men that they are not alone. They are built around empathy, confidentiality, and shared humanity, an antidote to disconnection.
Regular participants describe feeling lighter, more hopeful, and more confident in expressing themselves. Some have even gone on to build lasting friendships beyond the sessions.
“It’s the first space I’ve joined where I could be completely myself. No judgement, no pressure, just understanding.”
— Participant feedback, 2024
What you’ll gain
By joining, you’ll:
Experience a genuine sense of belonging among peers who understand
Develop language for emotions that may have gone unspoken for years
Learn from others’ stories and insights
Reclaim your confidence in relationships and community life
Leave with practical takeaways that support emotional wellbeing
This is not about labels or performance. It’s about showing up, being seen, and remembering that connection is both healing and human.
How to join
Joining is simple:
Visit the link here
Sign up for your free place
You’ll receive a confirmation email with the next session date and Zoom link
If you’re new, just come as you are. You can join the conversation or simply listen until you feel ready.
About the facilitator
Shaun Williams is a registered counsellor, workplace trainer, and public speaker based in Melbourne. As the founder of Bent Couch Counselling, he specialises in LGBTQIA+ mental health, connection, resilience, and burnout recovery.
Shaun’s lived experience as a gay father who came out later in life informs his compassionate approach. His mission is to help men find belonging, rebuild confidence, and thrive as their authentic selves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Community Couch Conversations?
These sessions are open to all gay and queer men across Australia. You don’t need to be a client of Bent Couch Counselling to join.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality and respect are central to the group. Participants are reminded that what is shared stays in the group.
Does it cost anything?
No. The sessions are free to attend. They are part of Bent Couch Counselling’s commitment to community connection and mental health awareness.
Do I need to have my camera on?
You’re welcome to join with or without your camera. Some participants prefer to listen in until they feel comfortable sharing.
How do I register?
You can register to be placed on the mailing list here
A Zoom link will be emailed before each session.
Join the next free session today and experience how empathy and community can create meaningful change.
