In Episode 242, I speak with Shaun Williams, counselor and found of Bent Couch Counselling, a leading mental health service established in October 2022 that provides compassionate, inclusive support tailored for the LGBTQIA+ community. After 25 years of marriage and four children, Shaun finally decided to stop living the lie that almost took his life, and he came out and admitted to his wife and children he was gay. It was a challenging time for him, but one that has given him the freedom to be him. It has transformed his life, and now he is able to positively impact the lives of many people. Please enjoy this powerful conversation.
Shaun Williams is the founder of Bent Couch Counselling, a leading mental health service established in October 2022 that provides compassionate, inclusive support tailored for the LGBTQIA+ community. After coming out in 2019, Shaun transformed his personal journey into a mission to support others in finding resilience, self-acceptance, and meaningful connections. Bent Couch Counselling specialises in helping individuals work through challenges such as burnout, anxiety, shame, life transitions, and relationship issues, all within a non-judgemental, safe environment that respects diverse gender identities and experiences.
In addition to one-on-one counselling, Shaun facilitates Community Couch Conversations, a group space where gay and queer men can connect, share, and feel part of a community. In 2020, he also founded Gay Fathers Worldwide, an online peer support group for gay men with children from heterosexual relationships, now a thriving global community of over 1,000 members. These initiatives reflect Shaun’s commitment to creating supportive networks that empower LGBTQIA+ individuals to lead more authentic lives.
A proud father of four, Shaun resides in Melbourne with his male partner and their blended family. As a cis gay man who embraced his identity later in life, he brings a unique perspective that bridges both “straight” and “bent” worlds, understanding the challenges that many in the LGBTQIA+ community face. Through Bent Couch Counselling, Shaun continues his dedication to positive mental health outcomes, fostering safe spaces for growth, connection, and acceptance. This is a wonderful conversation, not to be missed.
To find out more about Shaun, Click here
My website is www.andrewjobling.com.au