The LGBTI focused Counselling service, where everyone is welcome is also accessible via phone or video call right across the NT! 

Larz Lauer is a white settler living on Larrakia country, originally from Western Sydney and has lived on the East coast of Australia for most of his life. Larz has a master’s degree in Gestalt therapy and a background as a registered nurse. Larz is a queer trans man, eldest of a family of six children and a cat dad who balances his city life with the urge to be as deep into nature as possible.

For Larz, the draw to Gestalt therapy comes from the process of bringing out the self in order to meet the other. Central to his practice is his passion and active work in applying an intersectional and anti-oppressive framework into therapy and life. He is invested in building community and is willing to show up in his vulnerability and flaws to meet our collective humanity.

Dr Belinda Chaplin sat down with Larz to get to know more about him.

B: Tell us a bit about yourself and your experience as a counsellor

L: I am a very relaxed, grounded and authentic person, this is the energy I bring to therapy sessions. My own experiences with my mental health and as a transgender person influence and shape the therapeutic work I do with people. I am open, kind and non-judgmental. I am experienced and comfortable in working alongside people exploring and integrating the shadow or hidden parts of themselves. I have worked widely with youth, young people and adults and have been a part of organisations such as headspace and QLife.

B: What do you most like about your job?

L: I am passionate about therapy and the impact it can make on people’s lives. Working alongside people on their journey of self-acceptance and self-knowledge and healing is a truly transforming experience.

B: What are you hoping to achieve?

L: I’m hoping to provide a space for people from more marginalised communities to get specialised and quality therapy, as there is currently very little support for this across the NT.

B: For 1^st timers what advice can you give them to book in and speak to you?

L: It can be hard to reach out for support, but it is always worth the risk. Sometimes sending an email or text can make it a bit easier than a phone call. Also, therapy is always guided by you and what you need. Therapy doesn’t always have to be heavy. Humor, laughter and lightness are all a part of the process of healing.

B: What do you like to do for your own mental health?

L: Every day feels like a mental health journey for me. Spending time with my partner and cats, cooking food, being in the bush, spending time alone, talking to friends and doing my own therapy keeps me moving along in the world a bit lighter.