Shaun Williams is the heart behind Bent Couch Counselling, a compassionate and inclusive mental health service launched in October 2022. Built on empathy and lived experience, Bent Couch offers a safe space for men and LGBTQ+ individuals to navigate life’s challenges with dignity and support. Shaun came out in 2019 after decades of living a different story. That personal journey—full of courage, grief, and growth— became the foundation for the work he does today. His mission is simple but powerful: to walk alongside others as they rediscover resilience, self-acceptance, and connection. At Bent Couch, Shaun supports clients facing burnout, anxiety, shame, life transitions, identity exploration, and relationship complexities. Every session is grounded in non-judgement, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for diverse gender identities and life experiences. Beyond the counselling room, Shaun facilitates Community Couch Conversations – heartfelt group discussions for gay and queer men to connect, reflect, and be seen. He’s also the co-founder of Gay Fathers Worldwide, a thriving online support network for men who’ve had children in heterosexual relationships and are now living openly as gay. Since 2020, this community has grown to over 1,300 members across the globe – a testament to Shaun’s belief in the healing power of peer connection. Shaun lives in Melbourne with his partner and their beautifully blended family of five children. As a cis-gay man who came out later in life, he brings a rare depth of insight into the tensions between two worlds— the life he once lived and the authentic life he now embraces. His work is guided by warmth, understanding, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to feel at home in themselves.

Connect With Shaun