Services
Our Philosophy
We believe women are the experts in their own life and have the knowledge and ability to make their own decisions. We provide a supportive environment and will assist where we can in providing clarity for women's decision making from an understanding of our professional knowledge and experience.
We recognise that different situations suit different people and we respect the woman's decision and will assist her with it - whether it is to stay in the relationship or to separate. In both instances there can be many considerations to take into account and if asked we will assist her anticipate and clarify the considerations relevant to her situation.
Services include:
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counselling (face to face, telephone and email)
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groups and workshops
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information and resources
Our approach is:
- non-judgemental
- ethical strength-based and solution-focussed
- wholistic - we recognise the whole woman and the multiple needs which contribute to her wellbeing and her having a positive experience of life
Counselling
We provide counselling to women whose male partner or ex-partner is sexually attracted to or sexually active with other men. As funding is provided by NSW Health there is no fee for service.
The experiences of women who find themselves in this situation requires a specialized service which understands women's needs. Women regularly report feeling comforted in the knowledge they've reached the service that understands their circumstances because we have been providing support to women in similar situations for years.
Counselling is provided through:
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Face to face appointments in Sydney
- Telephone
- Email contact and support
Telephone and email support can be particularly useful for women living in rural and remote areas.
Some women like to know they don't need a counselling appointment, they can just ring and talk to someone who understands.
Contact us on 9560 3011, freecall 1800 787 887 or email womenpartners@lwchc.org.au for more information.
'The counsellor I've been seeing is warm, efficient, caring, compassionate. When I was so desperate to talk it was comforting and reassuring to be able to ring for support any day of the week.'
Marie 2007
'The counsellor is a good listener and is well educated in the topic.'
Judy 2006
Support Groups and Workshops run during the year. One of the strengths of trhe service is the support women provide each other. Women work through their confusion and questions and often develop friendships. Contact us to register your interest in a support group (T: 02 9560 3011 or email womenpartners@lwchc.org.au).
The idea of attending a group can initially be confronting for some women, particularly if the woman's confused about her options or if she is in the height of distress. However the strength and support women provide to each other in this confidential, safe environment can be extremely helpful in making decisions and gaining some understanding.
Within the group women will be in slightly different situations and may have made different decisions along the way. Above all, everyone is there because of they're seeking support and some clear thinking because of their male partner's coming out or same sex activities. Groups are coordinated by trained facilitators and the group agrees on some ground rules to help ensure the experience is positive, emotionally safe and supportive for every person in the group.
At least one workshop (or another shingdig like the high tea we had recently) is organized each year with the aim of bringing women together. Women from regional and rural communities often attend these one day events and afterwards talk about feeling considerably more supported by having spent time with so many other women living in situations similar to their own.
When workshops are run, the day's agenda is developed based on women's requests. Recent days have included:
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adult children of gay/bisexual men sharing their experiences of growing up
- hearing, and asking questions of, formerly-married gay men
- learning more about sexually transmitted infections and ways to negotiate safe sex
- legal issues including the new family law provisions and property settlement issues
- plenty of time for sharing talking together, eating good food and getting to know each other
New women wishing to attend a workshop may be asked to attend a counselling session at some stage during the weeks prior the workshop so the workshop is helpful to them as an educative, rather than therapeutic, day.
Contact us for more information or to book into a workshop.
'Thanks to the group I have been able to disclose to my family, close friends and children about my husband's sexuality - thereby getting support in everyday life. I've been helped with new skills re. negative thoughts and depression, and gained emotional support from other women who really understand.'
A woman who attended the group September 2006-April 2007
'The group has been a lifeline for me in every way. My life has improved in every area since I started attending.'
A woman who attended the group September 2006-April 2007
