MGA Counselling Services

Recently we were privileged to hear from Matt Glover, from MGA Counselling Services. mgacounselling.com.au    Relationship issues, Trauma, Grief, Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Sexuality, are areas which Matt specialises in.  70% of his clientele identify as LGBTIQ, and, sadly, many mental health issues are still alive and well in this community. Some years ago when working as  a Youth Pastor in the Baptist Church Matt became involved in supporting “Rainbow” kids,- and when he placed a “Rainbow” sticker on his window- signalling his concern & desire to support LGBTIQ youth, this literally opened the flood- gates.   Matt described the mental health challenges experienced by many in the “Rainbow” community, for instance, many  live a closeted life for fear of persecution. Rejection by family often results in homelessness in young people who have disclosed their sexuality. “Conversion therapy” is still practiced by some religiously motivated groups, resulting in serious mental trauma. In 2012 Matt was awarded “Freedom 2b’s “most significant contribution to increasing  understanding between the LGBTIQ community and faith backgrounds.

Matt states that Marriage equality has helped to bridge some prejudice, but alarmingly statistics  of mental illness & suicide is very high in the LGBTIQ community.

     Matt’s tool in therapy is around Acceptance & Commitment. His passion to improve the mental well being of the LGBTIQ community is central to his practice and clearly his empathy & compassion shines brightly.

             After leaving his position as Pastor, Matt completed a Masters In Counselling at Monash University, and established his MGA Counselling Services practice while working in Palliative Care. He is based in Warrandyte & East Doncaster.

            It was a pleasure to have Matt address the club, and we wish him well in his fantastic work.