Lukas Starling

I’m a queer, white male therapist living in Meanjin/Brisbane, where I’ve called home since 2016. I grew up in the foothills of Boorloo/Perth and bring with me the experiences of working in higher education, public health and years of peer support and coaching work, supporting people to reconnect with what matters to them. I’m also a cat dad to two beautiful rescue kittens — a grounding and joyful part of my life.

My work is grounded in Gestalt therapy — a dynamic, experiential approach that centres on deepening awareness of what you want, need, and long for. Together, we might explore how to relate more compassionately to all parts of yourself and experiment with new ways of being in relationship — with yourself, others, and the wider world.

I am also informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), which supports us in welcoming and understanding the many parts of who we are. I draw from Solution Focused Brief Therapy when appropriate, especially when clients are looking for short-term, goal-oriented support. My practice is relational and field-sensitive, which means I pay attention not only to what’s happening inside you, but also to the social, cultural, and environmental contexts you’re moving through. I’m also interested in grief rituals and existential therapy, particularly as ways of honouring loss, change, and the bigger questions of life.

I offer individual therapy to those seeking support for depression, anxiety, grief and life-transitions. I am particularly drawn to working with men and queer clients, including male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and sexual violence.

 

I also support clients navigating the deep grief and uncertainty that can come with facing the realities of climate change. Whether you’re carrying trauma, wrestling with identity, or longing for more connection and clarity in your life, I aim to provide a space where you can be met with dignity, respect, and care.


I approach therapy with a strong awareness of power, privilege, and social location. I bring my own lived experience of moving between positions of marginalisation and privilege. I aim to be transparent about these dynamics and hold space for sociocultural and political differenceswhen they arise between us in the therapy room. My clients often tell me they appreciate my willingness to name what feels unspoken, my grounded presence, and my “no stone unturned” commitment to the therapeutic process.

Education

  • Master Gestalt Therapy; Gestalt Therapy Brisbane, 2022 - 24

  • Graduate Certificate Gestalt Therapy; Gestalt Therapy Brisbane, 2021

  • Bachelor of Science; Murdoch University, 2011 - 15

  • Master of Education (TESOL); Edith Cowan University, 2010 - 12

  • Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary); Murdoch university, 1999

  • Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies); Murdoch University, 1994 - 98

Experience

  • Group Facilitation training w MARS (Men Affected by Rape and Sexual Assault)

  • Pacific Gestalt Institute Residential Program; Mexico (2024)

  • Peer support worker in various roles with Magenta, WAAC, MARS, QLife

  • Individuals | 50 minutes

    $150 (GST inclusive)

    Sliding scale available for those facing financial challenges. Please inquire.

  • I am accredited through Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia ( PACFA, member no.10881).

    PACFA members, including practitioners, affiliates, students, educators, trainers and researchers, are required to work to the high standard of ethical conduct set out in the PACFA Code of Ethics 2017.

The Place Within operates on the land of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal Peoples. We acknowledge the First Nations’ People who are the traditional custodians of this land. We pay respect to the Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations’ Peoples.

We are committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ wisdom, culture, dreaming and ongoing connection to Country. Sovereignty was never ceded.