the evolution of peer support…
There have been countless times throughout my life where I’ve needed someone that didn’t exist. I needed a human to be present in ways that weren’t readily available to me in relationships I already had. I craved this elusive “someone” to be my confidant, my cheerleader, my guide, my ally, my champion. To encourage me, hold my hand, sit with me in the muck, laugh with me at the ridiculousness of it all, help me combat the deafening shame stories, show curiosity around what was going on for me, unpack shit, celebrate me, problem solve, support me get to the heart, and hold me accountable. I needed someone grounded yet chill to give me their intentional unbiased attention. Someone to listen with genuine interest and presence. Someone to let me know that what I was feeling was normal, reasonable, completely understandable. Without this “someone” I frequently felt alone, out of my depth, drowning in confusion, wrong. Like an alien, a weirdo, a misfit.
After a short stint working in TV, I studied social work and psychotherapy to be that “someone” for others. These options were the avenues that were available via formal education and considered the most acceptable. I’ve worked as a Therapeutic Youth Worker with seriously traumatised young people and as a Mental Health Worker with seriously mentally unwell folks. I’ve seen some vile things firsthand and I’ve also seen the utmost resilience and beauty of humanity. In more recent years I opened a therapy practice for private clients and have had the privilege of witnessing people absolutely bloom in front of my eyes. I’m grateful for the mess and magic of all of my experiences.
The creation of this Peer support role feels like the next evolution of being the “someone” I want to be for you. I want to exist in relationship with you, whereby no “expert” exists. Just two humans bringing their life experiences into conversation and connecting on a level beyond analytical and theoretical chatter.
Like a therapist, but less clinical.
Like a coach, but less instructional.
Like a mentor, but less preachy.
Like a friend, but less biased.
Like a guide, but less single-focused.
A boundaried yet intimate relationship that offers a collaborative space for you to practice being your most human self. SHARED wisdom. SHARED vulnerability. SHARED resources. SHARED humanity. ACTUAL relating, within the SHARED focus of your growth and wellbeing!
Maybe we will connect if you can relate with any of the following…
being queer,
being neurospicy,
being a creative or sensitive human,
experiencing depression, anxiety, PMDD or PTSD,
experiencing disordered eating,
experiencing a lack of belonging,
feeling endlessly “stuck” in one or more areas of life,
feeling resentful/upset about having to live within our cultures imposed structures,
feeling the impacts of childhood trauma and attachment wounds in relationships,
feeling the impacts of workplace trauma,
working within or considering working within mental health or community services,
considering a child free life,
navigating non-traditional relationships, lifestyle, career.
My hearts hope is that I can continue to be a meaningful support to folks who are moving through any of this life stuff and don’t quite have their appropriate “someone” to turn to. Humans aren’t supposed to do life alone, especially the hard stuff. I truly believe peer support to be one of the most ethical, honest, therapeutic ways to support one another, and I’m wholeheartedly pumped to get started!
Chat soon!
ess