1. What is peer support & coaching?

Peer support & coaching is a supportive, collaborative process where we work together as equals. It blends the empathy and understanding of peer support—connection through shared lived experience—with the structure and tools of coaching to help you move forward. Through open conversation, reflection, and skill-building, peer coaching focuses on growth, empowerment, and self-determined goals. It’s about walking alongside you, not diagnosing or directing you.

2. How is peer support & coaching different from therapy?

Peer coaching is rooted in mutuality, autonomy, and shared humanity rather than a clinical or hierarchical model. In therapy, there’s often a distinction between the “clinician” and the “client,” and the focus is typically on diagnosing, treating, or managing symptoms.

In contrast, peer coaching is non-clinical and relational. It’s built on the understanding that both people bring valuable lived experience, insight, and wisdom to the conversation. There’s no assumption of authority—just two people connecting on common ground.

Peer coaching emphasizes autonomy and self-determination. You are the expert of your own life, and the process supports you in identifying your own goals, values, and next steps. It’s about growth, empowerment, and healing through authentic connection, not medical intervention.

At its core, peer coaching is a human-to-human partnership—one that honors your story, respects your choices, and holds space for transformation in a non-judgmental, collaborative way.

3. Who can participate in peer support & coaching sessions?

Anyone who has experienced psychiatric hospitalization, incarceration, or related trauma can participate. Sessions are best suited for those seeking understanding, connection, and support from someone with lived experience.

4. What happens in a one-on-one session?

One-on-one sessions are online, private, and confidential. During our time together, we may:

• Process experiences with psychiatric hospitalization or trauma
• Explore coping strategies and self-support techniques
• Share insights, resources, and validation
• Connect as peers who truly understand each other

We’ll begin with a free 30-minute consultation where we can connect, talk about your needs, and see if peer support feels like the right fit for you. If you’d like to continue, we can then schedule a full 60-minute session to explore your experiences more fully.

Each session is guided by your needs, not a rigid agenda.

5. How much do sessions cost?

• If you want to move forward with sessions after an initial free consultation, then we can have a full 60-Minute Session – Which is a deeper session where we explore your experiences and work collaboratively on your healing journey.
• You can schedule 2 free sessions with me each month. These reset at the start of every month, so there’s always a fresh opportunity to connect. This is a standard policy for signing up for the platform I use to host my sessions. It is free to sign up.
• If you’d like more than 2 sessions in a month, you can continue meeting with me for $39/month, which includes unlimited sessions on the platform, but up to 8 sessions per month with me as that is my capacity per client.

6. How do your online support groups work?

I facilitate the Unlock the Psych Ward Doors peer support group for survivors of psychiatric trauma. Here’s what you need to know:

• We meet online on HeyPeers twice a month on Mondays at 1pm PST.
• We have additional peer support groups you can view on our Peer Support Groups page at the button below.
• The group is peer-led and trauma-informed.
• You’ll need to register on HeyPeers to see and join the group.
• We also have a Discord community for connection outside of scheduled meetings.

The group is a safe space to speak freely, share experiences, and support each other. Everyone’s story is heard, and your pain is seen.

7. Is peer coaching confidential?

Yes — your privacy is important. Everything shared in one-on-one sessions or the support group stays confidential within the community.

I am non-carceral. I will not report anyone for being a danger to themselves. My approach is rooted in compassion, autonomy, and harm reduction—supporting people with care and respect rather than control or punishment. This space is here to empower, listen, and provide resources, not to surveil or enforce.

8. How do I book a one-on-one session?

You can book sessions online through the form on my website. Sessions are flexible, online, and designed around your schedule. Each session is personalized to your needs and your goals for healing.

9. What if I’m currently in the psychiatric system or still struggling with hospitalization?

Peer support is for survivors at all stages. Even if you are currently navigating the system, you can still join online sessions or groups. I provide non-judgmental support to help you process your experiences and explore healing strategies.

10. Can I participate if I’m not in the United States?

Absolutely! All one-on-one sessions and group meetings are online, so anyone can participate regardless of location, as long as you have internet access.

11. How do I get started?

• One-on-One Sessions: Book a consultation through the website.
• Support Group: Register on HeyPeers for the Unlock the Psych Ward Doors Group, or view additional groups that meet on Discord.
• Discord Community: Join for ongoing peer connection between group sessions.

If you have other questions, feel free to contact me directly — I want to make sure you feel safe, supported, and informed before participating.