How do you describe your Peer Supervision practice?

My Lived Experience (Peer) practice has evolved over the years, as has my Supervision practice. I have completed various specific supervision trainings and also Intentional Peer Support, Peer supported open dialogue, emotional CPR, WRAP, Hearing Voices Approach, and Peer Zone trainings and have worked as a Trainer and assessor for the Cert IV in MHPW. I am open to and still forever learning from those with whom I work. I work from a consumer (firsthand) perspective, and human rights and social justice have always been important to me. Currently I work in Suicide Prevention as a Peer Mentor and as an In Shift Supervisor for a National Warmline. I value mutuality, connection, and relationships and believe that through this, together, we can move forward and grow, personally and professionally.

What information regarding your Peer Work, Lived Experience, and/or areas of interest do you want Peer Workers to know?

I am a middle-aged white heterosexual woman who is aware of her current privilege and a mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, and friend. I have been using my Lived Experience in Peer Work, since before there was such a thing. I innately knew the value of Peer Work from my own firsthand experiences of receiving it informally. Without it I would not have been able to get out of mental health services, get off all psychiatric medication, work on my personal recovery, and reclaim my citizenship. My Lived Experience distress has come from childhood trauma, institutionalization, and adversity followed by adult experiences of poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and unhealthy relationships. It has all manifested itself in experiences of voice hearing, dissociation, depression, and anxiety.

What other information is relevant for Peer Workers to know?

I now live in QLD so all sessions are online only; I can do phone, Zoom, or TEAMS. I offer individual or group LE Supervision. There is also a time difference to consider, so morning sessions are preferable. I work Monday to Saturday by appointment only. First individual sessions are free to get to know each other and decide if we are a good fit. I offer a sliding scale of fees depending on individual circumstances.