Lived Experience Social Work
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Lived Experience Social Work *
We might be a good fit if you…
Experience thoughts of not wanting to be around or thoughts of suicide
Use coping strategies like self-harm or substances
Have had previous (including recent) suicide attempts
Are looking for non-pathologising support
Have multiple intersecting needs
Feel like, or have been told you are ‘too much’
Have been told you’re ‘too complex’ or ‘too high risk’ for private therapy
Are exploring your neurodivergence and/or learning to unmask
Want to build a stronger sense of self and identity
Experience feelings around grief and loss
Try to escape feeling your emotions
Experience a harsh inner voice
Struggle to disconnect from perfectionism
Have trouble allowing yourself to rest
Want to explore your gender, sexuality or relationship style
Have big feelings about the current state of the world
Things I have done training in:
Ones I tend to draw on the most:
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
The Hearing Voices Approach
Emotional CPR (e-CPR)
Non-carceral harm reduction
Ones that aren’t really my vibe
Single session thinking
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Qualifications
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Practice
Master of Suicidology
Am I an expert in any particular area?
I don’t claim to be an expert on anything you’re experiencing. I am an expert in my own experience, as are you. My role is to walk alongside you, sharing what I know to help us figure out what’s going to be most useful for you. Take what you want and leave the rest. If something isn’t helpful, we can try something else. Therapy frameworks are just tools.
I do have an interest in what is sometimes called ‘chronic suicidality’, that is, suicidal thoughts that appear to persist for quite some time. I am interested in supporting people to find the tools they need to live a life aligned with what is meaningful for them which can sometimes help provide a reason to stay alive another day. I aim to find non-coercive ways to explore the meaning of suicidality together in a way that respects your autonomy, dignity and human rights.
