Meet the Coach

My approach to Coaching, Mentoring and Coordination is person-centred and recovery-orientated, which involves:

• a combination of Intentional Peer Support (IPS) and consumer movement principles with;

• knowledge of evidence-based practice and some mainstream approaches to mental health recovery including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles;

• an understanding of the NDIS and NDIS best practice guidelines.

My Approach

I vow to be a safe support and ally, regardless of whether you are queer, trans, non-binary, First Nations, Muslim, or from a non-English speaking background.

It is difficult enough dealing with stigma and discrimination when you have a disability, particularly a psychosocial disability, let alone having other avenues of discrimination layered on top of that.

If you are someone who has to deal with multiple levels of discrimination or disadvantage, I am willing to listen, learn and empower you to self-advocate as best you can to live the life you want and find happiness in a difficult world.

I have over 3 years experience working as a peer mental health recovery worker supporting people transitioning out of hospital to get back into the community. I have a strong understanding of the NDIS and coordination, through previous work experience and training.

I am comfortable working with people both through and beyond crisis. I am very familiar with the mental health system in WA and can assist you with any additional support you need to help you with your mental health.

Having a lived experience of mental illness and recovery myself, I know the struggle of trying to navigate a complex and over-stretched system when you are unwell. I am here to help you with that. It's particularly at these times you need to feel supported and cared about, not forgotten.

As well as having a lived experience of mental illness and recovery myself as both a consumer and family member, I have:

• A Graduate Diploma in Public Health (University of Melbourne, 2021)

• A First Class Honours Degree in Psychology (Murdoch University, 2015)

• Completed Intentional Peer Support Training (IPS) (Wellways, 2020)

• Completed Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (Wellways 2021)

• Completed Motivational Interviewing Training (Wellways, 2022)

• Completed various online training courses in Support Coordination (Beginner, Intermediate and various other short courses) as well as ongoing professional development in the NDIS Recovery Coaching and SC space (DSC, 2024; Transition Support Project, 2023)

• Participate in regular external supervision to maintain good practice

• Served as a member on the Committee of Management of the Victoria Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) (Nov 2019 to June 2021)

• Completed NDIS Worker Orientation Module (Jan 24th 2020)

• Completed an 8-week online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Course for Beginners with Dr Russ Harris (30th Oct 2017)

• An Accredited Mental Health First Aid certificate 18th May 2017

• A Current Working with Children's check (exp. Dec 2024)

• A Recent police clearance (June 2023)

I am a current member of Consumers of Mental Health WA (COMHWA), the WA Association for Mental Health (WAAMH), the WA Peer Supporters' Network (WAPSN) and Lived Experience Australia (LEA) and National Disability Practitioners (NDP). I also am subscribed and stay-up to date with a number of other organisations that offer training and updates about the mental health and disability sectors.

Experience and Qualifications

If you would like to find out more about accessing Psychosocial Recovery Coaching or Peer Mental Health Coaching through PeerPower, please call/text 0459 565 002, email laura@peerpowerrecovery.com.au or simply fill out the form below: