Avanthi has worked with a range of folks from all walks of life, and always feels honoured when someone trusts them enough to share their journey with them. Avanthi has a particular passion for working with people in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse communities and will draw on her own experiences of community to support people through their own experiences. Avanthi’s approach is eclectic, often drawing from Strengths-Based, Narrative Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (amongst many other modalities). However, they are always aim to meet you where you’re at, learn new strategies to support you through your sessions, and be guided by your own therapeutic goals. Avanthi’s main focus is finding ways to make therapy more accessible and less intimidating. They want to walk beside you on your journey, focus on working *with* you, and taking it at your own pace. In their spare time, Avanthi loves listening to audiobooks (but is constantly rewinding when their mind wanders), finding new cafes, playing video games, catching up with friends, going to the theatre/movies/museums, or finding a new tv/show or movie to hyperfixate on. They’re currently trying to get back into crocheting in- between finding new recipes to attempt.

Meet Claire, a seasoned peer worker who draws from their own lived experience to offer connection and support. Claire is particularly passionate about making sure a space is affirming for each individual, and always aims to create a space where you feel validated and empowered. Claire takes a relaxed and individualistic approach to support. Peer support with Claire can range from practical solutions & skills to a validating chat and a sharing of experiences. Their approach is informed by what you want and what feels the most comfortable for you. In their space time Claire loves getting lost in a good book, tv show or podcast, or engaging in an excitable rant with a mate. Claire also has a special interest in most things British comedy (give them a stand up special or panel show any day).

Darcy is currently completing a Master of Counselling, and has worked formally and informally in peer support with LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent adults of all ages. They are especially passionate about supporting trans and gender diverse people navigating grief and loss, suicidality, disability and chronic illness, and autism and other forms of neurodivergence. Darcy's approach is grounded in Narrative Therapy, while also drawing on Intentional Peer Support, Liberation Psychology, Disability Justice, and other frameworks and ideas. They believe that everyone is the expert in their own life, and they aim to have curious, collaborative conversations that honour your expertise and centre your needs. They are interested in stories - the stories we tell about ourselves, the stories our communities tell about themselves, the stories that unjust systems tell us about ourselves and the world, and the stories that don't get told at all - and how these stories can help us to understand and connect with our skills, knowledge, values, and hopes. In a session, this might look like having a supportive chat, mapping ideas and possibilities, doing a creative exercise together, or something else. Darcy understands that access needs and capacity can fluctuate, and they aim to meet you wherever you're at on the day. Darcy is a disabled white queer and trans person living on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja (Country). When they're not working, Darcy is probably hanging out with their cat while crafting and watching comedy. They also love cooking and fermenting, music, reading, learning about sea creatures, and being in nature.

Alex Cuffe is a compassionate mental health peer practitioner, artist, musician, and farmer, living on Djaara country. As a queer trans woman, Alex embraces her diverse histories to connect deeply with those she supports, drawing strength from her community to offer understanding and solidarity during difficult times. While trained in counseling, Alex’s journey as an abolitionist, survivor of complex trauma and diverse cognition guides her to work within peer frameworks. This approach fosters healing through authentic connection and mutuality. Central to her practice are the values of love, liberation, and a commitment to decolonization. In her sessions, you’ll find a space of deep listening, compassionate reflection, and a commitment to navigating life’s challenges in solidarity together. Alex’s personal journey in mental health is grounded in an embodied somatic approach, allowing her to honor the injustices and experiences she has faced with the compassion we all deserve, while finding ways for our bodies to absorb this. Outside of her work, she finds joy in hiking, camping, dancing, intentional living, meditation, nurturing friendships, silly jokes and a few memes. She looks forward to walking alongside you on your healing journey.

--- Who do I work with? --- Thalia works primarily with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent people, especially those navigating autism, ADHD, gender diversity, sexual diversity, and complex trauma. They’ve got experience supporting people 12 and up, though most of their work is with 16–35-year-olds. Whether you’re deep into your queer journey, just starting to wonder if you might be autistic, or anywhere in between, Thalia’s here for it. They’re particularly passionate about working with neurodivergent trans and gender-diverse people, people that are bi, pan or asexual, and the broader neurodivergent community. Thalia is not suitable for anyone seeking Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). --- What should you expect in session? --- Queer little lounge room energy - casual, cozy, a bit chaotic, and deeply intentional. Like chatting with someone who gets it while you’re curled up in your comfiest clothes, sipping a warm drink, maybe pausing to stim or share a meme mid-session. It’s low-pressure, non-judgemental, and centred around what you actually need that day. Expect some swearing, some laughs, some big feelings, and a lot of real talk. It’s a space where masking isn’t required, where your neurodivergence and queerness aren’t just accepted but celebrated, and where we make room for both softness and strength. As a queer AuDHDer, Thalia brings a mix of lived experience and practical strategies into their work. They know that exploring mental health can be messy and overwhelming, so they do their best to make sessions feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. Their approach is shaped by Liberation Psychology, Mad Pride, and Compassion-Focused Therapy — frameworks that challenge stigma and centre your lived reality. --- Who am I? --- Outside of sessions, Thalia loves video games, reality TV, and live music. They sometimes cook (with mixed success), enjoy a good pub trivia night, and listen to everything from metal to jazz to rap to pop. They’re also big on Japanese food, comedy shows, coffee, cats, and going to the gym. Most of all, they love spending time with their close friends and partner. Current special interests (SPINs) include: F1, Hello Kitty universe, Bobs Burgers, Bojack Horseman, and Sims. Thalia is a Pisces sun, Libra moon, Sagittarius rising. Thalia is also the Founder of Therapy Shmerapy, so they are always looking to chat with other aligned small businesses. Please direct any related enquiries to them.