Caitie (they/she)

Who do I work with?

Caitie primarily works with people who find themselves in the margins, including those navigating biracial and multicultural identity experiences, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual identities, and gender fluidity. They also support people who are exploring LGBTQIA+ identities and gender/sexuality questioning, as well as those questioning if they might be neurodivergent or exploring self-diagnosis. Caitie's practice includes survivors of abuse and trauma, individuals living with chronic illness and pain, those reconnecting with their Indigenous culture, people impacted by colonial systemic barriers, and they prioritise creating accessible mental health support for the Latinx diaspora (acknowledging their own diasporic experience and disconnection from Spanish due to the forced Americanisation of Boricuas). Caitie also supports anyone experiencing suicidal ideation, family estrangement or complex grief, including suicide grief and loss.

What should you expect in session?

In session, you can expect a warm, authentic, and deeply affirming space where you don't have to perform or mask. Caitie’s approach is from a peer support and lived experience framework, believing that everyone is the expert of their own life journey. Sessions are built on the foundation of solidarity, mutuality, and shared understanding, where you can bring your whole self.

You'll find a safe container for complex feelings and experiences. Caitie creates an environment where you can fall apart if you need to, be vulnerable, and explore your experiences without the pressure of having it all figured out. Want to show up in your pyjamas? Go for it. Would you rather chat with your camera off or over messaging instead? That's totally cool - just let them know! They are open to any accomodations you may need.

Drawing from decolonial values and a commitment to accessible support outside oppressive systems, sessions focus on what actually serves you in the moment. Caitie is flexible and open to different modalities of expression, whether that's through talking, music, art, writing, or whatever feels most authentic to you in the moment.

Caitie does not subscribe to narratives of forced forgiveness or healing. They understand that sometimes the most supportive thing is to just sit with what's real in this moment. They also believe it's important to acknowledge current events and how they might be impacting you, creating space to process the world around us. As someone with lived experience, Caitie approaches sessions as a connection between two peers journeying together - not as an expert with all the answers, but as a fellow human who values genuine connection and solidarity. Their approach honours that we all express ourselves differently and that support comes in many forms.

Who am I?

Outside of Therapy Shmerapy, Caitie enjoys gaming (especially indie games - open to suggestions!) listening to music, singing, writing, finding a new TV series and going to the movies (they really love horror - did you know horror media can be used as a tool for trauma survivors?), relaxing at the beach, spending time with their partner and cat, and taking a good nap.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies: Psychology & Music

• SANE Australia Peer Guide Program Certificate

• Intentional Peer Support Core Training (Pending)