Our Approach

Lived Experience Professionals

At The Peer Practice, lived experience isn’t just part of what we do—it’s at the core of everything we offer. Every member of our team, from leadership to frontline support, brings their own journey to the table.

This might include:

  • A personal path of mental health recovery

  • Overcoming challenges with alcohol or other substances

  • Living with neurodivergence

  • Other lived experience journeys that they may feel comfortable sharing

It’s this shared understanding that makes our approach truly authentic, relatable, and impactful.

We know firsthand how tough it can be to navigate life’s challenges, and that insight shapes everything we do. Our work is built on the supports that helped us the most—and the ones we wished had been available when we needed them. Together, we collaborate, connect, and create meaningful spaces for self-awareness, growth, and joy.

Our view on Mental Health

At The Peer Practice, we see mental health as a changing spectrum, not a fixed state.

Everyone faces challenges, diagnosed or not.

We focus on what helps you feel your best, supporting small steps toward meaningful change so you can live a full, purposeful life - on your terms.

Eudaimonia

Eudaimonia is more than happiness - it's about thriving through growth, purpose, and fulfillment. Aristotle saw it as the ultimate goal: living wisely, kindly, and true to your values.

At The Peer Practice, we believe pursuing eudaimonia is key to strong mental health.

We'll help you explore what matters to you and take small steps toward a meaningful, rewarding life.

Our approach aligns with Self-Efficacy Theory: believing in yourself boosts success.

Lived Experience work helps by:
- Inspiring confidence through others’ stories
- Breaking goals into small, manageable steps
- Reframing experiences to build self-trust
- Providing support and encouragement

We see this as a mindset change that takes time. We'll support you every step of the way!

Self-Efficacy Theory

How our approach works

We provide safe, welcoming spaces for genuine conversations that lead to real change. Connecting with Lived Experience support ensures you feel heard, valued, and supported in your own way.

Benefits include:

- Reducing loneliness by having support from someone who truly understands

- Boosting confidence through relatable success stories

- Improving mental health by lowering stress, anxiety, and depression

- Making change feel possible with small, manageable steps

- Building trust in a judgment-free environment

- Offering practical, real-life strategies that work

- Strengthening recovery and helping you stay on track

- Creating lasting change by building resilience and coping skills

  • Unlike traditional support models, peer work is built on shared experience. We’re formally trained and we bring our own lived experiences to every interaction. This means support isn’t just professional—it’s personal, relatable, and deeply meaningful.

    We do not de-value traditional mental health services, as some have been beneficial in out wellbeing journeys, however we intend to work from a different model.

  • Our team members are people who truly understand what it’s like to struggle. They bring their own experiences into their work, offering heartfelt encouragement and practical guidance.

    When you start working with us, you may be paired with a Peer Mentor or a Peer Support Worker, depending on what type of support you would like to receive—each role works to ensure you get the help you need, when you need it, in a way that feels right for you.

    You can learn more about these roles and how they can help you throughout the rest of our website!

  • We provide in-person peer services across the Perth metro area, working within the community to meet people in spaces where they feel most comfortable. Whether it’s a café, park, library, or another familiar setting, we create safe and welcoming environments for connection, understanding, and empowerment.

    Living in a regional or remote area can make finding the right support tricky, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to getting help. That’s why we offer flexible, accessible options—whether you’re in Australia or beyond.

    Online Support: Connect via Zoom, Teams, or phone sessions from anywhere.
    International Access: If you're outside Australia, we're happy to explore options that work for you—or help connect you with similar services nearby.

FAQs

  • We believe in flexibility and choice when it comes to accessing support.

    Private Payment – You can access our services through private payment, giving you full control over how and when you receive support.

    NDIS Funding – If you have an NDIS plan, our services may be covered under your funding. We can help you navigate how to use your plan for utilising our services.

    Guidance on Costs & Funding – Have questions about payment options or using your NDIS plan? We’re happy to guide you—just reach out!

    Future Accessibility Initiatives – If you are unable to fund our services privately or through a NDIS Plan, please know we’re actively working toward securing government and grant funding to expand accessibility. Please join our mailing list to stay in the loop!

  • Yes! We provide workplace-focused peer support, education, and wellbeing initiatives designed to strengthen teams, improve workplace culture, and enhance mental health awareness. Whether it’s through tailored workshops, consultation, or peer-led programs, we help organizations integrate lived experience into their approach—creating safer, more connected, and empowered workplaces.

    Some examples of things we can offer are:

    Workshops on workplace wellbeing, Trauma-Aware practices and prioritising self-care.

    Guidance on integrating supportive workplace structures for all members of your staff, including those with lived experiences.

    Consultation on developing accessibility initiatives and peer-led programs, including policy and procedure development, strengthening workplace culture and reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace.

    Support to employees with lived experience through mentoring and peer-informed strategies.

    Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll bring it to life in a way that makes a real impact.