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).

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.

Isabel Koslowsky (she/her) is a gentle and empathetic counselling and environmental student, visual landscape artist, and goal setting/community access support worker on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung country. She has worked as a support worker for over 13 years and strongly believes in a person centred, empowering and gentle approach built on trust and respect. IIsabel is Polish but grew up in Germany after her family arrived as refugees in the 1980s. She has also worked in London and has called Naarm home for over 15 years. She feels grateful to live, work, create, and explore on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. Isabel identifies as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and is passionate about honouring our sensitivities with self-compassion and curiosity. While still being a student and ongoingly learning, Isabel is particularly interested in approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). She also enjoys incorporating art activities and elements of the natural environment into sessions when they align with the person she’s working with. She passionately believes counselling should be a person centred, collaborative and safe space where discoveries happen together. In her spare time, Isabel loves to make a slow cup of coffee, spending time in nature, and forest bathing. She volunteers for environmental causes, takes long walks with her rescue dog, Rosie, and cuddles up with her cat, Sweetpea (if she permits) to watch comedy shows. She also has a deep love for music, art, animals, trees, birdwatching, and chilly weather—especially snow. A devoted fan of cloudy and misty days, which are rare in Naarm, Isabel hopes to move to the countryside soon to enjoy more of them! As a student counsellor, Isabel is offering free therapy sessions for anyone experiencing anxiety, stress/burnout, and/or OCD. Isabel will be working with us until the beginning of June 2025. We can offer priority access to anyone who has been attempting to seek mental health support but unable to due to barriers (eg. finances or location). Qualifications - Bachelor of Visual Arts, Photography and Drama - Certificate in Meditation Teaching - Master of Counselling (currently – full time) - Master of Environment (currently – part time) Lived and Living Experience - Anxiety - Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). - Burnout - work-related, OCD, compassion fatigue. - Chronic Pain - Endometriosis. - Financial stress - overwhelm as a practicing artist. - Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) – overstimulation. - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - repetitive actions, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, rumination, skin picking (fingers), scanning - Peri-menopausal experiences - insomnia. - Trauma - family challenges, estrangement of family members, uprooting of home country as a refugee, racial microaggressions as a polish immigrant. *Isabel may chat to you while drinking a coffee and taking notes. English is not Isabel’s first language. While she speaks mostly fluently, please always feel comfortable pointing out any mistakes or suggesting alternative words if something doesn’t quite fit.

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 14 and up, though most of their work is with 18–35-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 women, neurodivergent trans and gender-diverse people, and the broader LGBTQIA+ community. Thalia is not suitable for anyone seeking Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). What people appreciate most about Thalia is how real and intentional they are. Sessions aren’t about ticking boxes or following a rigid structure—they’re about what actually matters to you. You’re encouraged to show up exactly as you are, and if that means needing breaks, stimming, or any other accommodations, that’s totally fine. Thalia will probably be sipping a coffee and fiddling with a fidget toy while you chat. 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. 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, drinking coffee, cats, and going to the gym. Most of all, they love spending time with their close friends and partner.