Q: Is peer support right for me? 

A: Peer support can be a good fit if, in order to receive support grounded in empathy and understanding, you’re open to sharing your lived experience with someone who has walked in similar shoes.

 

Opening up to someone new can feel vulnerable (which can sometimes feel uncomfortable), especially when talking about deeply personal experiences. Before booking a session, it may help to ask yourself whether you’re willing to take that risk in exchange for being met with compassion, validation, and shared understanding. Many people find that this vulnerability is what makes peer support meaningful.

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Q: Is peer support the same as therapy? 

A: No, peer support is NOT the same as therapy.

 

Therapy is provided by licensed mental health professionals, follows specific treatment models, and focuses on diagnosis and clinical care. Peer support, on the other hand, is informal and non-clinical. It is offered by someone with shared lived experience and focuses on recovery, hope, and navigating life with mental health challenges. 

 

You can read more about what peer support is and isn't on my What is Peer Support? page. 

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Q: Do you offer ERP coaching or help me do exposures?

A: I do not offer ERP coaching, exposure planning, or guidance on how to carry out ERP exercises, as I believe these fall outside the scope of peer support and belong in clinical care.

 

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that should be guided by a licensed mental health professional or treatment team.

 

What I can offer is peer support around your lived experience of ERP. This might include talking about how ERP feels emotionally, how it’s impacting your daily life, your motivation, fears, and frustrations, or the grief and exhaustion that can sometimes come with treatment.

 

Many people find peer support to be a meaningful complement to their clinical care.

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​If you are not currently working with a therapist, peer support can still offer emotional support, understanding, and a space to talk about your experience with OCD. However, I do not replace clinical care, and I may encourage you to seek professional support if treatment-related needs come up.

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Q: What kinds of things do we talk about in peer support?

A: Our peer support sessions can include a variety of topics related to living with OCD and navigating mental health challenges, such as:

 

• Daily living with OCD and uncertainty

• The emotional impact of symptoms, treatment, and/or recovery

• Navigating relationships, work, school, or faith while managing OCD

• Grief or loss related to OCD

• Feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure about next steps

 

You don't have to share anything you don't feel comfortable sharing. I will support you as best as I can wherever you are in your recovery here.here.

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Q: Is peer support evidence-based?

A: Yes, peer support is a recognized evidence-based practice.

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According to Mental Health America (MHA), "Peer support has been shown to:
   •    Improve quality of life
   •    Increase engagement and satisfaction with services and supports
   •    Improve whole health, including chronic conditions such as diabetes
   •    Decrease hospitalizations and inpatient days, and
   •    Reduce overall service costs"

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These findings reflect the growing body of evidence supporting peer support as a meaningful and effective complement to other forms of care.

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Q: How do I book a peer support session with you?

A: I offer 1-on-1 virtual OCD-focused peer support sessions in a warm, nonjudgmental, and caring environment.

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You can book one of the following session types through my Calendly link:
   •    30-minute Welcome Session
   •    20-minute Check-In Session
   •    50-minute 1-on-1 Peer Support Session

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You can learn more about each option on my Schedule a Session page.

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Q: How are your peer support sessions conducted?

A: Sessions are held virtually via Zoom.

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I use a HIPAA-compliant Zoom plan and prioritize privacy, respect, and emotional safety during our time together.

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Q: How much do your peer support services cost?

A: My current rates are:
   •    $30 USD — Welcome Session (30 minutes)
   •    $20 USD — Check-In Session (20 minutes)
   •    $50 USD — 1-on-1 Peer Support Session (50 minutes)

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You can find more details on the Schedule a Session page or view availability directly through my Calendly link.

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Q: What if I am in crisis?

A: I do not offer crisis support, but I can help direct you to appropriate resources. If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services now.

 

Immediate resources:

• U.S. — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text)

• San Diego County — 1-888-724-7240

• Canada — 1-833-456-4566
• U.K./Ireland — Samaritans 116 123
• Australia — Lifeline 13 11 14
• Or contact local emergency services

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