Recovery Coaching

A recovery coach is like a support coordinator, but there is a peer mentoring aspect as well. So while I can help connect you with services, I will also spend time with you to make sure the services I’m connecting you with are a good fit. Our support sessions will be a chance for you to share your thoughts, concerns and hopes for utilising your NDIS funding, as well as what’s going on in your life.

The NDIS describes a recovery coach as someone with mental health knowledge who will:

• spend time with you, and people important to you, to get to know you and understand your needs
• help you to find out about different services and supports, and how these can help you
• help you get support from mental health services
• help you better understand the NDIS and support you with the NDIS

Five important questions to consider when choosing a recovery coach:

1. Are they someone you can get along with and easy to talk to? Are they are good at listening to you?

   This is something only you can answer but you will hopefully get a sense that I’m an active listener, non-judgemental and compassionate.

2. Do they have a lived experience of mental illness and recovery?

   Yes. Recovery to me is ongoing and not linear. It is not a medical model that looks for lack of symptoms to indicate recovery. Instead, my goal for myself and others, is to strengthen healthy coping strategies so that when the bad days hit, they’re not insurmountable.

3. What are their level of qualifications and experience, and ongoing training?

   I gained my Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work in 2022 and have been working in the NGO sector since completing my certificate. Prior to doing my Cert IV, I was a high school teacher for 10 years. I have my B.Ed. and my Hons. BA (English, History & Psychology).

   I’m also a mum to three ND awesome humans, have Lived Experience with multiple hidden disabilities and am a fierce advocate for ND accessibility.

4. Are they registered or not registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission?

   No. This is required if you’re going to work with NDIS approved supports only. I am aware of all safety legislation and operate an ethical and transparent organisation.

5. Are they available to support you at times and locations that are suitable to you?

   Again, this is one you will have to decide when we look at schedules. I continue to work in an NGO two days a week but on other days, I offer face to face or Zoom sessions.

NDIS  Coaching 

Page last updated: April 23, 2023