The Support Tree Journey
My life changed forever in late 2019 when my 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Within months, she began a long inpatient journey, receiving an autism diagnosis and developing severe OCD.
During her extensive inpatient stay, life became a relentless cycle of fear and exhaustion as I juggled hospital visits, advocacy, and my own responsibilities. Decisions about her care often felt out of my hands, leaving me overwhelmed and invisible in a system focused solely on my daughter’s needs. Carers like me were expected to just ‘cope.’
When she was discharged, I found myself stepping into the role of an entire inpatient care team—with little guidance or support.
Throughout this journey, I discovered a critical gap in the mental health system. While professionals focused on my daughter, I—like many carers—felt unseen and unsupported. When I reached out for help to process my own trauma, I waited 18 months for therapy, only to find that my therapist, though compassionate, couldn’t fully understand my experience.
I eventually found ways to support myself through medication, online resources, and support groups. Today, my daughter and I continue on our healing path—stronger, but forever changed by this experience.
The Support Tree Mission
The Support Tree was born from this journey—to provide the understanding, guidance, and compassionate space I wished I’d had. My goal is to be a genuine sounding board for carers who often feel unseen and unsupported while navigating the mental health system.
What sets me apart is the combination of lived experience with professional expertise. I understand the unique challenges carers face because I've walked this path myself. This dual perspective allows me to bridge the gap between clinical approaches and the day-to-day reality of supporting someone you love through mental illness.
How I Can Help You
My professional background spans education, neurodiversity support, and one-to-one coaching in Higher Education, apprenticeships, and workplace settings. I've also volunteered with the Shout crisis textline and led Mental Health Mates walk-and-talk sessions, experiences that deepened my passion for supporting others. More recently, I became a certified coach to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Now, Through The Support Tree, my mission is to empower carers with the tools, understanding, and support they need to thrive—because while your journey is unique, you don't have to face it alone. Just like the sturdy branches of a tree, my goal is to help you find strength, resilience, and growth—so you can support others while staying rooted in your own well-being.
Together, we can nurture hope and resilience—starting today.
While I'm not a mental health professional and cannot "fix" your loved one's condition, I offer something equally valuable: compassionate understanding from someone who truly gets it. I’m here to support you with:
A safe, judgement-free space to express your fears, frustrations, and hopes.
Practical guidance based on firsthand experience navigating mental health systems.
Coaching to help you maintain your own well-being while supporting others
Connection to resources that have been personally vetted and genuinely help.
Ready to find support?
You don't have to walk this path alone. During our free 30-minute Clarity Call, we'll discuss your current challenges, explore how my approach might benefit you, and determine if we're a good fit to work together.
Contact me today to schedule your free initial call.