Connection Before Commitment
MentorshipA low-pressure intro session to see whether my lived experience, communication style, and peer-support approach are a good fit for you.
Connection Before Commitment is a one-on-one introductory session designed to help us decide whether I may be a good fit as your Certified Peer Specialist. We can talk about what you are currently navigating, what you hope to gain from peer support, and what kinds of communication, encouragement, accountability, and practical help work best for you. You are also welcome to ask about my lived experience, approach, boundaries, and the areas where I may be able to offer meaningful support. My experience may be especially relevant for people navigating Cluster B disorders, intense attachment or favorite-person dynamics, OCD and taboo intrusive thoughts, autism, ADHD, chronic illness, LGBTQIA+ identity, and nontraditional relationships. There is no pressure to commit to ongoing sessions. The purpose is simply to have an honest conversation, clarify expectations, and see whether working together feels comfortable, respectful, and helpful. Peer support is based on shared experience, mutual respect, personal choice, and recovery-focused support. It does not replace therapy, diagnosis, medical treatment, crisis intervention, or case management.
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Host
Cassian C.
Peer SupporterCertified Peer Supporter
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About The Host
My name is Cassian, and I am a Certified Peer Specialist with lived experience navigating complex mental health challenges and building a life that feels stable, meaningful, and worth living. A major focus of my peer-support work is helping people who live with Cluster B disorders or traits, especially BPD attachment patterns, favorite-person dynamics, fear of abandonment, splitting, emotional intensity, and relationship instability. I understand how these experiences can affect your sense of safety, identity, and connection with others. I believe in accountability without shame and in helping people recognize harmful patterns without reducing themselves to those patterns. I am also especially interested in supporting people with OCD, including harm OCD and pedophilia-themed OCD. I understand how frightening, isolating, and shame-filled taboo intrusive thoughts can be, particularly when people confuse unwanted thoughts with intent or character. My goal is to offer a nonjudgmental space where people can talk honestly about their experiences without being treated as dangerous or immoral. I also have lived experience with chronic illness, disability, LGBTQIA+ identity, and polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships. I identify as a queer, pansexual trans man. Psychology is one of my special interests, so I bring both personal experience and extensive self-education to my work while remaining clear that peer support is not therapy or diagnosis. I am passionate, direct, and compassionate. I want people to feel understood without being enabled, supported without being controlled, and reminded that healing does not require becoming perfect.