Industry Insights - The Modern Queer Experience in Therapy

Karra Peppler (She/Her)

General psychologist who is passionate about helping people work towards living a life they enjoy. She understands that across our life journeys, sometimes we need a safe space to explore, to grow, or to heal. She believes that understanding the unique human experience involves understanding where we've been, where we are now, and where we want to go next. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent community who grew up rural, she understands some of the unique challenges that clients face when accessing mental health supports. Through providing representation and visibility she hopes to increase access to supports and provide an additional space where people can feel seen and safe. She uses CBT /ACT /DBT mixed approaches to tailor each session for each individual and their own needs and goals. She is working on her craft, training in both relational interventions for couples and trauma work. You can find her at any of the various locations she works at, from Newport to Carlton to Forest Hill. At Newport she works with a private practice alongside social workers who stand to be strong allies. At Carlton and at Forest Hill she works for an Equality Health initiative alongside GP's who are passionate about providing collaborative care and support.

Hamish Drummond (He/Him)

Consumer peer support worker living in Naarm/Melbourne. Hamish has lived experience of schizophrenia and OCD. Hamish works with people who experience auditory hallucinations such as voices. Hamish is openly gay and lives with his partner. Hamish has 3 years of experience in lived experience work and runs a weekly hearing voices group. Hamish has completed a diploma of community services majoring in case management. Hamish aims to create a safe space for people who hear voices. Hamish helped create a monthly queer and neurodiverse social group. Hamish uses he/him pronouns.

Cody Fisher (He/His)

Queer art therapist, ecotherapist and counsellor living and working on unceded Wurundjeri Country. His practice is grounded in relational, personcentred therapy and incorporates creative arts, mindfulness and nature-based engagement as pathways for reflection, regulation and meaning-making. Cody works with individuals and groups across the lifespan, with a strong commitment to inclusive, a irming practice with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. His work centres on holding safe, creative spaces where people can explore, express and connect, and give shape to what's hard to put into words. Cody runs a private practice, Cody Fisher Therapies, and holds a leadership role in PACFA's College of Creative and Experiential Therapies. He also works at Family Access Network (FAN), a registered charity and youth homelessness and family violence service, where he supports young people navigating trauma and family violence.

Ben Williams (He/Him) - Panel Host

Established Social Hub Group (which includes LGBT+ Social Hub Melbourne) to create safer community spaces and o er people genuine opportunities to feel less alone. As a proud committee member of Euphoria Foundation's 314 Movement, Ben is a dedicated advocate for connection and inclusion. He holds a bachelor’s degree in counselling and brings extensive professional experience across community leadership, mental health peer support, support coordination and psychosocial recovery coaching, and support work. As a domestic violence survivor living with AuDHD, cPTSD, chronic pain, and impaired mobility, Ben understands the realities of chronic loneliness firsthand. He is deeply passionate about drawing from both his personal and professional journey to reduce su ering and help others build a life they prefer.

LGBT+ Social Hub Melbourne exists to combat isolation and build community. By creating safe, welcoming spaces, we aim to improve mental health outcomes and help queer people find their tribe. Whether you're looking for love, friendship, or just a quiet place to hang out, we host everything from singles mixers and speed-friending to library socials and wellbeing workshops. Our vision? A better-connected Melbourne where you can just show up to places, exactly as you are, and belong.