Unlock Psych ― Peer Support & Coaching for Survivors of psychiatric Incarceration(Forced Hospitalization/Treatment)
If you’ve ever been locked away in a psychiatric ward or forced into psychiatric care, that’s called psychiatric incarceration. If that’s part of your story you’re in the right place. You’re not alone, and you deserve support; healing is possible. You don’t have to face the aftermath in isolation.
Healing after the trauma from psychiatric incarceration can feel painfully lonely. I aim to provide peer support and coaching for the devastating impact that the traumas that the mental health system can inflict.
My name is Cristine, and I created Unlock Psych as my space to offer one-on-one, trauma-informed peer support empowered by coaching online from someone who’s been there. I also hold various online peer support groups for survivors of psychiatric incarceration. Together, we create space for recovery, empowerment, and connection.
I work specifically with survivors of psychiatric systems who want compassionate, peer-based support. Whether you’re navigating the weight of trauma, reclaiming your voice, adjusting back into the world from a hospital experience, or seeking community, you don’t have to go through it alone.
I’m Cristine, Your Peer Support Specialist & Coach
I’m a Certified Peer Support Specialist as well as a Trauma-informed Mental Wellness Coach and Somatic Life Coach. In addition to those I have other certifications which you may see on my certifications page.
Most importantly, I am a survivor of psychiatric incarceration. I was a “frequent flyer” in those facilities for a long time, and I understand the deep pain that comes with being forcibly locked away. I know how dehumanizing, defeating and isolating forced psychiatric care is, and I’m here to hold space as you talk through those painful memories and help you unlock healing.
My approach combines the empathy of peer support with the structure and insight of coaching—to walk beside you in your healing journey.
I believe recovery is possible when we unlock the doors that once confined us — both literally and within ourselves.
Where the Door Begins to Open
At Unlock Psych, I walk beside survivors of psychiatric incarceration as they reclaim their freedom, voice, and sense of self after institutional trauma.
I don’t diagnose or “treat.” I listen, witness, and support you as you rebuild trust — in yourself, in others, and in your right to exist freely and fully.
My work is rooted in peer connection, trauma-informed care, and radical compassion.
Everything I offer is designed to help you feel grounded, reconnect with your truth, and release the shame that systems may have forced upon you.
✦ Peer Support & Coaching
In our one-on-one sessions, we move at your pace — exploring the trauma of psychiatric incarceration, rebuilding emotional safety, and finding the strength to live beyond survival. These sessions are trauma-informed, confidential, focused on empowerment and designed to meet your unique needs. They are also non-carceral, which means I do not report what you say to anyone, even if you report suicidal thoughts. Instead, I hold space for you in those moments as we talk through what you are needing and what will be most suppportive.
✦ Group Circles & Community Healing
I facilitate group spaces where survivors can share, listen, and be witnessed by others who truly understand what it’s like to have lived through psychiatric control and confinement. I’ve also created a online chat community through Discord where we can all connected outside of meeting settings.
✦ Healing Tools & Resources
I create reflective writing prompts, comfort kits, meditations, and grounding practices made specifically for psychiatric incarceration survivors — tools to help you stay connected to yourself and your autonomy. I also have resources for suggested reading as well as a large list of additional support groups and peer organizations.
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My mission is simple: to help unlock what systems tried to silence — so you can live freely, in your truth, on your own terms.
Peer support has been a really healing, impactful and necessary part of my own recovery and wellness journey. The understanding and connection from others in a way that I hadn’t had from anyone else in my life prior has been so impactful. Peer support gave me a sense of home that I never imagined possible. That is why I provide peer support empowered by coaching.
Kind Words I’ve Received
I also work for a warm line/crisis line and a few peer support platforms. I keep a little notebook where I write positive comments I get from sessions. Here are some lovely words of feedback from people I’ve supported. These are mixed in with feedback I’ve gotten from the facilitation I’ve done for meetings of groups on HeyPeers for Unlock the Psych Ward Doors. I am so grateful for every interaction where I get to listen and hold space for someone.
“Fantastic, understanding, and open group facilitator. Responded very well to any issues that arose and handled them promptly, ensuring everyone in the space was comfortable. Also listened intently to everyone’s shares and provided open and honest, uplifting feedback.”
“Your approach to the call was really warm and reassuring.”
“I appreciate you listening, it’s probably one of the first times someone’s been validating like this.”
“I love your words. Very, very insightful. I love your calmness.”
“I greatly appreciated having a safe space; free from the violation of being observed without my personal consent! I thank you for understanding the adverse effects of recurring traumas, that trauma healing work requires harm reduction, and for understanding that the recovery process needs to feel supportive, safe, and empowering.”
“You’re so nice, thank you for manifesting!”
“Thank you for your fine-tuned understanding and care. That should never be under-appreciated. I want to commend you on your level of compassion, empathy and kindness. You are an Earth-angel. And don’t let anyone tell you different!”
“Cristine is intentionally mindful, welcoming and makes me feel safe within our meetings.”
“Very engaging, great job facilitating especially with such a difficult and challenging topic. And,.. I’m so grateful she’s hosting this meeting because when we have community we can heal and find solutions to suffering. “
“Amazing host who creates a safe place for all members. She has great lived experience and is an asset to any organization that will use her as a facilitator.”
What a great and compassionate group leader. So glad I found this group.
“I like her kind, gentle energy and sharing from her heart.”
