Category Archives: Information About Peer Specialists
Living with Mental Wellness
I have a group about living with mental illness on Wednesdays, and as a group, we decided to rename it to “Living with Mental Wellness.” One of the things we discussed was taking the power away from our mental illnesses. … Continue reading
Individual Autonomy and Peer Support
This is a note from a personal perspective: I have studied the Peer Support Training Manual from front to back. I know the evidence-based practices involved. It is something that I must practice daily so to override … Continue reading
Understanding Peer Support as a Profession
“Recovery is a process of change through which an individual improves one’s health and wellness, lives a self-directed life, and strives to reach their full potential.” This is the current definition of “Recovery” according to the Substance Abuse and Mental … Continue reading
What is being in “Recovery”?
I talk a lot about “recovery” as a Peer Support Specialist, as do many in our place of work. We have a “Recovery Mall,” but defining recovery is difficult. It means so many different things to different people. Each individual … Continue reading
Managing My Illness?
How do I manage my illnesses? I go to my psychiatrist for tune-ups when I need it, and otherwise keep regular appointments with her. I go to my therapist as needed, and at one time was going weekly after my … Continue reading
Peer Support and Holistic Recovery
Peer Support not only involves asking open, honest questions and listening, but it also involves modeling recovery. The certification gained through training does not guarantee that the Peer Support Specialist will be able to effectively model recovery to an individual. … Continue reading
Ethics and Peer Support
A Kentucky Peer Support Specialist is not a clinical professional. The specialist goes through certification to perform the job, but that certification alone does not replace the years of studying and experience of therapists and psychologists. Although we are not … Continue reading
The Role of a Recovery Story in Peer Support
The sharing of one’s “Recovery Story” is the foundation upon what the rest of peer support is built. A Recovery Story is the telling of the personal journey the Peer Support Specialist has been on in order to reach the … Continue reading
The Role of Wellness Recovery Action Plans in Recovery
Wellness Recovery Action Plans or “WRAP” were developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, PhD, after years of research and her own personal fight with what was then called manic depression. She learned coping skills which helped her begin to live … Continue reading
Compassion Fatigue
As a Peer Support Specialist, I have to be very cautious about taking care of myself. Yes, I am in recovery, but I am not cured. I still have what is considered a serious mental illness. If I were to … Continue reading