A peer support specialist is an individual who has made a personal commitment to his or her own recovery and is a role model for others. A peer specialist offers wisdom gained through personal experiences, sometimes known as “the therapeutic use of self,” to inspire hope, support personal responsibility, promote understanding, offer education, and promote self-advocacy and self-determination.

Peer support specialists are the ambassadors and guardians of the following values:

• Recovery is a choice.
• Recovery is unique to the individual.
• Recovery is a journey, not a destination.
• Self-directed recovery is possible for everyone, with or without professional help.
• Peer support is based on equality and mutual sharing between peer supporters and those they serve; power differentials are unhelpful and often damaging.
• Peer support is trauma informed.
• Peer support is open and curious about cultural beliefs, values, customs, and attitudes.
• Peer support is non-judgmental. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and have their individual human rights respected.
• Peer support is based on strengths, needs, preferences, and experiences.
• Peer support encourages relationships based on respect, honesty, and trust.
• Peer supporters do not exploit those they serve, or appear to do so.
• Peer supporters are knowledgeable about available community resources.
• Peer supporters stay current on new developments in wellness and recovery.
• Peer supporters are respected members of the recovery team, bringing a unique and valuable perspective different from that of other providers.
• Peer supporters have their own supporters and model asking for help when necessary.
• Peer supporters are leaders, role models, advocates, and faithful servants to the principles of recovery; above all else, service to peers is the fundamental task of peer support.

Stay tuned. Changes are coming soon!