• Widening the Circle, Indigenous Education Conference o https://www.wideningthecircleconference.com/?fbclid=IwAR2- MAh1nH_8Du8yHt74GSBiiUZRB7vtk17-_51uk0HKJKz2jCOk1m4CWCE • White Bison o https://whitebison.org/ Implications for peer support Because spirituality and religion can have profound influences on a person’s lived experience and recovery, it is important for a certified peer specialist to be prepared for this topic. Here are some ideas: • These topics are deeply personal. As a starting point, it is important that certified peer specialists reflect on their own beliefs and potential biases; anticipate how to manage potential clashes in values and beliefs, and how to ensure that practice aligns with the principles of effective peer support. Hopefully, the earlier group discussions began this process. • Explore the role that spirituality or religion plays in the peer’s life and recovery. Ask exploring open questions to draw out the peer’s perspectives and experiences. • Self-disclosure, with permission, about your own experiences with spirituality and religion. Be sure the story is focused on recovery, delivered in a neutral tone, and shared with only relevant details. • Gather information to learn more about a peer’s spiritual and faith traditions. This demonstrates interest and involvement. • Listen carefully to understand the peer’s experiences, perspectives, beliefs, values, and lived experiences surrounding spirituality, religion, and recovery. • For many people it can be hard to understand how people can find meaning and value in their life outside of spirituality or religion; it is important to be aware that many people do just that. The concept of cultural humility is relevant here. Cultural humility requires certified peer specialists to be open to and genuinely curious about a peer’s experience, seeking to understand and listen rather than make assumptions or presume to know what is true or right.
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