Exploring the Certified Peer Specialist Practice • The certified peer specialist and peer build a relationship that promotes respect, trust, and connection, and empowers individuals to make informed changes and decisions to enhance their lives. • Certified peer specialist practice is grounded in four fundamental processes: connecting, exploring, supporting, and planning. These processes are ongoing, flexible, dynamic, and intersect in many ways. These processes also guide the practice of peer support. For example, connecting is first because it is the process through which the peer relationship is developed.
Connecting
Advocating
Exploring
Planning
Supporting
• The certified peer specialist approach is based on a belief that people with lived experience have the right to make informed decisions about their lives and build meaning. • The certified peer specialist focuses on peer strengths. • The certified peer specialist supports peers to connect with resources in the community. • The certified peer specialist connects with peers who have lived experience with mental health and substance use challenges. Support happens through careful listening, curiosity and exploration, inspiring hope, and examining supports and resources for recovery.
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