I get ask very often how does someone become a Peer Support Specialist? Depending on your state, usually it requires a certification, and some classes.

If that’s all you think that’s required, you’re wrong. Let’s look at some of the Peer Specialist misconceptions:

  1. I’m a clinician therefore my peers are below me, and can direct them toward their recovery. **WRONG** You are connecting with other peers on the SAME level while learning and growing together, PERIOD. Anyone that thinks that becoming a peer specialist puts them at the top of the food chain is not only going to be a poor peer specialist, but a poor clinician as well :( .
  2. Becoming a Peer Specialist gives me a license to behave in any manor without repercussions. **WRONG** Being a peer specialist means behaving in a way that’s ethical and will do no harm to other peers(by no harm includes verbal). I like what one of my peers told me one time. If a story about a situation was printed in the local newspaper, how would it look to the public?
  3. Boundaries for peer specialist only include not having sex with the patient. **WRONG** Most facilities have guidelines on how long some has to be discharged under your care before you can interact with that person on any level outside of the facility. My rule of thumb is I never engage in personal relationships after they have been under my care. The reason for this decision is because of the real possibility that the person will be under my care in the future, and I CAN NOT  give them care if I have ANY type of personal relationship with them.

Keep it real | Keep it true

Rod

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