Module 1
Who can be a Certified Peer Specialist?
Someone with lived experience in mental health, substance use, incarceration, long term hospitalization....
In recovery for 2 years.
Sam is paranoid
Sam is experiencing fear and confusion
Define Trauma Informed Care
understanding the deep and long-lasting effects of trauma.
I had a panic attack before my presentation. I almost didn’t go in, but I told myself to just breathe and get through the first slide.
That must have been incredibly difficult. I want to acknowledge how you stayed grounded in that moment — using your breathing technique was a strength. It shows resilience and your ability to apply coping strategies under pressure.”
What is Peer Partnership
operating from a place of mutuality
what are the 6 key aspects of the Role of a Peer?
1) always voluntart
2) based on shared experiences
3) rooted in hope
4) non clinical
5) recovery focused
6) moving toward wholeness, and away from Illness
Sam can't decide what is best
Sam could use some support in making informed decisions.
we do not ask "what is wrong with you" instead we ask...
What happened to you.
I’ve been sober for three weeks now, but I still feel like I’m barely holding on.
I hear how tough it’s been — and I want to recognize how much strength it takes to make it through even one day, let alone three weeks. Your commitment to your recovery and your honesty about where you’re at are powerful strengths.
what are the 3 steps for Partnering?
active listen, support engagement, and ask open ended questions.
What does R.A.C.E stand for
Resources, Advocacy, Communication, Empowerment.
Sam is rejecting help and advice
Sam values their independence and is having a hard time asking for support.
What are the 4 responses to trauma?
hint, they all start with "F"
Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn
I can’t even get out of bed some days. How am I supposed to go back to school?
I hear that you're struggling with motivation, and that’s real. But I also hear your desire to return to school, which tells me that you still have hope and drive.
What accounts for 55% of communication?
body language
What is the Role of a parent Peer?
a parent peer supports other parents or caregivers in the journey of parenting a child with mental/behavioral challenges. (think WISe)
Sam has chronic illness
Sam has been working on their recovery for a long time
there are 6 principles to Trauma informed Care- what are they
safety, trust and transparency, peer support, collaboration and mutuality, voice and choice, and finally... cultural historical and gender challenges.
I usually blow up when I talk to my dad, but this time I walked away to cool down
That’s a big shift. Choosing to walk away instead of reacting shows emotional regulation — that’s a strength. What helped you make that choice in the moment?
What does W.A.I.T stand for
Why am I talking
is this power with or power over?
Making a decision without the person present.
Bonus points if you can name the motto around this
power over
Nothing about us without us
Sam is uncooperative
we need to ask Sam what we can do to support them best.
What can you do in the moment when someone is sharing a traumatic experience with you.
think coping skills
breathing techniques like square breathing, or other coping skills
I slipped up and used again last weekend. I feel like I’m back at square one, like nothing I do really matters.
Thank you for being honest with me — that takes a lot of courage. I hear the disappointment in your voice, but I also see strength in the fact that you're showing up today and talking about it. You’re not starting from scratch. You’ve already learned what triggered you and you’re taking steps forward again. That kind of insight and willingness to stay engaged in your recovery — those are real strengths.
What is SOLER
Seat yourself toward the peer
open your posture
lean in
eye contact - when appropriate
relax